King Arts Complex

Breaking the Mold: A Survey of Women’s Work
2023-04-27 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Kentucky/Louisville) | The King Arts Complex, 835 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43203, United States
With the intention of creating space for four Black women during the month of Women’s History and beyond, we will engage with artists who are currently producing within and contributing to the professional art scene in Columbus, OH.
ARTISTS:
Chantal Stone, Shelbi Toone, Nora Musu, and Aminah Robinson
ON VIEW:
April 27, 2023 – June 24, 2023

First Tuesday Tea
2023-05-02 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…
First Tuesday Tea is free and open to the public:
Seniors, Ages 55+
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Please email Linda at lbroadnax@kingartscomplex.com for questions or to join the list to be notified via email.

An Evening with Darrell Scott
2023-05-13 20:00 - 22:00 | The King Arts Complex, 835 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43203, United States
Powerful songwriting, passionate vocals and masterful picking.

Multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter Darrell Scott mines and cultivates the everyday moment. The words he fosters allow us to make sense of the world, what is at stake here, and our place in it. Scott comes from a musical family with a father who had him smitten with guitars by the age of four. He toured with Robert Plant and the Zac Brown Band and was named “songwriter of the year” for both ASCAP and NSAI. Scotts’s compositions became highlights of albums by Garth Brooks, Faith Hill, Kathy Mattea, Maura O’Connell, and even his mentor, Guy Clark. He has released 14 albums, including the most recent, Jaroso (2020). These days find him roaming his Tennessee wilderness acreage, leading songwriting workshops, and as busy as always writing, producing, performing, and just plain fully immersing himself in life.

darrellscott.com

“Scott does an incredible job in transporting you into a heavenly place. One where you are serenaded with a cradle of the very highest quality…music.”

—Three Chords and the Truth UK

36th Anniversary Gala
2023-05-19 19:00 - 23:00 | The King Arts Complex, 835 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43203, United States
The Anniversary Gala is the spring event to attend in Columbus. The Gala is a fundraiser and party with a purpose to support youth programs and performances. All proceeds from the evening will support The King Arts Complex in its mission to provide our community with artistic programming that challenges and inspires. We honor select community figures and provide guests with an unforgettable evening of entertainment.
The Fives Columbus
550 Reach Boulevard
Columbus, Ohio 43214

Summer Camp
2023-06-12 09:00 - 16:00 | The King Arts Complex, 835 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43203, United States
June 12 – August 4, 2023
Mondays – Fridays
9 AM – 4 PM
Ages 5 – 13 (Kindergarten through 8th grade)
Summer Arts Camp is an 8-week, all day program. Summer Academy runs throughout the Columbus City Schools summer recess.
This year’s theme for Summer Camp is UBUNTU (oo-BOON-too)
The word UBUNTU is of the Bantu philosophy that speaks to community and societal harmony.
The camp will run on a STEAM module (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) and will include:
• Dance
• Music
• Animation
• Visual Arts
• Creative Writing
• Photography

11th Annual Wine Sip
2023-06-15 18:00 - 20:00 | The King Arts Complex, 835 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43203, United States
The Women’s Service Board of the King Arts Complex presents the 11th Annual Wine Sip & Taste of Jazz on Thursday, June 15, 2023 from 6 PM – 8 PM.
Enjoy music from the Mel Stewart Group featuring Janeen Holmes.
Join the Women’s Service Board in raising funds to support the King Arts Complex. Purchase tickets at 614-645-5464.

Juneteenth Jubilee Day Festival
2023-06-18 12:00 - 16:00 | Ohio History Center, 800 E 17th Ave, Columbus, OH, 43211, United States
Now a federal holiday, Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. Originating in Texas, it’s been observed on the 19th of June annually since 1865. Join us for an 1890’s Juneteenth observation in Ohio Village. Featured activities will include historical interpretations, storytelling, and dance.
Register Today!
Check out the additional programs below!
10:30 a.m. (Located in the Ohio History Center Auditorium)
Special Screening: 20 and Odd
20 and Odd serves as an artistic response to the commemoration of the Quadricentennial – 400 years of Africans in America through dance and drama. The multimedia presentation takes each viewer on a journey, from the past to present day.
3:30 p.m. (Located in the Ohio History Center Auditorium)
Special Screening: Lucy Depp
Lucy Depp is a project that contemplates the Depp family lineage and land. The home was established on nearly 400 acres in Concord Township in 1835. Abram Depp purchased the land from Joseph Sullivant (son of Franklinton founder Lucas Sullivant) making it Delaware county’s first farm owned by an African-American. The stories are told from the lens of those who live on, on the land that is still sustained, by persons who understand its history.

