Two MLK Art Projects
If you are looking for a way to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his vision for a just and equitable society, consider pairing these hands-on art experiences with intentional dialogue around the meaning of his words. Promote critical thinking about topics of racism, social justice, and equity at all ages and stages of development.
We feel strongly that the art-making experiences shared here only scratch the surface in terms of developing an understanding of who MLK was and how future activists continue to fight for fair treatment in all areas of life. These creative ideas are meant to be a jumping-off point for more research and understanding of both historical and contemporary activism. Whether young, old, or somewhere in between, these creative explorations and recommended texts energize the will within us to become anti-racist and to work towards a society where all humans are celebrated.
Mixed Media Portrait
The first idea is an invitation to create a portrait that helps children match an image of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to the stories adults may share in honor of MLK day.
Materials needed:
~ A printed silhouette of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (download PDF here)
~ A variety of coloring tools like markers, dotters, watercolor paints (with a brush and water), or crayons
~ Stencils or stamps to add layered texture and interest
Instructions:
1. Simply invite your child to embellish the printed image by making any lines, shapes, and marks they wish to! You can print multiple silhouettes to color and hang on the wall in a Pop Art fashion.
Dream Jar
Together with your child, create colorful layers or goo inside a jar that represent everyone’s dreams. You can even vocalize the dreams as you go. Then select a meaningful MLK quote with your child to cut and glue to the jar as a reminder of all the work we still need to do to make our world just and equitable for all.
Materials needed:
~ A clean glass jar with a screw on lid (recycled one is perfect)
~ Cotton balls, lots of them!
~ Acrylic paint and small cups to dilute them with water
~ Glitter (optional)
~ Straw, stick, or skewer
~ MLK quote printed out (here are a few that are relatable to young children)
~ Hot glue
Instructions:
1. Begin by preparing your cotton balls. You will need to pull them apart so they’re more wispy, like cotton candy. Then prepare your acrylic paint. You’ll want to dilute it quite a bit so that it’s pourable and translucent. Mix the acrylic paint well into the water. Little ones will love stirring and concocting new colors! Choose colors that are next to each other on the color wheel like pink, purple and blue; or red, orange and yellow. You can mix glitter into any or all of the colors for more sparkle. Have several little cups of the diluted paint ready to go.
2. Create a layer of wispy cotton balls in the bottom of the jar. Then, pour in just enough of the liquid paint to saturate the cotton balls. Repeat until you have filled the jar with colored cotton “dreams” all the way to the top. Hot glue the jar lid on.
3. Print out and cut up your MLK quote and use extra liquidy acrylic paint or watercolors to add color to the strips of words. When the paper strips are dry, hot glue them onto a straw, stick, or skewer which can then be glued directly to the side of the jar. Display in your home in a prominent place.
Here are two booklists about social justice and anti-racism that you can check out from the library, order from your local bookstore, or Bookshop.org. Add them to your permanent collection as a spark for bigger conversations related to race and equity.
Books for Younger Children (ages 3-6)
Antiracist Baby by Ibram X. Kendi and Illustrated by Ashley Lukashevsky
The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson and Illustrated by Rafael Lopez
I Am Enough by Grace Byers and Illustrated by Keturah A. Bobo
The Youngest Marcher by Cynthia Levinson and Illustrated by Vanessa Newton
That is My Dream by Langston Hughes and Daniel Miyares
Counting on Community by Innosanto Nagara
Books for Older Children (ages 6-12)
Let’s Talk about Race by Julius Lester and Illustrated by Karen Barbour and Illustrated by Bryan Collier
Martin’s Big Words by Dorreen Rappaport
Not My Idea: A Book About Whiteness by Anastasia Higginbotham
Something Happened in Our Town: A Child’s Story about Racial Injustice by Marianne Celano and Illustrated by Jennifer Zivoin
My Dream of Martin Luther King by Faith Ringgold
A Place to Land by Barry Wittenstein and Illustrated by Jerry Pinkney
Do you need help reimagining your classroom as a hub of creativity where children share ideas and feel seen, known, and celebrated? Learn more about our Materials Matters course and Professional Learning Workshops and transform your creative practice today.