Meet the Artists – an annual exhibit and gala celebrating African-American artists – returns to the Central Library for its 37th anniversary. The diverse collection of art will be showcased from Wednesday, Jan. 29, to Saturday, March 29.
The Library will host a free gala opening reception on Saturday, Feb. 15, from 5:30 to 10 p.m. The 2025 Gala, titled Pearl Experience, honors 30 years of Meet the Artists’ iconic fashion show—a fast-paced runway event that continues to captivate gala attendees.
The gala opening reception’s free pre-show Red Carpet Experience, hosted by The Fabulous Mr. Patrick, will take place in the Simon Reading Room near the Center for Black Literature and Culture’s doors from 5:15 to 5:40 p.m. The event will feature live music, interviews and a 360-degree photo booth.
At 5:30 p.m., the Atrium doors will open to commence the Gala Opening Reception. This year’s Gala, hosted by past and current WTHR personalities Steve “Scoop” Jefferson and Karen Campbell, will feature a variety of entertainment such as a fashion show, DJs and live music, comedians, poets, and youth workshops. A full gallery staging 2D, 3D, written, and youth art will be displayed during the event.
This year, the Library will be hosting a Fourth Friday viewing on Friday, March 28, from 6 to 9 p.m. This event pays tribute to the city’s tradition of art galleries and creative spaces staying open late and welcoming everyone on the first Friday of each month.
Cordia Watkins, circulation manager and chairperson of the Indianapolis Public Library’s African-American History Committee, said Meet the Artists was developed to supply local, African-American artists with a platform to showcase their talents and creative works to a wider audience. The event aims to educate the community while also promoting the artists’ work.
“Meet the Artists is more than an exhibit. It’s a celebration of talent, heritage, and the stories that African-American artists bring to life,” said Watkins. “Our goal is to highlight their creativity and provide a space where the community can connect with the art, the culture, and the conversations that emerge from all of it.”
A diverse range of artistic styles and mediums will be showcased at Central Library during the gala including large sculptures, paintings, and jewelry. In addition to these art pieces, literary works by local Black authors will also be featured.
“Meet the Artists is a signature event for The Indianapolis Public Library, and I am proud to be part of its legacy,” said Gregory Hill, CEO of The Library. “This year, we are especially excited to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the iconic fashion show, a dazzling highlight of the exhibition. As a member of the African-American History Committee, I’ve had the privilege of contributing behind the scenes for many years, and it’s always inspiring to see how this event uplifts the artistry and culture of our community.”
Thanks to our sponsor FHLBank of Indianapolis, some of the artists’ works are on display online, Hill added.
This event is made possible by The Indianapolis Foundation Library Fund and FHLBank Indianapolis through grants to The Indianapolis Public Library Foundation. Learn more at indypl.org. Meet the Artists is curated by Anthony “Tony” Radford.
Featured artists / South display hall, Simon Reading Room and the Center for Black Literature & Culture
- Angelita Hampton
- Jonathan Southern
- Boxx The Artist
- 31 Woman
- King Noisey
- Derek Tuder
- Faith Blackwell
- Jamichael Kyng Pollard
- Art by Jarrod
- Odyssey Bonds
- Mello Minded
- Latoya R. Marlin
- Linda Evans
- Makai The Art Guy
- Dr. Mattie Lee Jones
- Ratat Rayay
- Tania Michelle Wineglass
- Zuri Mayasa
- Mr. Vernon T. Bateman
- Textile artists / Upright display cases on floors 3-5
- K. Dixon – QDMOTU
- Blue Metal Leathergoods
- La Diva Dolls, LLC
- Chibbey Wee Crochet
- Large sculpture artists / Installation on Floors 3-4
- Roqstarr (Gypsy Hustle)
Reclaimed art collaboration / Floor 3
- Edison School of the Arts, IPS 47 – teacher: Shay Atkinson
Youth artists / Simon Reading Room display bookcases
- Omari Jones
- Razyah Jones
- V. Jones
- JB Art
Authors / Display case, rloor 3
- Ralph Parrott
- Demond Hicks
- Dollie Maria Ross
- Katina Washington
- Shelly
- Trinity Hopkins
Featured performing artists
- DJiSM, DJ
- E. Saunders(Green-eyed bandit), comedian
- Indianapolis metro Chapter GMWA, Gospel
- J. Saxton, saxophonist
- Alaina Renae Experience Band, live music
- Hypnotic, aka Bougee, poet
- Urban Theatre/KaidyDid Productions, Motown Sound Live
- Tiffianie King/Regina Warren/Kalenna Baskin, fashion show directors,
- “Black to the future 30 years of Fashion”
Youth workshops & entertainment
- CBLC & East Reading Room
- Face Painting with Cinamon the Clown
- Balloon Twisting by Tiphanny Keyes
- “The Magic In You” Magic class with The Magic Comic
- Stem Craft with Nyla Nova Stemversity
Photographer
- Beyond the Focus
360 photo booth
- Charkym Unlimited LLC
Food vendor
- Chef Dan’s Southern Comfort Food
