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Meet the Artists Gala Features Art with Passion

One of the city’s most celebrated cultural events will return for its 27th annual engagement when the works of 17 locally prominent African-American artists will be on display during “Meet the Artists,” January 28 – March 28 at Central Library, 40 E. St. Clair Street.

Sponsored by The Indianapolis Public Library’s African-American History Committee, the exhibit provides an avenue for African-American artists to showcase their works which represent a variety of artistic mediums created under this year’s theme, “Art With Passion.”

This year’s participating artists include James Pate (techno-cubism abstraction), Lisa Green (water colors), Mike Graves (graffiti), Latoya Marlin (oils), Aaron Underwood (color markers), Rebecca Robinson (acrylics), Omar Rashan (digital), Tasha Beckwith (mixed media), Lobyn Hamilton (vinyl and vinyl sculpture), Dennis Green (metal sculpture), D. DelReverda-Jennings (mixed media sculpture), Rehema McNeil (jewelry design), Tracy Morris (jewelry design), DeAndra Edmond (leather handbags, earrings and unique belts), La Monica Moore (nail artist), Pamela Carter (crochet) and Amani Tre Niner (tattoo art).

Two youth art exhibits will be on display. One is created by students from the summer art camp at the East Thirty-Eighth Street Branch, under the direction of artist and “Meet the Artists” curator Tony Radford. The other is an exhibit of pencil art drawings by Lawrence North High School student Sean M. Polley.

The public will have an opportunity to meet the artists and enjoy an evening of cultural entertainment during a special Valentine’s Day “Meet the Artists Gala Reception” on Saturday, February 14 from 5 – 10 p.m. at Central Library. This free event will feature a number of performances and presentations from the Urban Vibes African Drum Troupe; the Brian Reeves & Heart After God Ministries gospel choir; spoken word artists Tammy Burrus, Tony Styxx and VoCab Eyespeak; and the Bullet Proof Band. The evening will include a special tribute to noted local poet Mari Evans, as well as the “Fashion Passion” fashion show coordinated by Alpha Blackburn. Also, young people are invited to participate in workshops on storytelling, jewelry-making, crocheting and balloon sculpting taking place from 6 – 8:30 p.m. throughout Central Library.

It’s impossible not to be excited about it. These local artists are showing what the industry has evolved to.” Alpha Blackburn

A number of local authors also will be on hand to sell and sign copies of their books, including Sonny Bates (The Creole Affair); Dr. Stanley Warren (Crispus Attucks High School: Hail to the Green, Hail to the Gold); Faith McKinney (Schmingling); Cherlisa Starks Richardson (Summer Rain); Rosemary Featherstone Turentine (Straight Talk “Unchained”); Theresa Washington (All I Got Left); and Jonathan Thompson (Together We Stand). The evening also will feature a special tribute to Indianapolis poet Mari Evans.

Participating artists also will appear at a First Friday event on Friday, March 7 from 6 – 9 p.m. at Central Library, during which the public can attend artist demonstrations and enjoy music and refreshments.

Meet the Artists XXVII is made possible by the Christel DeHaan Family Foundation and Friends of the Library through gifts to The Indianapolis Public Library Foundation.

To learn more about the free “Meet the Artists” exhibit and Gala, call 275-4022 or visit the website at www.indypl.org