Artmaking and Storytelling at the Whitney Museum

Visitors of all ages are invited to a day of visual storytelling inspired by Archibald John Motley, Jr.’s iconic painting Gettin’ Religion, featured in the Whitney’s collection.

Archibald John Motley, Jr. was a pioneering painter known for his bold and unique modernist style. He gained prominence in the 1920s during the early days of the Harlem Renaissance—a cultural movement celebrating African American art, music, and literature. Although this movement began in New York, it spread to other cities, including Chicago, where Motley spent most of his life. Gettin’ Religion is a bustling nighttime street scene of an African American community, illuminated by starlight and a glowing street lamp.

Come spend the day with us and create your own visual story. As the artist once said, “I think that every picture should tell a story. And I think that if a picture doesn’t tell a story, then it’s not a picture.”

Tip: Make your way to the theater at 11:30 am to catch a concert inspired by this painting organized by Jazz at Lincoln Center!