Express Yourself Studios Continues Community-Centered Art Programming in 2026

Livingston, NJ — January 2026 — Express Yourself Studios, a mobile arts organization serving communities across New Jersey, enters 2026 reaffirming its commitment to using art as a tool for connection, reflection, and community engagement.

Founded in 2008, Express Yourself Studios has a long-standing history of partnering with libraries, schools, civic organizations, and community groups to deliver accessible, inclusive art programming. In the new year, the organization continues this mission through a robust schedule of workshops and public art initiatives designed to serve participants of all ages.

A key highlight of the season is Express Yourself Studios’ participation in Livingston’s 2026 Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service, where the organization will lead a community artmaking experience titled “Pieces of the Dream.”

The MLK Day Mini Mural Project will take place on Monday, January 19, 2026, from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM at the Livingston Senior Community Center. Facilitated by Simone Anthony-Brown, Founder of Express Yourself Studios, the project invites families and community members to create individual 8” x 8” canvases inspired by Dr. King’s teachings on unity, hope, service, and belonging. Each canvas will become part of a collaborative artwork—Pieces of the Dream: Livingston’s Community Mural—which will be publicly displayed throughout February.

“This project reflects our belief that art can be a meaningful and accessible way for people of all ages to engage with Dr. King’s legacy,” said Anthony-Brown. “By creating together, we’re honoring the idea of the Beloved Community through participation and shared expression.”

Anthony-Brown serves on the planning committee for Livingston’s MLK Day of Service through her role with the Livingston Committee for Diversity and Inclusion (LCDI), contributing her experience as an artist and educator to support the day’s programming.

The MLK Day project continues a tradition established by Express Yourself Studios, which for many years hosted the annual workshop “Celebrate Dr. King: Explore the Dream Through Art” during its time as a brick-and-mortar studio in Maplewood. The current initiative reflects the organization’s evolution into a mobile model while maintaining its focus on community-centered art experiences.

In addition to the MLK Day Mini Mural Project, Express Yourself Studios will facilitate a wide range of Arts in the Community programs throughout 2026, including pottery, painting, and collage workshops at libraries and adult education programs across the region. Upcoming partners include Florham Park Library, Millburn Public Library, Union Public Library, SOMA Adult School, Chatham/Madison Adult School, Livingston Public Library, Linden Public Library, and youth-serving organizations in East Orange and Elizabeth.

All programs are designed to be welcoming, hands-on, and accessible, with registration managed directly through each host organization.

As Express Yourself Studios moves forward in 2026, the organization remains focused on strengthening community connections through creative practice and collaboration.

Organizations interested in partnering with Express Yourself Studios to bring art programming to their communities are encouraged to get in touch.

About Express Yourself Studios
Express Yourself Studios is a mobile arts organization founded in 2008 by artist and educator Simone Anthony-Brown. The organization partners with libraries, schools, community organizations, and civic groups to deliver creative workshops that support learning, wellness, and community engagement through art.