INDIANAPOLIS — 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, Jan. 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.
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.
Visitors can see the exhibition during open hours at Central Library, 40 East Saint Clair St. , from through Saturday, March 29. Hours are: Mon – Tue, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Wed – Thu, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Fri – Sat, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sun 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Some of the artwork on display is also available online at indypl.org
In addition to Meet the Artists, the library will be hosting a fascinating program on the history of quilitying and African American storytelling with Dr. Tony Dickerson from the Quilters Guild of Indianapolis on Tuesday, February 11 between 6:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., at the Center for Black Literature and Culture. This is an all ages program.