Spoken Soul
2023-06-23 18:30 - 21:30 | The King Arts Complex, 835 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43203, United States
“Spoken Soul” pays homage to the tradition of spoken word and art as expression of the soul. This event will give platform to those who paint a picture with their words. From the Negro spirituals of enslaved Africans to the lyrics of today’s artist, there has been power in the tongue.
Irrepressible Soul and Sole Classics collaborates with The King Arts Complex for this event, which is a part of a month long series of immersive programming and exhibition “ Irrepressible Soul.”

25th Annual Heritage Music Festival - July 2023
2023-07-13 18:00 - 21:00 | The King Arts Complex, 835 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43203, United States
Thursdays, July 13 – July 27 from 6 PM to 9 PM
& Thursdays, August 3 – 17 from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Mayme Moore Park
Free Community Event
Join the King Arts Complex for the 24th Annual Heritage Music Festival. Once known as the “Cradle of Jazz,” the Mount Vernon of the King Lincoln District is the place to be every Thursday in July and August. Performances from local, regional, and national musical artists will keep it hot with Jazz, Classical R&B, inspirational and Blues! A Food Court and reserved tables on the Patio will be available.
The King Arts Complex’s Heritage Music Festival has been a signature Columbus community celebration for nearly two decades, consistently attracting crowds of nearly 5,000 attendants each week! Our annual festival is a family event enjoyed by men, women and children of all backgrounds. Bring a blanket, or lawn chair, and relax in the beautiful Mayme Moore Park!

Bestselling Authors of THE PERSONAL LIBRARIAN, Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray Launch New Novel
2023-07-23 16:30 - 19:00 | The King Arts Complex, 835 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43203, United States
Join New York Times bestselling authors of the Good Morning America Book Club pick The Personal Librarian—Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray—as they launch The First Ladies, a novel about the extraordinary partnership between First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and civil rights activist Mary McLeod Bethune—an unlikely friendship that changed the world.

25th Annual Heritage Music Festival - August 2023
2023-08-03 17:30 - 20:30 | The King Arts Complex, 835 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43203, United States
Thursdays, August 3 – 17 from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Mayme Moore Park
Free Community Event
Join the King Arts Complex for the 25th Annual Heritage Music Festival. Once known as the “Cradle of Jazz,” the Mount Vernon of the King Lincoln District is the place to be every Thursday in July and August. Performances from local, regional, and national musical artists will keep it hot with Jazz, Classical R&B, inspirational and Blues! A Food Court and reserved tables on the Patio will be available.
The King Arts Complex’s Heritage Music Festival has been a signature Columbus community celebration for nearly two decades, consistently attracting crowds of nearly 5,000 attendants each week! Our annual festival is a family event enjoyed by men, women and children of all backgrounds. Bring a blanket, or lawn chair, and relax in the beautiful Mayme Moore Park!

An Evening with National Book Award Winner James McBride!
2023-08-28 19:00 - 21:30 | The King Arts Complex, 835 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43203, United States
Join New York Times bestselling author and National Book Award-winner James McBride as he brings his masterly storytelling skills and deep faith in humanity to his newest novel, The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store, about small-town secrets and the people who keep them, a story as compassionate as Deacon King Kong and as inventive as The Good Lord Bird.

First Tuesday Tea Special Edition: 60th Anniversary of the March on Washington for Jobs & Freedom
2023-08-31 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.
Featuring
King Arts Complex: “The Dream – Remix” (2013)
Roosevelt Carter: Photos from the March on Washington
Q & A with Queen Mother Ann B. Walker
Music from the Urban Jazz Coalition

Carrie Newcomer with Pianist Gary Walters, Special Guest Ordinary Elephant
2023-09-08 20:00 - 22:30 | The King Arts Complex, 835 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43203, United States
The first performance in the 2023-2024 season from Six String Concerts. Carrie Newcomer is a songwriter, recording artist, performer, educator, and activist. She is known for her low and resonant voice, her musical depth, and the progressive spiritual content of her songs, poetry, and workshops. She currently records and performs with pianist Gary Walters.

