The Griffin Museum of Photography will host Picturing the Future, our annual cocktail party and benefit gala, on Thursday, November 19, 2026, from 5:30 to 8:30 pm at the museum in Winchester. The evening celebrates photography, music, and the future of the museum, and it is the Griffin's largest fundraising event of the year.
Guests will move through the galleries with a cocktail in hand, enjoy a menu from Hostess Catering, and listen to a live performance by Leon Beal. Beverages are provided by Gordon's Fine Wines.
A silent auction of creative opportunities and photographs including some from the exhibition, Common Time: American Musicality will be available for bidding during the event. The work celebrates American musical creativity and innovation, and the auction gives guests a chance to take a piece of it home. Common Time: American Musicality features photographers Janette Beckman, Margo Cooper, William Feiring, Bootsy Holler, Joseph O. Holmes, Henry Horenstein, Lou Jones, Ron Pownall, and Michael Weinstein, along with works from the collections of Evan Mirapaul and Gary Leopold.
© Michael Weinstein© Bootsy Holler© Margo Cooper
Ticket Options
Choose your way to experience the evening.
General Admission -- Join the celebration from 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM.
Your General Admission ticket includes:• The opportunity to support the Griffin Museum's future• Evening access to the Annual Gala• Cocktails and refreshments• Access to the silent auction• An evening of photography, music, and community
Enhanced Ticket Packages
Begin the celebration early with exclusive access from 5:30 PM-8:30 PM. Celebrate with us early, enjoy the evening at your own pace, and play a special role in supporting the future of photography at the Griffin Museum with this enhanced ticket packages.
Patron -- An early start to the celebration
Your Patron ticket includes everything in General Admission, plus:• One-hour early access to the Gala• First opportunity to experience the evening and exhibition• Early access to the silent auction• A more intimate start to the evening before General Admission guests arrive• Special recognition as a supporter of the Griffin Museum
Supporter -- Bring your circle: Bring two guests
Your Supporter ticket includes everything in Patron Admission, plus:• Tickets for you and two guests
Friend -- Bring three guests + collect a Griffin print
Your Friend ticket includes everything in Patron Admission, plus:• Tickets for you and three guests• Unique Limited Edition Print
Premium Ticket Packages & VIP Options
Help shape the future of photography at the Griffin Museum.
Sponsor -- Host four guests + collect a Griffin print
Your Sponsor ticket includes everything in Patron Admission, plus:• Early access at 5:30 PM• Tickets for you and four guests• Named recognition at the gala• Recognition on the Griffin website and annual donor materials• Unique Limited Edition Print• Early access to the event
VIP ACCESS -- An Insider's Evening at the Griffin for You and Four Guests
Arrive at 5:00 PM for an intimate reception with Griffin Museum leadership. Meet with the Executive Director, Crista Dix, our board members, and artists from Common Time: American Musicality. Enjoy a first look at the exhibition, connect with the artists, and be among the first to explore the silent auction before the evening opens to the full gala audience.This experience includes:• Tickets for you and four guests• Early Meet & Greet access to the event at 5.00 PM with Griffin Executive Director and Board• Early Meet & Greet access meet the artists of Common Time: American Musicality• Unique Limited Edition Print• Recognition on the Griffin website and annual donor materials• Named recognition at the gala• Sponsorship feature in all social outreach and Picturing the Future collateral
© Henry Horenstein© Ron Pownall© Arnold Newman, Violin, from the collection of Evan Mirapaul© Janette Beckman© Lou Jones© Annie Leibowitz, Ella Fitzgerald, Collection of Gary Leopold
Thank you to our Sponsors and supporters of this special event - The Griffin Museum Board of Directors, and Margo Cooper for our music performance. We are grateful to Hostess Catering and Gordon's Fine Wines for creating a delicious culinary experience for the evening event. Thank you to everyone who donated their creativity and time to uplift the museum to secure our future.