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The Indianapolis Public Library’s African American History Committee Is Celebrating 37th Anniversary of “Meet the Artists” with “Pearl Experience” Exhibit and Gala

01/27/2025
The Indianapolis Public Library’s African American History Committee Is Celebrating 37th Anniversary of “Meet the Artists” with “Pearl Experience” Exhibit and Gala
A diverse range of artistic styles and mediums will be showcased at Central Library during the gala including large sculptures, paintings, and jewelry.
A diverse range of artistic styles and mediums will be showcased at Central Library during the gala including large sculptures, paintings, and jewelry..

Meet the Artists, an annual exhibit and gala celebrating African American artists in Indianapolis will return to Central Library for its 37th anniversary. A diverse collection of art will be showcased at Central Library from Wednesday, January 29, to Saturday, March 29.

The Library will host a free gala opening reception on Saturday, February 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 photobooth.

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, 2025 from 6-9 p.m. This event pays tribute to Indianapolis’ 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 our artists’ works are on display online. Click here to learn more about FHLBank Indianapolis’ connection to the arts.

This event is made possible by The Indianapolis Foundation Library Fund and FHLBank Indianapolis through grants to The Indianapolis Public Library Foundation. Learn moreat indypl.org. Artists are listed below.

Curator: 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 Floor 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

Hypnotiq, 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



Media Contact: Keshia McEntire

Public Relations Intern Layah Gebauer contributed to this press release