Art contest honors Dr. King’s legacy, open to artists in grades 6 and up

Art contest honors Dr. King’s legacy, open to artists in grades 6 and up

Okemos, Michigan—Artists, get ready. The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commission of Mid-Michigan Holiday Art Contest is underway thanks to the support of Delta Dental of Michigan, the MSU Broad Art Lab and the MLK Jr. Commission of Mid-Michigan.

The art contest opened Monday evening during the WILX-broadcasted program featuring Dr. Bernice King, and honoring her father’s legacy. The televised program took the place of the annual day of celebration luncheon which could not happen this year due to COVID-19.

Despite the luncheon not taking place, the art contest is still continuing in its third year, offering local artists the opportunity to showcase their artistic talents while honoring the teachings of MLK.

“It’s an honor to partner with the Commission each year, and to help celebrate to the life and work of Dr. King through art,” said Morgan Butts, Director of Communications at the MSU Broad. “We’re thrilled to host this opportunity to showcase the talent and perspectives of artists here in our region.”

Categories for entry include students in grade 6-8, students in grade 9-12 and adults. Cash prizes range from $150–$1,000.

This year’s theme is "Out of a mountain of despair, a stone of hope.” Art entries must be relevant and consistent with the theme and accompanied with a 250-word narrative that explains the concept of the piece and its relation to social justice/inequity.

To enter the art contest, visit bit.ly/3pYDtUO.

Entries are due 1 p.m. Friday, March 12. 

Winners will be notified March 16 and selected submissions will be displayed at the MSU Broad Art Lab from April 4–25.