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This Is It. MICA Bicentennial Weekend Starts Friday!
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For three days, alumni, artists, families and friends are joining the MICA community on campus to celebrate 200 years of MICA.
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Still making your plans? Here’s the last-minute shortlist:
๐จ Hear from Jen Stark ’05 + Jeff Koons ’76
๐ Go Underground with Logan Hicks ’16 and The Underbelly Project
๐ผ Hear how alumni built creative careers at Creative Entrepreneurship
๐ผ๏ธ Explore exhibitions, Art Market, Film & Animation, Biotech, Design Hub + more
๐ฅณ Dress your decade and join the Parade of Classes
The alumni are coming back. The artists are coming. Campus is getting ready.
You’re already here.
See you Friday!
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| MAKE YOUR WEEKEND PLANS |
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Saturday Night:
Taste of MICA
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As Saturday night unfolds, MICA Bicentennial Weekend shifts gears. Taste of MICA is an adults-only, late-night celebration where food, art, and performance come together for an experience with a little more edge. Enjoy live cooking and culinary experiences, specialty beverages, live art, performance, and entertainment throughout the evening, all with a playful, theatrical atmosphere inspired by the energy of cabaret and burlesque.
Part tasting experience, part live art event, and part late-night celebration, Taste of MICA invites you to eat, drink, explore, and see what happens when MICA creativity takes over after dark.
This event is for guests ages 21 and older.
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| TASTE OF MICA TICKETS |
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Sunday Afternoon:
Stoop Storytelling comes to MICA!
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During MICA Bicentennial Weekend, keep the celebration going on Sunday, October 11, with a special Stoop Storytelling at 2 p.m. This live event features MICA "people telling their extraordinary true tales of their lives" as working artists and MICA alumni.
The lineup for this exciting show is Taha Heydari '16, Monika Ikegwu '20, Katie Pumphrey '09, Artie Sadahiro '26, and Faculty Tony Shore '93. Plus musical guest Micah E. Wood '09, featuring Eze Jackson. Come and stay for these magical stories and music!
Get your ticket as part of the Bicentennial Weekend or attend this event alone.
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| STOOP STORYTELLING TICKETS |
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Volunteer for MICA Bicentennial Weekend!
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Help us welcome alumni, families, students and friends back to campus for MICA Bicentennial Weekend! We're looking for faculty and staff volunteers to help throughout the day on Saturday, October 10, with three-hour shifts available from 9am - 9 p.m.
As a thank-you, volunteers will receive complimentary access to MICA Bicentennial Weekend events when they're not volunteering, plus free lunch on Saturday, regardless of shift time.
Give us three hours and spend the rest of the Weekend celebrating 200 years of MICA with us!
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| VOLUNTEER HERE |
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Sharing updates on MICA Weekend Parking
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As we prepare to have visitors on campus this weekend, there will be some changes to parking. Please read carefully.
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The Bunting East lot is closed all day on Thursday and Saturday
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On Friday, faculty and staff are to park only in the lots designated for public parking: Station, Bunting North, 1501,1515, and Mosher Street.
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The Church lot will be CLOSED Friday at 5 PM, all day Saturday and all day Sunday for Church events.
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Bunting North is closed all day on Saturday and Sunday
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The Fitzgerald Garage, which has 1,200 spaces, is a pay to park lot.
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Street parking is available through the weekend and subject to street cleaning restrictions.
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2026 MICA Weekend & Fall Break Hours
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MICA Bicentennial Weekend and Fall Break 2026 coincide this year. No classes will be held on October 12 and 13 except for SCPS, MPS, and MA/MBA programs.
Please review the changes to campus hours and services during break at the link below.
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CATALYST - Exhibition by Center for Mission & Community Education
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On View: October 1 - 28
Reception: October 5, 3 - 5 PM
Mosher Living Room, 1st Floor, 81 Mosher Building
What brings us together? The Center for Mission & Community Education invites the MICA community to CATALYST, this year’s Fall Mission Exhibition, curated by Campus Community Fellows. CATALYST shows how people coming together and acting as neighbors holds power and manifests into action. Featured work explores themes involving connection, collaboration, belonging, gathering, and collective action. What different ways do humans connect to create something meaningful? How can we as artists create spaces for encounter, dialogue, participation and collective reflection? What possibilities arise when different perspectives, experiences, and ideas meet around a shared purpose?
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#IWillListen
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Week-long program: October 5 - 9, 2026
#IWillListen Community Day, Wednesday, October 7 National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI Metropolitan Baltimore), MICA Student Counseling and MICA Wellness. Meet your campus staff, faculty, student leaders, and leadership as they wear the #IWillListen shirts in support of your mental health.
