Imagine a place where you can find artwork by local artists, indulge in food from some of Indy’s finest food trucks and enjoy spoken word and musical performances all at one event. This is reality for those part of WE ARE Indy, a group of Black innovators and artists looking to connect with the community. After seven years, the organization is bringing back their popular Art in the Garden event and they have lots in store for attendees.
The Recorder spoke with WE ARE Indy members, Latoya Marlin, Tony Radford and Omar Rashan about the upcoming Art in the Garden event to learn why they made 2016 the comeback year for this event and what attendees should expect.
Where did the Art in the Garden concept come from initially?
Radford: AITG (Art in the Garden) started with a few artists from 3001 N. New Jersey Studios in 1998. I am a member of the first group.
It’s been seven years since the last event. Why did it stop becoming an annual event and what makes this year so special?
Radford: AITG stopped because a lot of the studio artists moved out of the building. Since then, tons of people ask what happened to Art in the Garden so we decided to bring it back. In the meantime, I had been paying close attention to the younger generation of upcoming artists here in Indy that were working hard and making moves, some of which were apart of the Meet the Artists show in 2015 and 2016. I invited them to a meeting, and WE ARE is the new generation of artists.
Will the event be set up like an art fair?
Marlin: As far as the vendors, yes. We have 15 vendors that will be outside, ranging from artists to small business owners selling handmade items. Members of WE ARE will all have their own works on display in the inside of the studio, so guests will be able to visit with vendors outside and view art work and take tours inside the studio. There will also be live music outside in the garden. Goldie will be performing; Januarie York will host the open mic portion of the show as well as perform a few pieces of her own. Saxophonist Rob Dixon will take the stage.
Talk about the importance of Goldie’s last performance in Indy and describe her style of music for those who are unfamiliar.
Radford: For me, it’s great opportunity for WE ARE and the community to say farewell to a local icon and have her give her last performance at the rebirth of AITG. Goldie’s style is neo-soul, R&B, jazz and pop with a little country.
What type of art should people expect? Are they all pieces from local artists?
Rashan: People can expect to see fine arts, visual arts, and even some decorative art. Yes, this year all of the pieces are from local artists.
Anything else people should know about this year’s event?
Rashan: Not only do the artists have the chance to sell their work, they also learn first-hand what potential buyers think of their work. This can also help some African-American artists to better understand the marketplace when it comes to selling art. People should know that AITG is a community and family-oriented event that inspires to touch every culture.
