BUTTER: A Fine Art Fair celebrating Black visual artists from Indianapolis and beyond is only weeks away. The fifth iteration of the fair will feature new artists, activations, headlining performers and guests on the conversation stage.
“We are using this as a homecoming moment for our artists, our past artists, our past curators and our past guests,” said Deonna Craig, director of BUTTER. “We want everyone to … acknowledge the fact that we have been around for five years and that’s a big feat when it comes to the art world.”
Here’s everything you need to know before you go.
When and where is BUTTER?
BUTTER is returning to the car museum at The Stutz, 1060 N. Capital Ave., from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Aug. 29-30 and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Aug. 31. General admission tickets are $50 for adults and free for children 18 and under.
BUTTER Preview night takes place from 6-8 p.m. on Aug. 28. Tickets are $175.
This year, guests can purchase a VIP Pass for $400, which covers access to preview night an hour earlier in addition to admission to the fair over the weekend, access to Melt, the new VIP loft and exclusive BUTTER swag and gear, Craig said.
Who are the artists?
BUTTER 5 is showcasing the work of 50 artists this year, 17 of which are returning artists — including Ashley Nora, Gary Gee, Israel Solomon, Andy Fear and Terrible Tony. More than half of the exhibiting artists are from Indiana, with a handful of national artists and one international artist.
New this year, one of the exhibiting artists will be presented with the Alan Mills Best in Show award, which is a juried $5,000 prize to be announced on preview night. A panel of art enthusiasts, collectors and administration will visit the fair before it opens to the public and score the artwork based on “originality, conceptual depth and cultural relevance,” Craig said.
What’s the theme?
This year’s theme is “remembrance” in honor of BUTTER’S five-year anniversary and paying homage to how far the art fair has come and where it is yet to go, Craig said.
“When we talk about remembrance, we’re saying to remember not only BUTTER and what BUTTER has been the past five years and throughout its iterations, but also remember what art means,” Craig said. “Remember what art means to our culture, what art means to telling our story, and what it means to future generations.
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What activations can I expect?
Throughout the weekend, attendees can take a detour from admiring the art to stop in and listen to a variety of moderated artist conversations at the Conversation Stage or rock and blues performances, by artists such as Buddy Red, on the I Made Rock and Roll outdoor stage and Ju’s Juke Joint, a 21+ I Made Rock and Roll activation inside the pink building giving guests “a chance to kind of dance away some of the energy that is evoked during butter,” Craig said.
BUTTER also tries to honor VIP guests with unique experiences, and Craig said this year is no different. Inside the VIP loft, guests can enjoy a new pop-up restaurant with dinners provided by CRG Aug. 29-30.
Can I bring my kids?
Yes, in fact, BUTTER 5’s Kid’s Zone has also been reimagined with help from the Children’s Museum, Lumina Foundation and Indy Sports Core, Craig said. A designated space for guests 18 and under to experience BUTTER is part of GANGGANG’S mission to infuse art in all spaces, and includes a Ferris wheel, a basketball half-court, games and tabletop activities and an interactive mural.
BUTTER is supposed to be an accessible art and culture experience, beyond the cost of the ticket. Craig said adding the soundstage for live performances and a dedicated space for younger attendees leans into their “something for everybody” intention.
“We want to meet people where they are if this is your first time experiencing the fair,” Craig said. “We want you to feel comfortable. We want you to be able to move and dance. We want you to network with people. … So, whether you are an art lover with art on the wall, or you are a music lover, or you are a foodie, we have something for everybody.”
Where can I get BUTTER merch?
The BUTTER shop has also expanded this year to include a complete retail experience. Vendors from across the country will join the shop, including Brittney Perry of PerryCo. Shoes. Perry is offering an interactive art experience where guests can purchase shoes and create their own piece of artwork.
BUTTTER: A Fine Art Fair is Aug. 29-31 at The Stutz. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit butterartfair.com.
Contact Arts & Culture Reporter Chloe McGowan at 317-762-7848. Follow her on X @chloe_mcgowanxx.
Chloe McGowan is the Arts & Culture Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper. Originally from Columbus, OH, Chloe has a bachelor's in journalism from The Ohio State University. She is a former IndyStar Pulliam Fellow, and has previously worked for Indy Maven, The Lantern, and CityScene Media Group. In her free time, Chloe enjoys live theatre, reading, baking and keeping her plants alive.
