In honor of Martin Luther King Jr.’s life and legacy, Ogden Museum of Southern Art presents its 4th Annual FREE Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration on Monday, Jan. 18. Join us at Ogden Museum or at home as we use art to imagine a world without racism! There are a variety of ways to celebrate:

CELEBRATE AT THE MUSEUM:

• Museum admission is free on Monday, Jan. 18, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Museum capacity has been reduced to 25% in accordance with city guidelines, and masks and social distancing are required. We encourage you to make your reservations online in advance to reserve your timed tickets. Timed tickets can also be reserved in person the day of the event. 

• Explore the Museum and participate in a scavenger hunt based on works on view in the galleries. Everyone who submits a finished scavenger hunt will be entered to win a Family Membership ($125 value), Ogden Museum Art Box ($45 value) and an Ogden Museum prize bag ($89 value). Winners will be contacted Tuesday, January 19.

There will also by a QR code linking to the scavenger hunt on a sign at the Museum on Monday.

CELEBRATE AT HOME:

• Pick up or Download a FREE Ogden Museum MLK Day Celebration Art Activity Bag containing art activities exploring the life of Martin Luther King Jr. and the Civil Rights Movement, step-by-step instructions and all supplies. Get your art activity bag starting Tuesday, January 12. A limited number of art activity bags will be available for pick-up at the Museum and all 15 locations of the New Orleans Public Library while supplies last.

• Explore 8 recorded programs honoring Dr. King. These recorded programs are designed for all ages and can be watched from your own home, on your own schedule. Spend the day enjoying online programs – all at your own pace!

ONLINE PROGRAMS: Programs will only be presented virtually.

Listen: Spotify Playlist (90 minutes) (all ages)

Listen to a specifically curated playlist honoring the memory and message of Martin Luther King Jr. created by the Ogden Museum Teen Interns. This 90 minute collage of songs, spoken word and rhythms are meant to challenge, inspire and promote non-violent communication within our hearts, minds and communities. No supplies needed. 

Reflect: Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council (3 minutes) (all ages)

Listen to the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council reflects on MLK. No supplies needed.

Watch: Dance Performances (20 minutes) (15 minutes) (all ages)

Watch performances by Dancing Grounds. No supplies needed.

Learn: Virtual Tour (10 minutes) (ages 13+)

Take a virtual tour of Ogden Museum exploring the Civil Rights Movement through the work of photographer, Ernest C. Withers with Museum Educator Sara Echaniz. The tour includes an in-depth discussion about photographs from Ogden’s permanent collection along with background information about the photographer. No supplies needed.

Be Inspired: Poetry (6 minutes) (ages 13+)

Be inspired by poetry performances by poets from the Bard Early College Poetry Club. Including performances by Angel, Jada’, Juan’Shalyn and Sarah. No supplies needed.

Reflect: Guided Meditation (30 minutes) (ages 13+)

Learn: 8 Fun Facts on Dr. King (15 minutes) (ages 13+)

Learn more about Martin Luther King Jr.’s life and legacy through storytelling and a presentation titled “8 Fun Facts on Dr. King” with New Orleans native and educator Andrea Heard. No supplies needed.

Create: Art Activity (20 minutes) (ages 12+)

Create an MLK inspired collage with artist Kara Crowley featured in Louisiana Contemporary, Presented by the Helis Foundation. Additional Activity: Use the extra supplies included in the Ogden Museum MLK Day Celebration Art Activity Bag. Supplies: skin tone colored construction paper cut into thirds, half sheet of card stock paper, glue stick, scissors, pencil

Special thanks to our community partners:

Image credit: Kara Crowley, Exertion, Acrylic on wood (Featured in Louisiana Contemporary)