MLK Portrait Project
Each year, East End Arts inspires area high school students to participate in a unique community project honoring civil rights leader, Martin Luther King, Jr.
Inspired by an Icon
Through the MLK Portrait Project, students unleash their creativity to create individual panels that come together in communion to create a portrait of a civil rights leader. Students learn how the power of the individual is amplified in the community.
Once complete, the mosaic portraits first hang in their corresponding schools and then are displayed in the Lyceum Gallery located on the Eastern Campus of Suffolk Community College. The original portraits are sold and the proceeds support the East End Arts School scholarship fund.
Build your collection and participate in the annual MLK Portrait Sale. It’s a fabulous way to support current high school art students and future students in need of financial assistance.
This years choices will be made by the students of each high school. Their chosen figure must exemplify his or her significance in the Civil Rights Movement or their relationship with the Reverend Dr. Luther King Jr.
We encourage the students to learn about their selection and to document the process, not only the art, but the story behind the individual.
- Official Project Commencement: Monday October 21, 2024
- Completion, Assembly, and Photography: week of January 13, 2025
- Virtual Gallery and Portrait Sales Opens: January 20, 2025 (MLK Day)
- School Display: January 21 – February 13, 2025
- Portrait Pickup: Week of February 10, 2025
- Public Viewing Lyceum Gallery, February 17 – March 7, 2025
- Student Opening – Thursday February 27, 2025
A Reception to Celebrate the Student Artists
A Reception to Celebrate the Student Artists will be held on Thursday February 27, 2025, 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm, at the Lyceum Gallery at 121 Speonk-Riverhead Road, Riverhead, NY 11901, MLRC 1st Floor.
Viewing Times: Monday – Thursday 9:00 am to 9:30 pm and 10:00 am to 3:00 pm on Fridays, during February 17 – March 7, 2025.
We will once again have the People’s Choice awards, you can stop by during viewing hours, or come to the Reception to Celebrate the Student Artists on February 27th.
We look forward to another amazing group of portraits this year, and as you know the real impact is seeing them in person.
Portrait sales open January 20, 2025.
Our time-tested approach to creating the final portrait remains consistent, following these essential dates:
- Official Project Commencement: Monday October 21, 2024
- Completion, Assembly, and Photography: week of January 13, 2025
- Virtual Gallery and Portrait Sales Opens: January 20, 2025 (MLK Day)
- School Display: January 21 – February 13, 2025
- Portrait Pickup: Week of February 10, 2025
- Public Viewing Lyceum Gallery, February 17 – March 7, 2025
- Student Opening – Thursday February 27, 2025
List of Participating Schools Since 2021
- Bridgehampton
- Center Moriches
- Comsewogue
- East Hampton
- Eastport South Manor
- Greenport
- Hampton Bays
- Longwood
- Mattituck
- Mount Sinai
- Riverhead
- Rocky Point
- Shelter Island
- Southampton
- Three Village Academy
- William Floyd
In the News!
The MLK Portrait Project is in the news! Click here to check it out.
Through the MLK Portrait Project, students unleash their creativity to create individual panels that come together in communion to create a portrait of a civil rights leader. Students learn how the power of the individual is amplified in the community.
Once complete, the mosaic portraits first hang in their corresponding schools and then are displayed in a public gallery. The originals are sold at auction and the proceeds support the East End Arts School scholarship for art students.
Build your collection and participate in the annual MLK Portrait Project. It’s a fabulous way to support current high school art students and future students in need of financial assistance.
Portrait sales open January 20, 2025.
For those new to the MLK Portrait Project and as a refresher for returning participants, the process remains unchanged. After choosing your image, ideally in a striking black and white format, you will divide it into 16 squares. Each of your students will be responsible for one square, with the possibility of some students taking on two squares if your school has fewer participants. The true magic lies in allowing each student to express themselves through their unique artistic style, which collectively breathes life into the final portrait. While perfection isn’t a prerequisite, maintaining a sense of continuity is key since it is a portrait.
Our time-tested approach to creating the final portrait remains consistent, following these essential dates:
- Official Project Commencement: Monday October 21, 2024
- Completion, Assembly, and Photography: week of January 13, 2025
- Virtual Gallery and Portrait Sales Opens: January 20, 2025 (MLK Day)
- School Display: January 21 – February 13, 2025
- Portrait Pickup: Week of February 10, 2025
- Public Viewing Lyceum Gallery, February 17 – March 7, 2025
- Student Opening – Thursday February 27, 2025
Photos
Here are a few photos of students and their portraits from some of the schools:
