Inaugural Exhibition & Cocktail Hour at The Darkroom Chicago

The Darkroom Chicago invites you to our Inaugural Exhibition & Cocktail Hour, a milestone celebration marking one year of impact, storytelling, and community building through film photography.

Over the past year, The Darkroom Chicago has transformed into a creative hub where youth, families, and community members have come together to learn the art of analog photography, preserve stories, and build collective memory. Through workshops, open lab hours, and collaborations with partners across the city, we’ve deepened access to photography as a tool for self-expression and cultural preservation.

This evening will showcase photography created in our programs, highlight the stories behind the images, and reflect on the themes of community, legacy, and love that guide our work. Guests will enjoy a curated gallery experience, light bites and cocktails, and live storytelling from artists and participants who helped shape our first year.

The night is not just about looking back—it’s about toasting to what’s ahead. We’ll share updates on our growing youth programs, upcoming workshops, and new partnerships as we move into year two and beyond. Together, we’ll honor the supporters and collaborators who have fueled our journey while opening doors to those who wish to join us in sustaining and expanding this work.

Whether you’re an artist, educator, funder, community partner, or friend of The Darkroom Chicago, this evening is a chance to celebrate the power of photography to archive our lives and inspire our future.

Info: Guests are welcomed into the exhibition space. Enjoy an early look at the curated works created through The Darkroom Chicago’s programs while connecting with fellow attendees over light bites and refreshments.

Info: The evening’s program begins with opening remarks from The Darkroom Chicago team. We’ll share highlights from our first year, recognize key community partners, and present awards and acknowledgments to the artists, youth participants, and supporters who helped shape this journey.

Info: Enjoy cocktails and mocktails by Elbows Up! Bartending. Featured artists and youth photographers will share stories behind their work. Guests will also have the opportunity to purchase prints and connect directly with artists.

Info: Final words of gratitude and a collective toast to our second year ahead. Guests are invited for one last gallery walk and community connections before departure.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Rivian, 871 North Rush Street, Chicago, United States