SMC Emeritus Gallery to Host 2026 Annual Student Photography Exhibition

The free exhibition opens on March 5 and runs through April 24 in the Emeritus Art Gallery.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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The Santa Monica College Emeritus Art Gallery is hosting its 2026 Annual Student Photography Exhibition, featuring a remarkable variety of recent photographic works created by 32 students. The free exhibition opens on March 5 and runs through April 24 in the Emeritus Art Gallery at 1227 Second St., Santa Monica.

Why it matters

The SMC Emeritus program offers more than 120 noncredit adult education classes and special programs that serve more than 3,000 students each year, providing lifelong learning opportunities for older adults in the community. The annual student photography exhibition is a beloved event that celebrates the talents of these Emeritus students.

The details

The opening reception for the exhibit will be held on Thursday, March 5, from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in the gallery, located on the first floor of the SMC Emeritus Campus. The group exhibition features a remarkable variety of recent photographic works created by 32 students, including Dorli Burge, Elaine Maxwell, and Yvonne Yao.

  • The free exhibition opens on March 5, 2026 and runs through April 24, 2026.
  • The opening reception will be held on Thursday, March 5, 2026 from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

The players

Santa Monica College

The college that founded the Emeritus program in 1975 to serve the lifelong learning interests of older adults.

Jesse Benson

Emeritus Art Gallery Curator.

Dorli Burge

Student photographer whose work "Construction Abstract" will be on display.

Elaine Maxwell

Student photographer whose work "Foggy Beach" will be on display.

Yvonne Yao

Student photographer whose work "Little Island" will be on display.

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What they’re saying

“This is the first on-campus Emeritus Student Photography Exhibition in six years. The 2020 show closed prematurely due to the pandemic, so we established an online model. Moving forward, the beloved annual photography event will rotate yearly between in-gallery and online-only presentation. This year's show offers a long-anticipated opportunity to celebrate our talented Emeritus photography community in-person at Emeritus Gallery. Hope to see you at the opening reception event.”

— Jesse Benson, Emeritus Art Gallery Curator (Culver City Observer)

What’s next

The opening reception for the 2026 Annual Emeritus Student Photography Exhibition will be held on Thursday, March 5, 2026 from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in the SMC Emeritus Art Gallery.

The takeaway

The SMC Emeritus program's annual student photography exhibition is a cherished event that showcases the artistic talents of older adult learners in the Santa Monica community, providing them with valuable creative outlets and lifelong learning opportunities.