Franklin County Auditor’s Office – Know Your Home Value
2023-09-11 09:00 - 17:00 | The King Arts Complex, 835 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43203, United States
Ohio law requires County Auditors to update all property values countywide every three years to reflect recent changes in the real estate value marketplace. In 2023, Franklin County’s property reappraisal involves a visual exterior inspection of each property.
Your Franklin County Auditor’s office is here to serve you. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Appraisal at (614) 525-3388 or at Appraisal@franklincountyohio.gov.
The King Arts Complex – 835 Mt. Vernon Avenue, Columbus, OH 43203
Monday – Friday, September 11th – September 15th, 9 AM – 5 PM
Monday – Friday, September 18th – September 22nd, 9 AM – 5 PM
Monday – Friday, September 25th – September 29th, 9 AM – 5 PM
No Appointment Needed

After School Program
2023-10-09 16:00 - 18:00, 2023-12-04 16:00 - 18:00 | The King Arts Complex, 835 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43203, United States
It’s time again! Serving 1st grade-8th grade for after school tutoring Monday-Thursday from 4 PM – 6 PM. We also provide enrichment in Technology and Arts for 4th grade – 8th grade. Sign your student up now!
The King Arts Complex After School Program is a FREE session that targets elementary and middle school students between the 1st and 8th grade (ages 6-13). This program, thanks to our community of public and private support, is provided at no cost to you. The After School Program will follow the schedule of Columbus City Schools’ calendar.
Participants will be engaged in four different arts and technology classes, including Creative Writing, Capoeira, Coding and Music. There will also be a homework/study hour with a tutor, and a light snack provided. The session will conclude with a project combining all the artistic disciplines.
Program support is provided by Cardinal Health Foundation, City Of Columbus, Encova, Franklin County Community Partnership, the Franklin County Board of Commissioners and administered by the Franklin County Department of Job & Family Services, Honda Of America Foundation, Mid-Ohio Food Bank, The Thelma Clark Scholarship Fund, U.S. Bank, and United Way of Central Ohio.

Legends & Legacies
2023-10-12 18:30 - 21:00 | The King Arts Complex, 835 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43203, United States
The leadership of The King Arts Complex is proud to honor MacArthur Fellowship winner Hanif Abdurraqib and Ohio State history professor and author Hasan Kwame Jeffries, PhD at its 16th Annual Legends & Legacies Award Ceremony and Reception.

Just Me: Recent Works by Stuart McClean
2023-10-13 13:00 - 17:00 | Elijah Pierce Gallery, 867 Mt Vernon Ave, Columbus, OH, 43203, United States
Stuart McClean was born on the Caribbean island of Trinidad and Tobago. At a very young age, Stuart became interested in arts and crafts. His mother Sylvia McClean an artist in her own right, saw the potential in young Stuart, nurtured, and developed his artistic abilities. He attended the San Fernando Government Secondary School where he received a distinction in art. After school, Stuart opened a design studio where he produced shoes, belts and handbags. During his matriculation, he came to the United States to pursue a career in Art and Fashion. In New York, he started designing belts for companies like Bloomingdales, Patricia Fields, Graffiti and Treska for many celebrities and high fashion boutiques.
Stuart creates art that appeals to the masses nationally and internationally, as well as faithful long time art collectors. Experiencing his work just makes you feel euphoric. He later moved to New Orleans to be closer to some of his larger collectors, where he met his wife Denise, a native New Orleanian, who helps give him an understanding of the culture and its people. Together they run the Stuart McClean Gallery in New Orleans.
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He has been a featured artist and awarded Best In Show as well as participated in many Jazz and Cultural events such as the Essence Festival, Jazzfest, Capital Jazz, Haitian Arts and Cultural Center for Art Basel in Miami and Seabreeze where he has been chosen to be the 2022 Featured Artist. His works have also been displayed in the New York State Museum as well as in the Caribbean.
Just Me: Recent Works by Stuart McClean
On View: October 12 – November 18, 2023
The Elijah Pierce Gallery

Soar on Saturdays
2023-10-21 14:00 - 15:00 | The King Arts Complex, 835 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43203, United States
Soar on Saturdays is a dance access program created in partnership with The King Arts Complex. It is aimed to give young students 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.
Hip Hop
The King Arts Complex
835 Mount Vernon Avenue
Columbus, OH 43203
Saturdays 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Begins October 21 and ends December 2, 2023.
Deadline to register is October 17, 2023.
There will be no class on November 25.

