For 30 years the Indianapolis Public Library has been showcasing the work of some of the city’s top African American visual artists at Central Library during the month of February.
Anthony Radford put the first showcase together.
“I also like to bring in artists that work with weird stuff, we had a bubble gum artist one year," Radford says. "So I’m always introducing the public to something new, something controversial, statement pieces, fun pieces."
Dee Delreverda-Jennings blends texture, shape, and personal history in her work.
“An artist can do anything. You can make art work out of anything," she says."They’ll see a reflection of themselves for people of color, in my work.”
Radford says the location is as important as the art.
“Everybody is going to see it. Everybody from Susie Homemaker to doctors to lawyers," he says, "and it seems like every time we bring a special piece here, I’ve seen pieces in other exhibits but it gets more attention when it comes to Central Library because you’ve got a diverse group of people coming into the Central Library.”
The public is invited to a free showcase of visual art along with music, dance, spoken word, magic and storytelling during a Gala event Saturday night. The Meet the Artists exhibit will be on view in the library through the end of March with an Artist “Meet and Greet” on Friday, March 2.
