With Black History Month now in full swing, the Recorder put together a short list of a few events and activities going on around Indianapolis to enjoy with family and friends, from art exhibitions to lectures and film screenings and more.
Meet the Artists XXXV Gala Opening Reception
Indianapolis Public Library, 40. E. St. Clair. St.
Feb. 11, 5:30-10 p.m.
Free
With a theme of “Masters Exhibit,” the 35th annual Meet the Artists aims to highlight the more experienced Black artists around the city. On view now through March 25, the gala will feature art, live entertainment, workshops and more.
indypl.org/programs-events/meet-the-artists
Kyle T. Mays: Leon Jett Memorial Lecture
Eiteljorg Museum, 500 W. Washington St.Feb. 16, 6:30-8 p.m.
$10 for members, $15 for non-members
Kyle T. Mays, a professor of African American studies and American Indian studies and history at UCLA, will speak about hip-hop music by Native artists, as well as discuss the relationship between Blackness and indigeneity.
History on Film: Black Resistance
Toby Theatre and DeBoest Lecture Hall, Newfields, 4000 N. Michigan Road
Feb. 11, 18 and 25, 1-3 p.m.
Free
Every Saturday during Black History Month, join Newfields for a double feature film screening which includes a documentary and a narrative feature film focusing on Black Resistance in America in the 1960s, ‘70s and ‘80s. Screenings are first come, first served seating.
Black History Month Art Show
Phiri Art, 120 E. Market St.
Feb. 25, 3-8 p.m.
$3
Join Phiri for a special art show celebrating Black History Month. The show will feature live music, poetry and vendors to shop from in addition to work from local Black artists with the goal of promoting culture, awareness and togetherness in 2023.
Art & Soul Celebration + Wes Montgomery 100-year Tribute
The Arts Garden, 110 W. Washington St.
Feb. 25, 4:30-7 p.m.
$15
Don’t miss the final event of the 27th annual Art & Soul festival. Featuring a Rob Dixon-led tribute to the late jazz guitarist Wes Montgomery, the event will include an art show, vendors, a cash bar and live performances.
American Pianists Awards Performance by Isaiah J. Thompson
The Jazz Kitchen, 5377 N. College Ave.
Feb. 25, 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.
Tickets start at $20
Jazz pianist and composer Isaiah Thompson will perform a solo and trio set in preparation of the American Pianist Awards finals in April. The performance is also available to livestream on the website.
americanpianists.org/jazz/finalists/18-jazz/finalists/497-isaiah-thompson
Legacy: Celebrating Black Voices
Garfield Park Arts Center, 2432 Conservatory Drive
Feb. 3-25
Free
Throughout February, the Garfield Park Arts Center will host the seventh annual Legacy show in its main gallery. Featuring a variety of artwork from local Black artists, the show will include painting, drawing, mixed-media and sculpture.
Contact staff writer Chloe McGowan at 317-762-7848 or chloegm@indyrecorder.com. Follow her on Twitter @chloe_mcgowanxx.
Chloe McGowan is the Arts & Culture Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper. Originally from Columbus, OH, Chloe graduated with a degree in journalism from The Ohio State University. She is a former IndyStar Pulliam Fellow, and her previous work includes freelancing for Indy Maven, Assistant Arts & Life Editor for The Lantern, and editorial assistant at CityScene Media Group. Chloe enjoys covering all things arts and culture — from local music, visual art, dance, theater and film, as well as minority-owned businesses. In her free time, Chloe enjoys reading, cooking and keeping her plants alive.
