King Arts Complex

Heir of Becoming by Sir'ra - Gallery Closing Reception
2025-08-28 17:00 - 19:00 (America/Kentucky/Louisville) | The King Arts Complex, 835 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43203, United States
Thursday, August 28 | 5:00 – 7:00 PM
The King Arts Complex – [Elijah Pierce Gallery]
Join us for a special closing reception celebrating the powerful exhibition “Heir of Becoming” by Sir’ra. Enjoy light refreshments, meet the artist, and connect with fellow art lovers as we reflect on the impact of this creative journey.
Free and open to the public. We hope to see you there!
Artist Statement: Arris’ J. Cohen (Sir’ra)
As an emerging artist deeply rooted in the traditions of Diasporic realism and Afrofuturism, my acrylic paintings and murals serve as a canvas where culture, love, and the sensory interplay of color and sound converge. I draw from a redemptive spirit that mirrors my journey and the broader narrative of the African diaspora, aiming to bridge the past with visionary futures.
In my work, I strive to transcend the conventional boundaries of time and space, blending the historical with the speculative. Each stroke is a testament to resilience and the transformative power of art. My palette is vibrant and expressive, echoing the rich and diverse tones of the diaspora while invoking the rhythmic beats that have sustained our communities across continents and eras.
The themes of my paintings are as layered as the identities I explore. They are imbued with a profound respect for our ancestors and a hopeful gaze towards the possibilities of tomorrow. Through my art, I invite viewers to experience a fusion of reality and possibility, encouraging a reﬂective journey into the depths of what it means to be connected by a shared heritage, yet diversiﬁed by our unique stories.
As I continue to evolve as an artist, my goal remains steadfast: to create art that not only reﬂects the soul of a culture but also ignites conversations and inspires change. In each piece, I seek to capture the essence of Afrofuturism—not just as a genre but as a movement, a form of cultural expression that aﬃrms our place in both history and the inﬁnite landscapes of the future.

First Tuesday Tea
2025-09-02 12:00 - 14:00 | The King Arts Complex, 835 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43203, United States
Meet C. Sunny Martin of Mahogany Media Group along with chair exercises with Greg Pearson!
Tea: A term often used to refer to some juicy information
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.

Mahogany Columbus - Magazine Release & Networking Event
2025-09-04 18:00 - 20:00 | The King Arts Complex, 835 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43203, United States
Thursday, September 4 | 6:00 – 8:00 PM
The King Arts Complex
Join our partners at Mahogany Columbus for their next Magazine Release and Networking event. It’s a celebration for Educators, HBCU Alumni, and D9 Fraternities & Sororities members on Thursday, September 4th from 6 PM – 8 PM live at the King Arts Complex!
Don’t miss a chance to meet Central Ohio’s leaders and achievers.
Admission is FREE!

African Parish House Quilters - Exhibition
2025-10-02 09:00 - 2025-10-25 16:30 | 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
2025-10-04 13:00 - 14:00, 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.

43rd Annual Columbus Kiwanis College Fair
2025-10-07 09:00 - 14:00 | The King Arts Complex, 835 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43203, United States
Free admission!
Meet with recruiters from colleges, trade organizations, employers and military! Open to Columbus City Schools SENIORS ONLY due to space limitations.
Tuesday, October 7, 2025
9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
The King Arts Complex
835 Mt. Vernon Ave. Columbus, OH 43203
Hands on career exploration and ‘advising’ on subjects such as college financing.

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 | 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.
