Martin Luther King, Jr Weekend Celebration

Enjoy free admission on Saturday, January 17 and Sunday, January 18, 2026. Join us as we honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., an artist who masterfully painted with words, using language to message liberation and transformation for everyone. Throughout the  weekend, you’re invited to make art and experience exhibitions that encourage reflection on the power of art to inspire change. Programming is developed in collaboration with artist Renée Elizabeth Neely-TANNER.
All are welcome.
 

Conversation and Contemplation 
Art and Design 1900 to Now, 10 am – 5 pm
Artist Renée Elizabeth Neely-TANNER invites you to stand in community and honor Dr. King through art-making, quiet contemplation and spontaneous conversations.

Beginning Freely
Common Room, 11 am – 4 pm
Step into a makerspace experience centered on choice, exploration, and creative freedom. Work with materials, try ideas, and see where they lead. No instructions, no expectation, just space to begin.

Listen, Read, Make
Danforth, 11 am – 4 pm
Drop in to enjoy a cozy reading space or create your own book about happiness. Join us for story time with author Mariahadessa Ekere Tallie, who will read her books Layla’s Happiness and We Go Slow.
Saturday, January 17 at 12:30 pm and 2 pm
Sunday, January 18 at 11:30 am and 1 pm

Reserve FREE admission tickets for Saturday, January 17 

Reserve FREE admission tickets for Sunday, January 18 

Martin Luther King, Jr events at the RISD Museum are supported by a grant from the Providence Tourism Council.