INDIANAPOLIS — The works of prominent local African-American artists will be on display during the 28th annual Meet the Artists exhibit, continuing through March 26 at the Central Library, 40 E. St. Clair St.
This year’s version of Meet the Artists features works by 21 artists representing a variety of mediums. The exhibit, sponsored by The Indianapolis Public Library’s African-American History Committee, has become one of the city’s premiere cultural events while providing an avenue for African-American artists to showcase their works.
Participating artists include Kevin Johnson (mixed media); Alison Middleton (mixed media/paint); Andre Parnell (graphic art); Clayton Hamilton (sign painting); Octavius Lettsome (color pencil); Derrick Carter (sand art); Judie L. Sloan (glass); Marshall F. Lewis (acrylic, pencil, pen & ink); SheRae Parker (mixed media); Stephen & Sherian Barnes (acrylic); Darian Tucker (mixed media); Sidney Holmes (water color); Aboubakar Allal (African craft); Gaicha Boutali (African craft); Andre Edwards (jewelry); Courtney Porter (jewelry); Sharita Scott (mixed drawings); Denise Warnsby (mixed jewelry); Dennis Green (wood); Keith Bullock (metal) and Larry Vaughn (stone).
The event also will include two youth exhibitors, eight-year-old Kynden Noelle, a student at the Butler Lab School (jewelry), and 10-year-old Christopher Arnold, a student at Avondale Meadows Academy (mixed abstracts).
The entire community is invited to meet the artists and enjoy an evening of cultural entertainment during the Meet the Artists Gala Reception on Feb. 13 from 5 – 10 p.m. at Central Library. This free event will feature a variety of performers, including the Sancocho Drummers, the Rodnie Bryant Gospel Choir, poet and actor Ivory A. McDonald (“I .AM”), poet Percy Bland, Jr., comedian Ron Baker, Jr., and the Sizzlin’ Gregg Bacon Band.
Capping the evening will be the “Elements of Art Meet Fashion” show coordinated by CoCo Cuffie. For youth, there will be workshops on face painting and mask making, a Tech Zoo, and a youth performance of “Let Me Soar Through the Sky” presented by the Brave Youth Society. Throughout the evening, notable local authors will be on hand to sign and sell copies of their works. These include Stacy Campbell, Mariah Lynn Jeanae Roberts, John F. Allen, Cynthia E. Carr and Sr. Stella Sabina.
A special First Friday event will be on March 4 from 6 – 9 p.m. at Central Library, during which the public can attend artist demonstrations and enjoy music and refreshments. This event will include self-guided and guided tours of art displays, clothing line presentations and author book signings.
For more information about this free event, call 275-4022.
