The Santa Monica College (SMC) Emeritus Art Gallery will present the SMC Emeritus Annual Student Art Exhibition 2026 – Part 1, running from May 14 to June 19. The exhibition features works by 47 student artists from SMC's noncredit Emeritus program for older adults, with a free opening reception on May 14 from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Due to high participation, the show is split into two parts, with Part 2 opening online on June 11.
This exhibition matters because it highlights the growing popularity and creative vitality of SMC's Emeritus program, a lifelong learning initiative founded in 1975 that serves over 3,000 older adults annually. The show provides a platform for senior artists to exhibit their work in a professional gallery setting, underscoring the importance of arts education and community engagement for older populations.