Meet the Artists 2025: Celebrating 37 years of Black art

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Meet the Artists XXXVI kicks off at the Indianapolis Public Library on Jan. 31 with an opening gala and fashion show on Feb. 17. The art will be on display throughout the library through March 23. (Photos provided/Indianapolis Public Library)
Meet the Artists XXXVII kicks off at the Indianapolis Public Library on Jan. 29 with an opening gala and fashion show on Feb. 15. The art will be on display throughout the library through March 29. (Photos provided/Indianapolis Public Library)

Meet the Artists, an annual celebration of Black art in Indianapolis, is back at Central Library for its 37th year.

Presented by the Indianapolis Public Library’s African American History Committee and curated by Anthony Radford, Meet the Artists XXXVII opens at Central Library Jan. 29. Meet the Artists’ free opening gala reception, entitled “Pearl Experience,” takes place from 5:30-10 p.m. on Feb. 15 and honors 30 years of the Meet the Artists fashion show.

“Meet the Artists is more than an exhibit. It’s a celebration of talent, heritage, and the stories that African American artists bring to life,” Cordia Watkins, circulation manager and chair of the Indianapolis Public Library’s African American History Committee, said in a statement. “Our goal is to highlight their creativity and provide a space where the community can connect with the art, the culture and the conversations that emerge from all of it.”

Continuing tradition, Meet the Artists showcases a variety of artistic styles and mediums, such as sculptures, paintings, jewelry work and fashion designs as well as literary works by Black authors.

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Before the opening reception, guests are invited to a free pre-show Red Carpet Experience in the Simon Reading Room at 5:15 p.m. Hosted by The Fabulous Mr. Patrick, the pre-show features live music, interviews and a 360-degree photo booth.

New this year, the library is hosting a “Fourth Friday” viewing from 6-9 p.m. on March 28, paying homage to the Indianapolis tradition where art galleries and creative spaces stay open late and welcome everyone on the first Friday of the month.

“Meet the Artists is a signature event for The Indianapolis Public Library, and I am proud to be part of its legacy,” Gregory Hill, CEO of the library, said in a statement. “This year, we are especially excited to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the iconic fashion show, a dazzling highlight of the exhibition. As a member of the African American History Committee, I’ve had the privilege of contributing behind the scenes for many years, and it’s always inspiring to see how this event uplifts the artistry and culture of our community.”

The 37-year-running exhibition, which celebrates the diverse talent and discipline of African American artists in the city during Black History Month, will be on display at Central Library, 40 E. St. Clair St., until March 29. For more information, visit indypl.org/locations/central-library

Contact Arts & Culture Reporter Chloe McGowan at 317-762-7848. Follow her on X @chloe_mcgowanxx.

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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.