King Arts Complex

African Parish House Quilters - Exhibition
2025-10-02 09:00 - 2025-10-25 16:30 (America/Kentucky/Louisville) | The King Arts Complex, 835 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43203, United States
The African Parish House Quilters was founded by the late Barbara Holt Payne and Deborah E. (Mullens) Pinckney under the tutelage of the late Wyrelene Mays. This group had its first meeting at the African Parish House, 189 N. 20th Street, on May 17, 1997, with subsequent meeting held on the 3rd Saturday of the month. The group is the result of the union of two visions. Barbara was inspired by the work of Carolyn Mazloomi and her Women of Color Quilters Network and wanted to start a group in Columbus. Deborah wanted to use her interest in quilting as a means of giving back to the community, as part of the outreach of the now defunct Hebron Baptist Church, a house church which met in the African Parish House. This church was under the leadership of Pastor William¬ Amanze M. Pinckney.
In February 1997 Mrs. Payne and Mrs. Mays held a quilting demonstration at the MLK branch of the library at 1600 E. Long Street introducing participants to yo-yo quilting. Deborah attended this demo and had the opportunity to share with them her desire to preserve the art of quilting relative to the historical significance in the African American community. Consequently, Barbara and Deborah came together to start the African Parish House Quilters. The name came about as a result of the meeting where those in attendance voted to have this group name, since this is where meetings were being held. The African Parish House got its name, because it was the former parsonage for pastors of the Mt. Vernon A.M.E. Church.

SOAR
2025-10-11 13:00 - 14:00 | The King Arts Complex, 835 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43203, United States
Begins September 6 and ends October 11, 2025.
Deadline to register is September 2, 2025.
Soar on Saturdays is a dance access program created in partnership with The King Arts Complex. It is aimed to give young students ages 8-12 the opportunity to explore movement over the course of a free six-week dance class. Four different six-week sessions will be offered throughout the academic year, each featuring a unique style of dance. Classes meet once a week.
Questions, please email education@balletmet.org.

First Tuesday Tea
2025-10-14 12:00 - 14:00 | The King Arts Complex, 835 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43203, United States
First Tuesday Tea is a monthly forum for seniors to explore dance, music, books, news from the community, and so much more. Sessions can include presentations by guest artists, lecturers and community leaders.
Each month, participants look forward to the camaraderie that comes from meeting new friends in a safe, relaxed atmosphere, and the opportunity to discover abilities and creative talents.
Come sip some tea and be…
This event is free and open to the public:
Seniors, Ages 55+ (Men are also welcome)
Please email Linda at lbroadnax@kingartscomplex.com for questions or to join the list to be notified via email.
Project support for First Tuesday Tea comes from the Isabelle Ridgway Foundation.

Park National Bank & Homeport: Homebuyer Workshop
2025-10-22 17:00 - 19:00 | The King Arts Complex, 835 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43203, United States
Are you thinking about buying a home?
Our $15,000 grant makes the dream more doable!
Please join us for a free, informational homebuyer workshop in a relaxed setting. Doors open with refreshments at 5:00 p.m. and the presentation begins at 5:30 p.m. Door prizes1 will be given away, too!
Park’s community home lenders and a HUD-certified homebuyer education counselor from Homeport will discuss:
• Park’s new $15,000 home loan grant program2
• 100% financing options
• The homebuying process
• Managing, building and improving your credit
• What it means to prequalify and how to do it
Come for the education, stay to get prequalified!
We’ll be happy to answer questions and can help you prequalify.
A Spanish speaking lender from Park will be present at this workshop.

Creative Women of Color Exhibition
2025-11-06 09:00 - 2025-11-07 16:30, 2025-11-10 09:00 - 2025-11-14 16:30 | The King Arts Complex, 835 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43203, United States
Creative Women of Color is a collective of African American women artists whose mission is to educate, encourage, inspire and provide a creative connection with the community for the purpose of advancing the arts. Creative Women of Color Members: Creative Women of Color views art as a powerful social force; a form of expression that has always been part of the structure of our society. As African American Woman artists, our work is influenced by our heritage and cultural traditions. CWOC represents a broad and diverse range of artistic talent.

