New York State’s 2026 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Fine Arts and Essay Exhibition Features the Work of 3,444 Young Artists and Writers

2,182 Pieces of Student Art Submitted from 155 Schools Statewide

Exhibit Can be Viewed Online Here

The New York State Education Department (NYSED) and Office of General Services (OGS) today announced the January 12 opening of the 2026 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Fine Arts and Essay Exhibition. Dr. King’s commitment to nonviolent advocacy served as the inspiration for the 3,444 students from 155 public and private schools across the state to submit their creations. The submissions, which include several group projects, mark the first time more than 2,000 pieces of student artwork and essays will be on view online, with a selection on display at the Empire State Plaza in Albany for this exhibition.

NYS Office of General Services Commissioner Jeanette Moy said, “The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Fine Arts and Essay Exhibition elevates student voices across New York State by inviting them to imaginatively explore how Dr. King’s legacy inspires them to pursue a more just and community-focused future. OGS is proud to partner with NYSED on this annual exhibition, which serves as a testament to Dr. King’s enduring impact on the next generation of New Yorkers.” 

NYS Board of Regents Chancellor Lester W. Young, Jr. said, “I am deeply inspired by the creative works submitted by students from across New York State in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s teachings and legacy. Through this remarkable exhibition, students explored Dr. King’s profound influence on civil rights, our nation, and the world, all while utilizing the powerful lens of artistic expression and civic engagement. As we reimagine education through NY Inspires, this exhibition also demonstrates how interdisciplinary, culturally responsive learning can be brought to life, shaping students into well-rounded, academically prepared, and civically engaged individuals.”

NYS Education Department Commissioner Betty A. Rosa said, “Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. reminded us that the goal of true education is not only to cultivate intelligence, but to build character. This notion is one that the New York State Education Department wholeheartedly embraces, as we envision an education system that prepares students to be engaged, thoughtful citizens. It’s also reflected in the record number of submissions for this year’s exhibit, which serves as evidence that Dr. King’s enduring legacy continues to inspire students statewide. I’d like to thank New York’s students and schools for their participation and our partners at the Office of General Services for hosting this meaningful exhibit each year.”

Each year, NYSED invites schools to honor Dr. King’s memory by submitting original artworks and essays that reflect Dr. King’s teachings. The student art and essays illustrate Dr. King’s Six Principles and Steps of Nonviolence and celebrate Dr. King’s birthday.

The entire exhibit is posted online at empirestateplaza.ny.gov/nyking.

To honor Dr. King’s legacy and celebrate Black History Month in February, several pieces of student art will also be exhibited by OGS on the Empire State Plaza in Albany starting January 12 and throughout Black History Month.

Among the highlights of this year’s exhibit:

• Second, third, and fourth graders from Evergreen Charter’s Front Street Intermediate School in Hempstead had the most individual submissions by a single school, with 325 works to make a series of larger, collaborative works of art comprised of colorful hands (view image here). 

• “WINGS,” a group piece by 149 students between kindergarten and seventh grade from St. Athanasius School in New York City, inspired by Dr. King’s lessons (view image here).

• An eleventh grader from Pleasantville High School created this inspirational tribute to Dr. King and his teachings (view image here).

The public is also invited to attend New York’s Beloved Community Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at the Empire State Plaza Convention Center in Albany, N.Y., on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, beginning at 6:30 p.m.

New York State is hosting several service-related programs to fulfill Dr. King’s vision of community, including the Dr. King Volunteer Fair on January 14, the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Statewide Food Drive, which concludes February 20, and the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Statewide Book Drive, running from February 23 through April 17.