Arts Garden hosts Art & Soul, featuring more than 100 African American artists

It’s a “not-to-be-missed” event at the Indianapolis Artsgarden… and YOU’RE invited!

Today on Indy Style, Gary Gee, Featured Artist, Art & Soul at the Artsgarden, tells us how over 100 new, emerging, and established African American artists will celebrate the arts during Black History Month with free, daily performances… PLUS… Gary shows us some of his incredible artwork and the meaning behind each piece! Art & Soul

The Arts Council of Indianapolis hosts the 22 nd annual Art & Soul, January 27 – February 28, 2018. In recognition of Black History Month, the Arts Council will host an Art & Soul kick-off celebration on January 27 featuring an African drum procession and a variety of musical performances. Art & Soul will continue throughout February with must-see performances at the Artsgarden. Performances are free and open to the public and begin at 12:15 daily.Arts Council of Indianapolis

The Arts Council is an organization that advocates for the need and importance of broad community funding and support for a thriving arts scene; connects artists, audiences, businesses, foundations, and arts and cultural organizations with opportunities to expand central Indiana’s creative vitality; and innovates by constantly pursuing and promoting programs that catalyze creative growth in central Indiana.Gary Gee

Gary began his career in graphic design with an associates degree in visual communications, then received his BFA from Herron School of Art & Design in 2016 which allowed him to move his work into a more self-expressive form. He is a painter and a sculptor creating works on canvas and ceramic sculpture, often using non-traditional substrates and an incongruous mix of different media. His work references urban street art, art history, and hip hop culture. Gary describes his work as very “take-charge” with loud, aggressive, and vibrant riffs that pour from his heart and soul. Art & Soul at the Artsgarden

The Indianapolis Artsgarden is owned and operated by the Arts Council of Indianapolis. Located above the intersection of Washington and Illinois Streets. All Art & Soul events are free and open to the public. Events start at 12:15 pmSaturday, January 27Art & Soul Kickoff Celebration

Art & Soul 2018 celebrates empowerment through the arts. Rise and take part in the kickoff celebration featuring a procession of African drumming by Griot Drum Ensemble, featured artists, and arts leaders; audience members singing the Black National Anthem; a jazz tribute to Wes Montgomery; an inspirational dance performance by Krash Krew Dance; and an art exhibition by Featured Artist Gary Gee. Meet Featured Artists: Ryan Bennet (Theatre), TOO Black (Spoken Word), Lauren Curry (Dance), and Gary Gee (Visual).Wednesday, January 31Jesse Hawkins

Classical ViolinistThursday, February 1KenyattáDance Co.

Contemporary modern dance companyFriday, February 2Featured Artist Ryan L. Bennet

Multi-dimensional storytellerSaturday, February 3Jared Thompson & Premium Blend

Hip-hop & jazz fusion groupWednesday, February 7Griot Drum Ensemble

High energy, African drum groupThursday, February 8Featured Artist Lauren Curry

Ballet & modern dancer Friday, February 9Brenda Williams

Dynamic & vivacious jazz vocalistSaturday, February 10Metropolitan Youth Orchestra

Chamber EnsembleWednesday, February 14George Tyler

Producer, musician – R&B, soul, jazz, & gospelThursday, February 15

Krash Krew

Gospel & hip-hop dance troupeFriday, February 16                Alex Bottom

Classical musicianSaturday, February 18Iibada Dance Co.

Children’s African dance companyWednesday, February 21Kim Kenny

Soul/Jazz vocalistThursday, February 22Indy Jazz Men

Upbeat jazz ensembleFriday, February 23Featured Artist TOO Black

Provocative spoken word poetSaturday, February 24Asante Children’s Theatre

Children’s theatre group

To learn more, visit: https://www.Indyarts.org

#ArtSoul

www.ArtbyGaryGee.com – Art By Gary Gee Dot Com

Instagram: @OriginalGaryGee