College Mental Health Awareness Fair:
October 7th, 11:30 am-1:00 pm
Location: Fox and Meyerhoff Buildings - Lobby Area
Let's join together in promoting #IWillListen on campus in supporting student mental health and removing barriers from seeking help. Meet & Greet, Resources, Free Giveaways, and More.
Resource Stations can be found in Fox, Meyerhoff and Lazarus lobby areas - October 5 - 9, 2026
Take a moment to collect resources in supporting your mental health. Learn about #IWillListen Campaign and upcoming events that promote advocacy for College Mental Health.
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Sasha Gordon Artist Lecture
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October 6, 1pm, Lazarus Center Auditorium
The LeRoy E. Hoffberger School of Painting is welcoming its third Visiting Artist of the Fall 2026 semester, the inimitable Sasha Gordon!
Sasha Gordon’s luminous, hyperrealistic paintings, often render her own likeness, conveying the self and its many guises through translucent layers of oils in electric hues. Executed with technical precision and rigor, the artists visceral compositions treat her own corporeal form as a kind of unorthodox avatar that communicates the subjective, psychological experience.
Gordon was born in Somers, NY and received a BA from the Rhode Island School of Design in 2020.
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B&H Tools of the Trade
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Tuesday, October 6, 11:30am to 2:30pm
Brown Center
B&H Tools of the Trade is here! Join us for free pizza, demos from our list of vendors, and raffle prizes!
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Alumni in the Archives: Two Bicentennial Exhibitions
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Come to the Decker Library and experience MICA Students: A Day in the Life, an exhibit of materials from MICA's archives showing how daily life may be different for current MICA students but some things never change. Downstairs, you will find another exhibit, MICA Mades: Artists' Books Edition. See the varied work of our talented alumni, staff and faculty. Maybe you will spot a familiar name or two!
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Art@Lunch – Patricia Cronin: Army of Love
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October 7 at noon, Bunting 480
or via Zoom at the link below
Please join us for Art@Lunch with Patricia Cronin. In this 40-minute lecture, Cronin discusses Army of Love, her 2025 solo exhibition at CHART Gallery in New York, and the decade of research & studio experimentation that led to it. Presented in conjunction with the exhibition DEVOTED: 20 Years of The McMillan-Stewart Endowed Chair in Painting, on view in Decker Gallery through October 11, 2026.
This program was made possible by support from The McMillan-Stewart Foundation and the Mount Royal School of Art.
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Humanities and Sciences Hosts a Talk by Ruth Toulson
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October 7. 12:00 pm. Bunting 480.
Lunch provided
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Mentors and Makers:
Patricia Cronin, Monica Ikegwu, and Katherine Mann on Art Practice and Pedagogy
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Thursday, October 8, from 7:00–8:30PM
Lazarus Auditorium
Please join us for “Mentors and Makers,” a panel inviting three accomplished women artists to discuss art pedagogy. Presented in conjunction with the exhibition “DEVOTED: 20 Years of The McMillan-Stewart Endowed Chair in Painting,” the program features artists Patricia Cronin, Monica Ikegwu ’20 (Painting BFA), and Katherine Mann ‘09 (LeRoy E. Hoffberger School of Painting MFA) in conversation with Professor Jennie Hirsh, Ph.D.
The group will discuss their experiences as students, visiting artists, and educators, and consider how artists navigate the classroom, shifting between roles as critics, mentors, and peers.
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Celebrate National Coming Out Day at MICA!
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Thursday, October 8, from 11 a.m.–1 p.m
Cohen Plaza
Join MICA Student Counseling Center and Office of Mission and Community Learning on for MICA’s National Coming Out Day celebration!
Come Make, Connect, & Explore with LGBTQIA+ organizations, artists, businesses, and resources from across Baltimore and right here at MICA.
Meet community partners including FreeState Justice, Dreams & Visions and the Skylight Boutique, Iron Crow Theatre, Creative Alliance, Red Emma’s, BWillow, SCRAP BMore, Dreamers & Make-Believers, and many more. Enjoy activities, discover local resources and queer-friendly spaces, visit MICA departments, and complete your event passport for a chance to win prizes! Stop by, bring a friend, and celebrate Baltimore’s LGBTQIA+ community with us!
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Visiting Artist Talk: Vincent Cianni
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Thursday, October 8, 1pm
Brown 320
Please join us for a lecture by photographer Vincent Cianni on his publication, Archive/Journal: 1985-1995/2001, a two-volume title that brings together two bodies of work. Volume 1, "Archive 1985-1995," reproduces 80 black-and-white photographs of the NYC Pride marches during the height of the AIDS epidemic. Volume 2, "Journal: 1985-2001," features personal narratives from Cianni's journals and visual stories of lovers and friends who were living with or who died from AIDS, reflecting on his journey with HIV and his experience with activism surrounding HIV/AIDS from the same period as the Pride photographs.