Park National Bank & Homeport - Homebuyers Workshop
2023-10-24 17:00 - 19:00 | The King Arts Complex, 835 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43203, United States
Stop by the King Arts Complex on Tuesday, October 24th and learn about how Park National Banks loan programs can make homeownership possible for you and/or your family!
First Time Homebuyer loans are designed to help borrowers get a home loan with a lower down payment. These mortgages are issued by federally-qualified lenders (like us!). Down payment assistance is available with this loan type. You qualify as a first time homebuyer if you haven’t owned property in the last three years.

Aetna Medicare Solutions - 2023 Member Appreciation Day
2023-10-28 11:00 - 14:00 | The King Arts Complex, 835 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43203, United States
Join family and friends for a fun community event!
You’re invited! Bring a family member or friend to the 2023 Aetna Member Appreciation Day. It’s a community event packed with fun and educational activities. And there’s no cost to attend.
Plus, you can talk with experts about Medicare. Learn how Medicare works, have any questions answered and more.
Here are some highlights of Member Appreciation Day:
• Hear “Doc Talks” from care providers on a variety of topics
• Try fun activities like Zumba, chair yoga or dancing
• Win door prizes and giveaways
• Get a free swag bag
Date: October 28, 2023
Time: 11 AM – 2 PM
Location: King Arts Complex
835 Mt Vernon Ave
Columbus, OH 43203
Save your spot today!
To RSVP, just call 1-855-798-0918 (TTY: 711),
8 AM – 8 PM local time, seven days a week.
For the accommodation of people with special needs at meetings, call 1-833-251-9949 (TTY: 711). Eligible for a free drawing, gift, or prizes with no obligation to enroll.

Women's Service Board - Mimosa Sip 2023
2023-11-04 11:00 - 14:00 | The King Arts Complex, 835 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43203, United States
Get ready to say sip, sip, and PARTY with the Women’s Service Board of the King Arts Complex.
Brunch & Line Dance Fundraiser
Featuring DJ Kelvin of Heart Beat Music and Steve Foster – Soul Fine Line Dance Instructor
If you need information on becoming an event sponsor, purchasing a table of tickets, please contact any Women’s Service Board member via info@kingartscomplex.com with the subject: WSB Mimosa Sip.
Join us for bunch, mimosas, line dancing, a 50/50 raffle, prizes and more!

Just Me: Recent Works by Stuart McClean - Opening Reception
2023-11-04 12:00 - 18:00 | The King Arts Complex, 835 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43203, United States
The Elijah Pierce Gallery presents the exhibition, Just Me: Recent Works by Stuart McClean. He is internationally acclaimed gallery owner and artist. Mr. McClean brilliantly illustrates the black aesthetic through his collection of work, which is vibrant, colorful and full of movement. Drawing on his Caribbean roots…he creates, “feel good art” that emerges from within and reflects his Trinidadian and Carnival Spirit.
On Saturday, November 4th from noon to 6 pm, we invite you to visit the Elijah Pierce Gallery. You’ll have a chance to view the exhibit and meet and greet Stuart McClean. Refreshments will be served as well as a signature cocktail which hails from New Orleans called… French 75 with a twist.

Kwanzaa Youth Winter Academy
2023-12-26 09:00 - 15:00 | The King Arts Complex, 835 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43203, United States
December 26th- 29th, 2023 | 9 AM – 3 PM
Ages 5 – 13 (Kindergarten through 8th grade)
Programming: $125 per child per week
Registration Fee: $25 per child
*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.
Tuition is covered by donations, however space is limited.
Kwanzaa is an African-American 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 is something for everyone here at the 2023 Winter Academy.
Registration for Kwanzaa Youth Winter Academy is currently open. Click HERE to begin!
Program support is provided by Cardinal Health Foundation, City Of Columbus, Encova, Franklin County Community Partnership, the Franklin County Board of Commissioners and administered by the Franklin County Department of Job & Family Services, Honda Of America Foundation, Mid-Ohio Food Bank, The Thelma Clark Scholarship Fund, U.S. Bank, and United Way of Central Ohio.

