We all know his story. We've all heard his words. He had a dream, and he shared it with the world. His dream for racial equality and an end to discrimination was at the very heart of the American Civil Rights Movement. He was a leader, an inspiration, and a man whose name now belongs to history.

We still celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. every January. This year, 171 Cedar Arts Center in Corning is not leaving education about King's life solely up to the history teachers. Through both an art exhibition and a special evening dedicated to "Making Real the Dream," the arts center is portraying King's life in a very poignant way. Now in its 27th year of honoring King, 171 is offering arts learning experience, visual artwork exhibits and performances created by talented artists throughout the region.

At 7:30 p.m. on Friday, January 13, the celebration begins with a special film and performance. Former 171 dance student Amelia Harnas created a film exploring the contradictory ideas of "dreaming." On one hand, her film argues, dreaming is visualizing what you want within waking life ("I have a dream!"), but on the other, it's being in an unconscious state and passively undergoing bizarre trials ("I must be dreaming!"). In her film, Harnas urges her audience to consider what it would be like to wake up inside that dream in scenario two and take control of it. She asks, "How does that differ from waking life or from being a minority?"

Created in Corning, this black and white silent film incorporates details from a choreographed dance piece, which will be performed immediately following the film. Harnas, along with three more 171 dance program alumnae as well as inspiring young artists living in the Corning area will perform the choreographed routine. King's "I have a dream" speech serves as inspiration for the dance which explores the difference between having a dream and acting upon it.

Dr. King's dream was not merely something he proclaimed through a microphone. He pursued it. He fought to make it a reality. Motivated by King's ideas, as well as other contemporary thoughts about dreams, society and psychology, the dancers have decided to make moves toward realizing their dreams. "The evolution of the choreography and improvisations will be to move beyond safety of the known structure and into a space where dreams can become reality," said Lynn Dates, Executive Director of 171.

"We love when dancers return to perform at 171," she said. "They venture out into the world to pursue college or careers and come back with new perspectives on life, which is reflected in their choreography. Our students are known for their giving spirit, and this performance is testament to four return students who are going above and beyond to share their love of dance with our community."

Following the dance, 171's Women's Chorale will perform selections from their repertoire. "The Chorale's treble voices will round out the celebration, allowing us to further reflect upon Dr. King's life and dream," Dates said.

The artwork exhibit, which runs from January 13 through February 3, will feature two- and three-dimensional works of art. Twelve talented artists from the Corning area will have work in the exhibit.

171 will also be offering several special classes when "School's Out" on Monday, January 16. Children ages 8-14 can learn to "Speak the Dream" through a poetry class or "Build the Dream" through a sculpture session. Children ages 7 and up can "Imagine the Dream" with color or "Mold the Dream" with clay. Pre-registration is required for all programs, and supplies are provided. To register, call 607.936.4647. For more information, visit 171 Cedar Arts Center website.

This year, 171 is taking Martin Luther King, Jr.'s words to heart. They're dreaming big, and encouraging you to do the same. Make sure you're there to share in the experience.