First Tuesday Tea
2025-11-06 12:00 - 14:00 | The King Arts Complex, 835 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43203, United States
Because of the Election the First Tuesday Tea this month will be held on Thursday November 6, 2025.
First Tuesday Tea is a monthly forum for seniors to explore dance, music, books, news from the community, and so much more. Sessions can include presentations by guest artists, lecturers and community leaders. Each month, participants look forward to the camaraderie that comes from meeting new friends in a safe, relaxed atmosphere, and the opportunity to discover abilities and creative talents. Come sip some tea and be… This event is free and open to the public: Seniors, Ages 55+ (Men are also welcome) Please email Linda at lbroadnax@kingartscomplex.com for questions or to join the list to be notified via email.

Creative Women of Color - Exhibition Opening Reception
2025-11-06 18:00 - 20:00 | The King Arts Complex, 835 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43203, United States
Creative Women of Color Mission Statement: Creative Women of Color is a collective of African American women artists whose mission is to educate, encourage, inspire and provide a creative connection with the community for the purpose of advancing the arts. Creative Women of Color Members: Creative Women of Color views art as a powerful social force; a form of expression that has always been part of the structure of our society. As African American Woman artists, our work is influenced by our heritage and cultural traditions. CWOC represents a broad and diverse range of artistic talent.

Creative Women of Color
2025-11-17 09:00 - 2025-11-21 16:30, 2025-11-24 09:00 - 2025-11-28 16:30, 2025-12-01 09:00 - 2025-12-05 17:00, 2025-12-08 09:00 - 2025-12-12 16:30, 2025-12-15 09:00 - 2025-12-19 16:30, 2025-12-22 09:00 - 2025-12-26 16:30, 2025-12-29 09:00 - 2026-01-02 16:30 | The King Arts Complex, 835 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43203, United States

Quan Howell Project - Toy Donation Concert
2025-11-22 18:00 - 21:00 | The King Arts Complex, 835 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43203, United States
We are excited to partner with Making A Difference Inc. and the Eldon & Elsie Ward Family YMCA for a community toy drive and special performance from the Quan Howell Project. Event will be held on Saturday, November 22nd beginning at 6 PM.

Bring a toy or $20 for admission.

First Tuesday Tea
2025-12-02 12:00 - 14:00, 2026-02-03 12:00 - 14:00, 2026-03-03 12:00 - 14:00 | The King Arts Complex, 835 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43203, United States
First Tuesday Tea is a monthly forum for seniors to explore dance, music, books, news from the community, and so much more. Sessions can include presentations by guest artists, lecturers and community leaders. Each month, participants look forward to the camaraderie that comes from meeting new friends in a safe, relaxed atmosphere, and the opportunity to discover abilities and creative talents. Come sip some tea and be… This event is free and open to the public: Seniors, Ages 55+ (Men are also welcome) Please email Linda at lbroadnax@kingartscomplex.com for questions or to join the list to be notified via email.

Legends & Legacies
2025-12-11 18:00 - 20:30 | The Fives at the Reach on Goodale, 550 Reach Boulevard, Columbus, OH, 43215, United States
The King Arts Complex is proud to present the 17th Annual Legends & Legacies, an annual celebration honoring African American trailblazers who have made profound contributions to media, culture, civic leadership, and social impact. This year, Legends & Legacies will honor the extraordinary history and impact of Columbus Black Journalists. We will celebrate Ann B. Walker (posthumously), Angela Pace, Dana Tyler, Jerry Revish, and Mike Jackson (posthumously) for their remarkable contributions to journalism and our community.
The doors open at 6:00 PM on Thursday, December 11, 2025, and the program begins at 7:00 PM at The Fives Columbus. A special Fireside Chat will be moderated by former Columbus Mayor, Michael B. Coleman. The Legends & Legacies program recognizes individuals whose work represents the highest levels of social justice, human rights, artistic excellence, civic leadership, cultural democracy, and community service. The event continues a long-standing King Arts Complex tradition of celebrating African American excellence and preserving the stories of those who have shaped our collective history.
CLICK HERE to Purchase Tickets

Kwanzaa Youth Winter Academy
2025-12-22 08:30 - 15:30, 2025-12-23 08:30 - 15:30, 2025-12-26 08:30 - 15:30, 2025-12-29 08:30 - 15:30, 2025-12-30 08:30 - 15:30, 2025-12-31 08:30 - 15:30 | The King Arts Complex, 835 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43203, United States
Kwanzaa is a celebration of family, community and culture. It is so important that all students are challenged to be original creators of work, and most importantly, that they have fun doing it! Here at the King Arts Complex, we provide an inviting environment that pushes all students to perform to their greatest abilities. Youth participants will learn about the principles of Kwanzaa by working with local, visual, and performing artists. There will be something for everyone at the 2025 Winter Academy.

