Monday, Jan. 15 is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day—a day to honor the life and achievements of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his pioneering efforts in the Civil Rights movement.

The Cleveland Museum of Art (CMA) will observe the holiday on Monday, Jan. 15 with a free day of celebration through art, music, storytelling, and artistic projects from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Ames Family Atrium, Gartner Auditorium, and the museum galleries.

The events are designed to encourage guests to reflect on Dr. King’s life and achievements, as well as unite people in celebration.

“Art museums bring people together from all walks of life to learn from each other and to celebrate our humanity,” says Gabe Pollack, CMA’s director of performing arts. “They foster the exchange of ideas and spur creativity while at the same time, they provide a space for reflection. To me, these are all attributes that I feel honor the legacy of MLK Jr.”

Unite by Barbara Jones-HoguStefanie Lima Taub, CMA director of community arts, agrees with Pollack that the museum’s inspirational art and projects on Monday will inspire both self-reflection and unity.

“Much like Dr. King’s teachings, art can be a meaningful way to inspire, challenge, and evoke change.,” Taub says. “Engaging in art provides a unique way to celebrate self-expression, reflection, and empowerment, and foster dialogue across diverse perspectives.”

There will be something for everyone on Monday—from hands-on arts and crafts projects to poetry and writing, to creating your own legacy with a family portrait. Or, come to the museum for live entertainment.

“The Cleveland Museum of Art is a wonderful place to celebrate and honor MLK Day with friends and family,” says Taub. “Visit your favorite art in the galleries, make some art together, enjoy a musical performance, or just spend some time together.”

Activities

There will be a variety of opportunities for self-expression throughout the museum on Monday, will various stations set up around CMA. “The museum will be filled with activities for all ages,” says Taub.

• Enjoy collage and print-making experiences with Future Ink Graphics. Guests can explore different materials to create a unique collage portrait of their reflections or get guidance on the screen-printing process to create their own works.

• Stop by the Poetry Wall and Response Station to immerse themselves in Dr. King’s legendary “I Have a Dream” speech and become inspired by his words, then craft their own statements by weaving his words into the fabric of poetry.
• Celebrate connections in the Family Portrait Booth, where participants can capture precious family moments against a community backdrop.
• Check out the Little Library mini reading space, featuring picture books that celebrate diversity. Explore tales that weave together the threads of unity, fostering a sense of belonging inspired by Dr. King's vision.

Humbly Submitted, one of Cleveland’s most in-demand gospel groups, will perform from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. in Gartner Auditorium

Music performed by some of Cleveland’s most talented performers will enhance the MLK Day experience at the museum.

DJ Kristyles, music director and on-air personality at WOVU 95.9 FM, will be playing a mix of R&B, gospel, and soul from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. in the Ames Family Atrium, while Humbly Submitted, one of Cleveland’s most in-demand gospel groups, will perform from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. in Gartner Auditorium.

“We’re so excited to feature DJ Kristyles, who will spin a curated playlist specifically for MLK Day,” says Taub. “Humbly Submitted will perform a free concert inspired by jazz and soul.”

Pollack adds, “If folks can only stop by for an hour, I suggest seeing Humbly Submitted perform a set of gospel music in our beautiful Gartner Auditorium.”

In the Galleries

Delve into the museum’s collection to explore artists inspired by themes from the Civil Rights Movement and beyond during Spotlight Talks from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., led by museum educator Stephanie Foster and Travis Deal, the museum’s manager of academic affairs.

“Our Spotlight Talks feature and will highlight the impact and work of artists of the Black diaspora,” explains Taub.

Spotlighted works include “Indian Combat” by Edmonia Lewis, “He was meant for all things to meet” by Amy Sherald, “Fulton and Nostrand” by Jacob Lawrence, and “Vale of Kashmir” by Robert S. Duncanson.

For younger art lovers, Art Stories, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., is designed for ages three and older and offers a chance to discover the colorful connections between art and storytelling with art from the museum’s collection.

A hot spot on MLK Day

The museum generally hosts between 3,000 to 4,000 visitors on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, says Pollack, who says he enjoys seeing the energy at CMA.  

“Seeing so many families and friends gathering at CMA, connecting with each other, and building community through art and music is certainly the highlight,” he says. “We want people to have fun and take the day to connect with each other and experience all CMA has to offer. There is a lot of inspiration on the walls of the museum that can help us envision a more inclusive future.”