INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The Central Library in Indianapolis is celebrating Black artistry and culture with its 37th annual Meet The Artists exhibit.
For nearly four decades, the Meet the Artists exhibit has been a cornerstone of Indianapolis’ cultural scene, giving Black artists the recognition they deserve.
The exhibit is hosted by the Indianapolis Public Library’s African American History Committee . Curator and founder of Meet the Artists, and a long-time library employee, Anthony Radford says it started 37 years ago when he wanted to display his 10 pieces of art along with other Black artists.
“I never in my wildest dreams thought it would be this big or run this long. As a matter of fact, I stopped going to the meetings, I just thought it was a one shot deal,” Radford said. “They called me back the next year and say, ‘Hey, we want to do it again.’ I automatically added the youth and it’s grown phenomenally from there.”
Radford says there’s work displayed from over 20 Black textile artists, authors, youth artists, 2D visual artists, a collection from Edison School for Arts and a large sculpture artist.
Over the years the initiative has expanded making room for fashion designers and the performing arts. Meet the Artists celebrates 30 years of their annual fashion show this year.
“The objective was to start at the front door and take it all the way up to the fifth floor,” Radford said.
As Radford sees it, the goal is to educate the public about Black art, and network with fellow artists.
“We’ve had it all here and it’s been great to have a platform to introduce these folks to the general public,” he said.
Meet the Artists’ planning for next year’s event is already in the works and Radford’s on the hunt for new artists.
“It’s been great, people love it. I’m doing well with it and I’m getting ready to do t-shirts, hoodies and a whole line of The Royal Brush series,” Radford said.
Friday March 28, the library will host a meet and greet with the artists.
All of the artwork displayed at the Central library is for sale. You can visit the exhibit until March 29.