View the Art Exhibit
Wednesday, January 29 - Saturday, March 29
Central Library | 40 E. St. Clair Street
View the works of prominent local African American artists during one of the city’s premiere cultural events, Meet the Artists XXXVII "Pearl Experience" celebrating 30 years of fashion. Works are on display throughout Central Library during regular Library hours. The exhibit was created to provide an avenue for local, talented African American artists to show off their creative works, artists whose works might not otherwise have a chance to appear in front of such a large audience. Meet the Artists provides an opportunity to educate the community at large and promote the work of the artists. The exhibit, curated by Anthony Radford, is free and open to the public.
Gala Opening Reception
The Gala took place Saturday, February 15 with a pre-show Red Carpet Experience featuring The Fabulous Mr. Patrick as well as live music, interviews, and a 360 photo booth. The rest of the evening's activities, hosted by special guest MCs Steve "Scoop" Jefferson and Karen Campbell included:
- DJ - DJism
- Poet – Hypnotiq
- Band – Alaina Renae Experience
- Saxophonist - J. Saxton
- Sounds of Motown by Kaidydid Productions/Urban Theatre
- Comedian - E. Saunders
- Fashion Show - Black to the Future 30 years of Fashion
- Balloon Twisting by Tiphanny Keyes
- Face Painting with Cinamon The Clown
- Magic Class - The Magic In You”
- STEM Craft - Nyla Nova Stemversity
A photo gallery of the evening is coming soon!
4th Friday Celebration
Friday, March 28 from 6-9 p.m.
Central Library | 40 E. St. Clair Street
Join us to close out the exhibit and meet and greet the artists!
2025 Featured Artists
Artists:
- 31 Woman
- Angelita Hampton
- Art by Jarrod
- Boxx The Artist
- Derek Tuder
- Dr. Mattie Lee Jones
- Faith Blackwell
- Jamichael Kyng Pollard
- Jonathan Southern
- King Noisey
- Latoya R. Marlin
- Linda Evans
- Mello Minded
- Makai The Art Guy
- Mr. Vernon T. Bateman
- Odyssey Bonds
- Ratat Rayay
- Tania Michelle Wineglass
- Zuri Mayasa
Textile Artists:
- Blue Metal Leathergoods
- Chibbey Wee Crochet
- K. Dixon - QDMOTU
- La Diva Dolls, LLC
Large Sculpture Artist:
- Roqstarr (Gypsy Hustle)
Reclaimed Art:
- Edison School of the Arts, IPS 47 – teacher: Shay Atkinson
Youth Artists:
- JB Art
- Omari Jones
- Razyah Jones
- V. Jones
Authors:
- Demond Hicks
- Dollie Maria Ross
- Katina Washington
- Michele Winston
- Ralph Parrott
- Trinity Hopkins
Book List: Black to the Future - 30 Years of African American Fashion in Indianapolis and Beyond
Black to the Future: 30 Years of African American Fashion in Indianapolis and Beyond
Celebrate Meet the Artists XXXVII with the Library! Immerse yourself in masterful local art and electric fashion at our annual celebration of the arts and 30th anniversary fashion show. Before you join us for the "Pearl Experience" on February 15, read up on the colorful legacy of Black creatives in the fashion world, in Indy and abroad.
Sponsors
Presented by The Indianapolis Public Library African American History Committee.
Made possible by Friends of the Library through gifts to The Indianapolis Public Library Foundation.
We are excited to announce the generous support of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis. In celebration of their contribution, works of 10 artists are on exhibit at the bank. Please note, this exhibit is not open to the public.