Kwanzaa 614
2023-12-27 11:00 - 17:00 | The King Arts Complex, 835 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43203, United States
Kwanzaa is a seven – day celebration that honors community, family and heritage of African American culture and African traditions. Kwanzaa comes from the Swahili word that means “first harvest” and is based on the principles of Nguzo Saba.
The King Arts Complex will host two days of Kwanzaa featuring the Kwanzaa Marketplace sponsored by the Tawi Family Village. In conjunction with Kwanzaa 614, the King Arts Complex will have the annual Kwanzaa Winter Academy for youth, ages 5 – 13 (kindergarten through 8th grade).
Below is the full list of community events:
December 26 – 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Opening ceremony at Lincoln Theater
December 27 – 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. King Arts Complex Kwanzaa Marketplace sponsored by Tawi Family Village
December 28 – 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. King Arts Complex Kwanzaa Marketplace sponsored by Tawi Family Village
December 29 – 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. Ohio History Center Kwanzaa Celebration
December 30 – 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Ohio History Center Kwanzaa Celebration
December 30 – 3 p.m. – 4 p.m. Urban Strings Concert – MLK Library
Visit columbuskwanzaa365.com for more information!

Soar on Saturdays
2024-01-06 14:00 - 15:00 | The King Arts Complex, 835 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43203, United States
Soar on Saturdays is a dance access program created in partnership with The King Arts Complex. It is aimed to give young students 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.
African Dance
The King Arts Complex
835 Mount Vernon Avenue
Columbus, OH 43203
Saturday 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Begins January 6 and ends February 10, 2024
Deadline to register is January 2, 2024.

2024 MLK Open House
2024-01-15 12:00 - 16:00 | Ohio History Center, 800 E 17th Ave, Columbus, OH, 43211, United States
The King Arts Complex in partnership with the Ohio History Connection presents the annual MLK Day Open House on the observance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday. Join us as we explore the impact of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King. 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.
Monday, January 15, 2024
12 PM – 4 PM
Ohio History Center
800 E. 17th Avenue
Columbus, Ohio 43211
Free Community Event

A Transformative Dialogue on Race and Identity in America: Acclaimed Journalist Michele Norris Talks with All Sides host Anna Staver!
2024-01-25 19:00 - 21:00 | The King Arts Complex, 835 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43203, United States
Join one of our most important chroniclers of American life, Michele Norris, author of Our Hidden Conversations: What Americans Really Think about Race and Identity. Norris will be in conversation with All Sides Host Anna Staver about this transformative dialogue on race and identity in America, unearthed through the author’s decade-long work at The Race Card Project.
Registration is on Eventbrite. The ticket is $40.00, which includes the book plus tax.
THE KING ARTS COMPLEX and WOSU PUBLIC MEDIA are Gramercy’s Community Partners for this exclusive program.
“A stunning book and a gift to our nation. Anchored by more than a decade of research and engagement with Americans across the country, Michele Norris takes us on a journey into the heart of this country’s painful, complex, and unrelenting battle with the salience and significance of race in our lives.”
— Sherrilyn Ifill, Howard Law School, and former President & Director-Counsel NAACP Legal Defense Fund

Just Me: Recent works by Stuart McClean - Closing Reception
2024-02-01 18:00 - 21:00 | The King Arts Complex, 835 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43203, United States
Join us on February 1st from 6 PM – 9 PM for the closing reception of “Just Me: Recent works by Stuart McClean” exhibition.
Internationally acclaimed gallery owner and artist, Stuart McClean brilliantly illustrates the black aesthetic through his collection of work, which is vibrant, colorful and full of movement. Drawing on his Caribbean roots…he creates, “feel good art” that emerges from within and reflects his Trinidadian and Carnival Spirit.
Don’t miss an opportunity to purchase his work and meet Stuart in the Elijah Pierce Gallery!
Stuart McClean Website