Registration for Kwanzaa Youth Winter Academy is OPEN. Contact our Visitor Services Manager, Hellen Corder, at 614-646-0642 or hcorder@kingartscomplex.com for registration. We would prefer the $25 is paid once your student is registered. Ms. Corder will be able to assist you with any additional questions or concerns.

Kwanzaa Youth Winter Academy
December 22, 23, 26, 29-31, 2025 | 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Ages 5 – 13 (Kindergarten through 8th grade)
Programming: $25. per student (Only 25 spots available)

*Please note there will not be before or after care.

Drop off begins at 8:30 AM and pick up ends at 3:30 PM.

Citywide Kwanzaa Celebration
2025-12-26 18:00 - 22:00 | The King Arts Complex, 835 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43203, United States
This celebration will be hosted by Tawi Family Village. Kwanzaa is an annual celebration of African American culture which is held from December 26 to January 1, culminating in gift-giving and a feast of faith.
Kwanzaa is a seven-day, celebration of family, culture, and community. Each day honors a particular African-derived principle, and the final day culminates in a feast (called Karamu Ya Imani) on New Year’s Day. Each day is counted down on a menorah-like candelabra.
It was created by Maulana Karenga and first celebrated in 1966.
Tawi Family Village will have the storyteller come around 10:00 for the Winter Academy and others from the neighborhood. Tawi Family Village will also provide programming to the community from 1-3:00 and vendors will be setting up around 5:00 and Kwanzaa Opening night will begin at 6:00 pm.

41st Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. - Birthday Breakfast: The Journey Ahead: Advancing Liberty and Justice for All
2026-01-19 07:30 - 10:00 | Columbus Convention Center, 400 North high Street, Columbus, OH, 43215, United States
The City of Columbus takes great pride in its observance of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The Martin Luther King Breakfast Committee, Inc. invites the public to the Columbus signature King Holiday event attended by thousands of diverse multicultural individuals. This is the largest event of its kind in the United States honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Join us at the flagship event on MLK Jr. Day, the national holiday commemorating Dr. King the fallen civil rights leader who transformed the world.

The Breakfast keynote speaker leads us in tribute to, and remembrance of the fallen, global civil rights leader, Dr. King; who inspired nonviolent liberation movements around the world.  The Breakfast continues to showcase community oratory tributes from student speakers of the Columbus City Schools and the King scholar, a prestigious designee from Martin Luther King, Jr. International Chapel at Morehouse College.

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2026 Keynote Speaker

Rev. Dr. Otis Moss III

A third-generation warrior for civil and human rights, Dr. Moss is the Senior Pastor of Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago, Illinois, where he has built a ministry centered on community advancement, social justice, and the inseparable companions of love and justice. He is also a nationally acclaimed author, educator, filmmaker, and prophetic voice for our times. His powerful messages—deeply rooted in the works of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Howard Thurman, and the Black spiritual tradition—have inspired audiences across generations and around the world.
CLICK HERE For more Information

MLK Day Open House
2026-01-19 12:00 - 16:00 | Ohio History Center, 800 E 17th Ave, Columbus, OH, 43211, United States
Join us as we explore the impact of Dr. Martin Luther King’s life and legacy. This annual community event is an excellent opportunity for children, families, and friends to enjoy musical and live theatrical performances. It is also a unique opportunity for visitors of all ages to learn about the civil rights movement, participate in art activities, view the art exhibition, and meet new friends. We encourage you to attend the MLK Breakfast and the MLK Day evening program hosted by the City of Columbus.
We invite you to experience entertainment and education during the next MLK Open House on Monday, January 19, 2026!

All Arts Day: A Celebration Of Aminah Robinson
2026-02-14 10:00 - 15:00 | The King Arts Complex, 835 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43203, United States
Each February, The King Arts Complex honors the life and legacy of one Columbus’ most celebrated artists at the Annual Aminah Robinson Family Day. This special event is an opportunity for people of all ages to create art with local visual artists, enjoy music, and learn more about Aminah’s rich contributions to the world of art.
An innovative multimedia artist, teacher, storyteller, and MacArthur Fellow, Aminah Robinson was known for her work within the African-American community of Poindexter Village on Columbus’ Near East Side. As home to one of Aminah’s earliest studios, The King Arts Complex proudly displays her work year round to inspire emerging artists, current artists, and our community.
