An exiting opportunity awaits those who enjoy fine art and are looking for something exciting and refreshing to experience.
After much anticipation, the 2011 Meet the Artists exhibit is now on display inside the Central Library downtown at 40 E. St. Clair St.
One of the city’s most popular art events, Meet the Artist, showcases the work of established and new African-American artists from Indianapolis and around the country.
Guests of all ages can view several different types of artistic works during regular library hours of service, while enjoying cultural entertainment at the same time.
This year’s featured artists will include Deloris Drane (mixed media arts), Angela Fisher (dolls), Onye Ndika (jewelry), Eric Shelton (organic sculpture) and Gevoris McCrary (woodcut prints).
Special youth exhibits presented will include the “Creative Mask” and “In Their Own Words,” a student writing display.
Meet the Artist is presented by the Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library.
“We don’t have a Black gallery or museum here, so Meet the Artist is a catalyst for African-American artists to be able to express themselves through all mediums,” said Anthony “Tony” Radford, a local mixed media artist and curator of Meet the Artists.
Radford, who works for the library and serves on its African-American History Committee, developed the idea for Meet the Artists after encountering the work of Joe Holiday, who was recognized by many connoisseurs as “the dean” of local Black artists until his death in the 1990s. Impressed with Holiday’s art, Radford wondered why it had never been displayed in a public venue.
That experience inspired Radford to approach library officials about hosting an event displaying the talents of Black artists, and the first Meet the Artist exhibit was organized in 1989. That event attracted about 250 guests, and now the annual showcase has grown to attract thousands of individuals.
“We’ve been blessed to be able to spark a kind of renaissance in the arts community here,” Radford said. “It’s been a wonderful experience and a great ride.”
Deloris Drane, best known for her paintings and hand-built ceramics, has participated in Meet the Artists since its first run and has enjoyed it every year.
“Meet the Artists is the place to be during this time of year,” Drane said excitedly. “It’s great because you have camaraderie among the artists during a quality show, and the community has a chance to see some fantastic artwork. It just gets better every year.”
This year’s Meet the Artists exhibit will be on display from now until March 26. The entire community is invited to personally meet and mingle with artists during the Meet Artists Gala Reception on the evening of Saturday, Feb. 19 at the Central Library.
Special guest performers during the free event will include the Griot Drum Ensemble, Fighting Words Poetry, illusionist and magician Walter “The Spellbinder” King Jr., the Nu Soul Theory Band and Elaine’s Fashion Show.
In addition, members of Freetown Village will be there to provide storytelling and games for families. Portrait artist Glenn L. Walker and authors Paula Kuria, Aminah Iman, Al Smith and Alicia Fleming will be on hand to sign and sell their works. Jazz CDs will be available from vendor Robert E. Thurman.
Organizers say this year’s Meet the Artists event is an affair that should not be missed, especially by those who have not had the opportunity to see the annual showcases.
“We need people to come out and see us and learn about the quality of art we have in our own community,” Drane said. “This is one of the most culturally-enriching events in the city, and it offers something for the entire family.”