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Fall 2026 Juried Undergraduate Exhibition
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Reception: Friday October 9, 5 - 6:30pm in Main Building
Now on view in Meyerhoff gallery through October 25th. The work in this annual exhibition is a selection of the best submissions from all four years of MICA Undergraduate students. Selected artists are chosen in a variety of disciplines based on artistic merit, creativity, and vision. The exhibition is featured in the Meyerhoff Gallery (Fox Building, Floor 1). This year Lillian Jacobson '16 (Painting BFA) and Kevin Michael Runyon '14 (Painting BFA) serve as jurors.
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Found Object Assemblage Workshop and Open Studio
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October 9, 5:00pm - 8:00pm
Jubilee Arts, 1947 Pennsylvania Avenue, Baltimore
Turn trash into gold with Bella Bailey, second year graduate student in the Mount Royal Program. Learn how to make artwork with found objects and enjoy a free and age inclusive open studio with the community.
Materials provided but donations are welcomed and encouraged.
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Bicentennial MICA Alumni Exhibition
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On view: September 25 - October 18, 2026
Pinkard Gallery and Fox 3
Reception: Friday October 9, 2026, 5:00-6:30pm
Main Court (Main Building)
The Bicentennial MICA Alumni Exhibition is a celebration of MICA alumni creativity during MICA Weekend (October 9-11, 2026). Curated by alumn Michael Benevento, the exhibition showcases works of art by our alumni community, from painting and sculpture to video and mixed media.
The exhibition takes place in the Pinkard Gallery (Bunting Center, Floor 1) and Fox 3 (Fox Building, Floor 3).
In conjunction with MICA weekend, the reception will take place in the Main Court (Main Building).
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DEVOTED: 20 Years of The McMillan-Stewart Endowed Chair in Painting Exhibition
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On view: August 28 - October 11
Decker Gallery, Fox Building
As a part of our year-long Bicentennial Celebration, MICA will bring together–for the first time–the work of 29 women artists who have made lasting connections with the school and its community. DEVOTED celebrates the open, unstinting exchanges fostered by the chairship.
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Victoria Rowell: A Woman Becomes…
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On View: September 25 - October 11,
Main O Gallery
A Woman Becomes… is a solo exhibition by accomplished actress, artist, writer, and director Victoria Rowell. On view in Main 0 Gallery from 9/25 through 10/11 with an opening reception on Friday, September 25, 5–7 PM.
Featuring 26 black-and-white photographs and ephemera, A Woman Becomes... is an intimate photographic essay that universally honors girls who perish and those who survive to become brave women. Rowell dedicates the show to the legacy of pianist Agatha Wooten Armstead, her primary foster parent who introduced her to the fine arts, photography, and nature as a child on Armstead’s farm in Maine.
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JUST/Start Idea Competition Showcase
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Friday, October 23, 12–4 pm
Gateway Lobby
See what MICA’s emerging creative entrepreneurs are bringing to life at the JUST/Start Showcase! Stop by to explore creative projects, products, and ventures from this year’s JUST/Start award recipients. Meet the artists and entrepreneurs behind the ideas, learn more about what they’re building, and even shop products from select ventures. Whether you’re curious about creative entrepreneurship, looking to discover something new, or just want to support MICA’s creative community, come by and check it out!
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Visit The Jang: A Korean-Inspired Community Market
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Saturday October 24, 12pm – 7pm
Ynot Lot (101 W North Ave)
THE JANG (์ฅ) IS COMING
A Korean-inspired market bringing art, community, and food together in Baltimore. Free & open to everyone, RSVP link below.
Featuring Korean owned/inspired food vendors, local artists, makers, and public programs all coming together in one open and accessible space
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Bill Gaskins Presenting at BMA
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Sunday, October 17th at 1:15pm
Baltimore Museum of Art
Join Bill Gaskins, Founding Director of the Photography + Media & Society MFA program, at his presentation as a part of the 7×7 Presentations for the (Un)Common Scholars Community Symposium at the Baltimore Museum of Art.
This symposium is a daylong gathering that explores Baltimore photography through lived experiences, history and the artist perspective. Produced in response to the Flashback: Two Centuries of Baltimore Photography exhibition, this program draws on diverse perspectives and the understanding that knowledge about photography and about Baltimore lives in many kinds of people.
