by Nate Gotlieb
Contributing Writer
Elk River AP art students are honoring Martin Luther King Jr. this month with artworks inspired by the civil rights leader’s teachings and messages.
The students created pieces for an annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day gallery, which is on display at Union Congregational Church through Jan. 31.
Elk River High School students Addy Audette (left), Julia Abell (middle) and Jaci Eatheron (right) created artworks inspired by the teachings of Martin Luther King Jr. for an annual gallery at Union Congregational Church.
The church began hosting the gallery five years ago, when the Rev. Dana Mann approached teacher Rana Nestrud about displaying the works in connection with a concert. The church places a big emphasis on social justice, member LuAnn Suilmann said, and the gallery gave it a visual reminder of its work on that front.
“It helps us to connect more deeply with the work of Dr. King,” she said, “and it’s nice for the students to have exposure.”
Nestrud keeps the annual assignment open ended, allowing the students to use different mediums and images. She takes the students on a virtual field trip to the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, and they talk about the key figures and milestones of the period.
Many students featured a portrait of King in their works. Some used color, while others kept their works black and white.
Senior Julia Abell created a black-and-white print portrait of King.
She painted the phrase “I am a man” over his face in homage to the sanitation workers’ movement of the 1960s.
“I wanted it to feel like a propaganda poster and to portray the idea that red, white or black, we’re all humans and we’re all on the same level,” Abell said. “America is about equality and freedom, and I think Martin Luther King was a big leader in finding that in our country.”
Senior Addy Audette also created a black-and-white portrait of King.
She wrote the phrase “let freedom ring” next to his head and painted over newspaper clippings with words that represent King.
“I just wanted it to be bold and standout, just like his message,” she said.
Senior Ally Harris said King provided a message of hope, noting how his story can empower people to create positive change. She said she enjoyed seeing her work, a black-and-white portrait of King, hanging in a gallery. Audette noted how King went against the norms of his time and how many Americans are still fighting for the ideals for which he stood.
“We’re all human and we should all be treated equally,” she said.
“Remembering it each year just helps to bring back to life his thoughts and ideas.”
The church is hosting the gallery through Jan. 31. Exhibit hours are 10 a.m. to noon Sundays and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday.
The public is welcome. Contact the church office at 763-441-1203 or via email at churchoffice@elkriverucc.org with questions. The church is located at 1118 Fourth St.