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January 12, 2024
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NEW YORK STATE’S 2024 DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. FINE ARTS AND ESSAY EXHIBITION FEATURES THE WORK OF 2,715 YOUNG ARTISTS AND WRITERS1,762 Pieces of Student Art Submitted from 98 Schools Statewide |
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Exhibit Can be Viewed Online Here The New York State Education Department (NYSED) and Office of General Services (OGS) today announced the January 10 opening of the 2024 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Fine Arts and Essay Exhibition. Dr. King’s commitment to nonviolent advocacy served as the inspiration for 2,715 students from 98 public and private schools across the state to submit their creations. The submissions, which include several group projects, mark just the third time more than 1,000 pieces of student artwork will be on display and online for this exhibition.
“The national theme of this year’s annual King Holiday Observance, ‘It Starts with Me: Shifting the Cultural Climate Through the Study and Practice of Kingian Nonviolence,’ is echoed and reinforced in the work of young artists and authors participating in this year’s Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Fine Arts and Essay Exhibition,” OGS Commissioner Jeanette Moy said. “Through OGS’s partnership with the State Education Department, this annual exhibition encourages New York State students to use their creativity to express their admiration for Dr. King and to envision a more inclusive future.
Board of Regents Chancellor Lester W. Young, Jr. said, “The Board of Regents and I are honored to once again partner with the Office of General Services to host the annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Fine Arts and Essay exhibition and commemorate Dr. King’s enduring legacy. This exhibition celebrates the transformative power of arts and writing to inspire unity, equality, justice, and vision for a more inclusive society.”
New York State Education Commissioner Betty A. Rosa said, “The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Fine Arts and Essay exhibition is an emotionally moving showcase that captures the spirit of a visionary leader, inviting New Yorkers to reflect on the enduring impact of Dr. King’s dream. Igniting a generation of civic-minded students, this exhibition fosters a profound connection between art, literature, and the pursuit of a more just society, inspiring future leaders to carry forth Dr. King’s legacy of equality and compassion.”
Each year, NYSED invites schools to honor Dr. King’s memory by submitting original student artworks and essays that reflect Dr. King’s teaching. The student art and essays illustrate Dr. King’s Six Principles and Steps of Nonviolence and celebrate Dr. King’s birthday.
The entire exhibit is posted online at empirestateplaza.ny.gov/nyking.
To honor Dr. King’s legacy and celebrate Black History Month in February, several pieces of student art are being exhibited by OGS on the Empire State Plaza in Albany, where it will continue to be on display throughout Black History Month in February.
Among the highlights of this year’s exhibit:
First and second graders from Oak Orchard Primary School in Medina had the most submissions by a single school, featuring 200 doves and peace signs (view image here).
A “Peace Bouquet” inspired by Dr. King’s teachings and representing “the diversity of all people” was created by 23 second- and fifth-grade students from the PS 8 Isaac Varian School in the Bronx (view image here).
The public is also invited to watch New York State’s annual commemoration of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., which will be presented as a statewide broadcast event, “New York State Celebrates the Life and Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.” airing on PBS stations throughout New York beginning Sunday, January 14. The public also may watch the program beginning at 10 a.m. Monday, January 15 at empirestateplaza.ny.gov/nyking
As in years past, New York State is hosting several service-related programs to fulfill Dr. King’s vision of community, including the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Statewide Food Drive, which concludes February 9, and the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Statewide Book Drive, which begins February 20 through April 19. Please visit empirestateplaza.ny.gov/nyking, and follow @NYSMLK on Facebook and Twitter for PBS member station program updates and additional information about New York’s celebration of the life and legacy of Dr. King.
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