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Review of "Divine Inspiration," at the Walters
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Kerr Houston published a review (on BmoreArt) of the Walters' recently opened show, Divine Inspiration. which focuses on the Saint Francis missal
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Illustration faculty member Lisa Perrin creates new Hanukkah Stamp for the US Postal Service
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On September 29, 2026 the United States Postal Service released a new Hanukkah stamp at a first-day-of-issue event in New Orleans, LA featuring artwork illustrated by MICA Illustration faculty member Lisa Perrin. The stamp commemorates the Jewish holiday and festival of lights, and will be available online and for sale at post offices throughout the United States.
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Illustration faculty member Lisa Perrin publishes new book; The Secrets of the Seance Society
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On September 22, 2026 Illustration faculty member Lisa Perrin's latest book, The Secrets of the Seance Society, Illustrated True Stories of Talking to the Dead was published by Chronicle Books. Perrin is both the author and illustrator for the book which recounts the history of the Victorian Spiritualist movement and the mediums who, either sincerely or fraudulently, claimed to be in communication with the spirits of the departed. The book is available online and wherever books are sold.
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ACADEMIC AND DEPARTMENTAL HIGHLIGHTS /
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MICA and CareFirst Partnership at the Baltimore Running Festival
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MICA Human Resources in partnership with CareFirst at the Baltimore Running Festival are offering 15 entries with the code CAREruns26.
Branded MICA T-shirts are available for pickup from the Human Resources office
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HEALTH, WELLNESS AND SAFETY /
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Bodies Bodies Bodies
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Friday, October 9, 4 pm to 5 pm
Bunting 330
Facilitated by the Student Counseling Center. Connect with other students, share your stories, be seen and understood, and affirm others. Topics discussed include fitness, eating, fashion, disability, sex, dating, identity, and aging.
Click the button below to register
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| REGISTER |
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Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) U Know?
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Wednesday, October 7, 2:30 to 3:30 pm
Private Dining, Meyerhoff
As part of I Will Listen, join us for a casual meetup centered on Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID). Connect with others, challenge misconceptions, and build community in a welcoming, low-pressure space. Lived experience, allies, and curious learners are all welcome—come to talk, listen, or just be.
Questions? email: counseling@mica.edu
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OPPORTUNITIES FOR ENGAGEMENT /
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The Residence Life Hall Flag Competition is Live
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Our students have been getting creative! Residents across our halls collaborated to design flags that represent their residential communities, and now it’s time to see which designs rise to the top.
๐ Take a moment to check out the student designs and cast your vote! ๐ณ๏ธ Winning flags will be printed and proudly displayed in the residence halls ๐ The winning RA’s community will also celebrate with a pizza party! ๐ณ๏ธ Voting ends October 8th!
Show some love for our students’ creativity, community, and hard work — and help us choose the next flags to represent our halls!
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Art Market x Holiday Edition Applications Now OPEN!
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Apply by Sunday, October 18 at 11:59pm.
Calling all MICA makers! Applications are now open for Art Market x Holiday Edition 2026, happening December 5 + 6 from 11am–6pm. Eligible MICA students, alumni, and current faculty and staff are invited to apply to sell their artwork, handmade goods, and creative products. Whether you’re an Art Market regular or joining us for the first time, we’d love to see what you’re making!
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Office Hours with Paula Landry & Takia Ross
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Join RCCE’s Office Hours for personalized, 1-on-1 coaching with Paula Landry and Takia Ross. Whether you’re developing an idea from the ground up or preparing to pitch your venture, get expert guidance to strengthen your concept, clarify your vision, identify opportunities, and communicate your idea with confidence. These office hours are designed to help you move from ideation to action—and from a rough pitch to a compelling one. Reserve your 1-on-1 between now and October 26th to get the focused support you need to take your next step!
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| PAULA LANDRY |
| TAKIA ROSS |
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Here are a few quick notes around submissions:
You may make your submissions as far in advance as you would like. But please make sure to select an issue date within a few weeks of the event.
ONLY the information in the "Submission Title" and "Submission Copy" fields plus your link and image will be included in the newsletter. The other fields in the form are for organizational purposes only.
If you are submitting an event, please make sure to include the date, time and location of the event in the copy. If all 3 are not present, your submission will not be included. We may not have the opportunity to contact you for clarification.
Please keep your submission titles to about 30 characters and your copy to under 100 words. This is meant to be a quick read. It's is, after all, called the MICA Minute!
As a reminder, the MICA Minute is for things happening over the next few weeks or for quick announcements. There are other avenues for bigger stories that require more space; the MICA Stories portal for instance. Think of it this way, the MICA Minute is for the WHO, WHAT and WHEN. MICA Stories go beyond that and include the HOW and WHY.
Here are the links to those 2 forms
Don't forget to submit your events to the Event's Calendar here in order to be listed on the website and the MICAapp. The newsletter and the events calendar are not connected and require different information.
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