Your complete guide to the arts on MLK weekend

As always, the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday will be replete with parades, speeches and volunteer opportunities. We recommend checking those out. Lesser known, however, are the many arts activities open to Atlantans of all ages during the MLK weekend. Below is a short list of arts-related offerings to keep you in the MLK spirit from Saturday, January 18, through Monday, January 20.

Art at the King Center for Nonviolent Social Change

Ongoing
Several public sculptures and memorials are located on the grounds of the King Center and nearby. Louis Delsarte’s MLK mural has stood in Peace Plaza opposite the visitor center since 2010 (above). Patrick Morelli’s Behold (1990) was inspired by the African ritual of holding newborn babies up toward the sky in a gesture of reverence and awe. And don’t miss the fanciful yet peaceful Coretta Scott King Peace and Meditation Garden and Monument located on the Center’s grounds.

As a bonus, try out the Coretta Scott King Rose Gallery, a virtual online tour through the life and philosophy of Coretta Scott King.

Thriving Together Mural Community Input Session

Saturday, January 18
Come have your say on the new mural project in the Old Fourth Ward. From the project’s website: “Enjoy a light breakfast, learn more about the project and partners, view a short play by Out of Hand Theater, review the portfolios of the five artist finalists and cast your vote for the winning artist!”

Atlanta History Center family exhibits

Saturday, January 18
She Shall Not Be Moved honors the women who have shaped the Civil Rights Movement in Atlanta and beyond. Your free ticket gets you access to special exhibits, including a book display and presentation of curated historical artifacts.

Ongoing
Opening on Saturday, January 18 and continuing, the King Family Women’s Hat Exhibit displays 17 hats that channel the culture of African American women’s church hats.

High Museum extended weekend hours

Saturday, January 18-Sunday, January 19
Giants: Art from the Dean Collection of Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys is in its final weekend, and the museum is offering extended viewing hours for this show only. In addition to normal viewing hours, Giants will also be open from 5-9pm both days.

True Colors Theatre discount

Saturday, January 18-Monday, January 20
This weekend only, True Colors Theatre is offering 15% off ticket purchases for performances of Jaja’s African Hair Braiding. The show about a Harlem hair-braiding salon in which African immigrant women hold court opens February 11. Use discount code MLK15.

Children’s Museum of Atlanta

Saturday, January 18-Monday, January 20
Kids and adults alike can enjoy learning about Dr. King with activities geared toward the young ones. This weekend’s celebration will include an art studio where young artists can learn techniques using Dr. King’s portrait at the National Portrait Gallery and an afternoon birthday parade and dance party.

Alliance Theatre

Monday, January 20
On MLK Jr. Day, nearly 20 teen performers from the Palefsky Collision Project will perform Dear Dr. King. This year’s performance will re-explore Dreams Born of Chaos, based on original work by Amanda Gorman.

Also available free for the day is a stream of Pearl Cleage’s animated short, Sit-in.

Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Ebenezer Baptist Church concert

Monday, January 20
Originally recorded on January 4, the King Celebration Concert will be available for streaming on GPB On Demand starting at 10am with highlights on WABE 90.1 FM at 8pm. The concert features the combined talents of the ASO, both the Ebenezer and Atlanta Symphony choirs and the church band. Gospel and jazz works are performed, as well as works by contemporary Black composers.

Empowered Voices: MLK Day at MODA

Monday, January 20
This free event at the Museum of Design Atlanta — co-hosted with Black Voters Matter and Paint Love — offers access to the current exhibition, CHARACTERS: Type in Action, along with a host of other activities. Participate in interactive art making, view a documentary and grab free food and merch from Black Voters Matter.

What Is My Legacy?

This new book by Martin Luther King III, Arndrea Waters King and Marc Kielburger encourages readers to consider their “living legacy.” With contributions from the Dalai Lama, Julia Roberts, Yara Shahidi and more, the book seeks to extend and memorialize the life of MLK Jr.