Meet the Artists, one of Indianapolis’ most cherished and anticipated events will return for its 27th year at the Indianapolis Public Library, Central branch until March 28 with the theme “Art With Passion.”
The free event will showcase both the mature and fresh artistic talents of the city. Sponsored by the library’s African-American History Committee, attendees will be presented art in a variety of mediums, including acrylics, tattoo work, oils, sculpture, crochet, digital, mixed media and more sure to appeal to all ages.
A special gala presentation will give community art lovers a chance to engage with the artists on Feb. 14 at the “Meet the Artists Gala and Reception” from 5-10 p.m. Not only will art be on display, musical and spoken word performances as well as a fashion show will take place. The conclusion of the event will feature a special tribute to Indianapolis poet Mari Evans.
Mike Graves, a graffiti artist who has participated in the event in 2013 said it’s always good to see other artists’ work.
“I know some of these people from just being in the scene but a lot of times you don’t get to see what they’ve been working on for the past year,” mentioned Graves who began sketching graffiti in middle school. “It’s cool because you have authors, musicians and spoken word artists as well.”
Tasha Beckwith’s digital art depicts African-Americans in a surreal environment. She recalls visiting the event as a child and said she feels honored to participate as a featured artist.
“I want to share my line of art work and hopefully sell a few art pieces as well,” she said.
For some artists, the exhibit is a way to break into the Indianapolis art scene. Rebecca Robinson, an Indy native who recently moved back home from Atlanta, sees Meet the Artists as a way to showcase her unique painting style and fashion business.
“I’m hoping to really make my mark on the Indianapolis market. People know me for doing more of the fashion side of art, but Indianapolis is just now getting on board the art and culture scene,” said Robinson. “I’m new to the Indianapolis market when it comes to that and I want to be able to network and connect with some of the local artists.”
At North Carolina Central University, where Robinson studied visual communications, is where she discovered her love for acrylics. She said most of her pieces reflect her own life experiences.
“I really love art that projects a feeling or a certain experience I have overcome or a sense of empowerment. When I do regular art shows like Meet he Artists, I try to come up with a theme but normally what I’ll do is turn my artwork into hand bags.”
For the past 12 years Robinson has been cutting up canvases and sewing them into purses through her business called Psnob.
Meet other artists like Graves, Robinson and Beckwith at Meet the Artists 2015 Gala Reception. For more information, visit Indypl.org.
