Indianapolis, Indiana – As the Month of May approaches, Indianapolis prepares to greet thousands of race fans, and the city’s vibrant arts scene will play a starring role in the welcome. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) and the Indy Arts Council have announced the five artists selected to create the 2026 Welcome Race Fans artworks, a program that celebrates Hoosier hospitality and the cultural energy that surrounds “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.”
This year’s selections—Kirsten Anderson, Jonathan E. Carr, Kylene Dolen, Kenyon Mason, and Philip Ramilo—were chosen from a record-breaking pool of 120 applicants, reflecting the growing excitement and talent within Central Indiana’s creative community. The artists will each produce original works displayed throughout the city, allowing visitors to encounter unique interpretations of Indianapolis and the Indy 500 as soon as they arrive.
“Since the 100th Running of the Indianapolis 500 in 2016, Welcome Race Fans art has been one of the first things thousands of visitors see when they come to the city of Indianapolis and IMS for the Month of May,” said INDYCAR and IMS President J. Douglas Boles. “As we showcase the more than 80 artists who have contributed to the program over the last decade and welcome five new artists in 2026, we’re reminded of the many reasons the Month of May is so special to so many.”
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Celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2026, Welcome Race Fans highlights how Indianapolis comes alive every May, both on and off the racetrack. Artists are tasked with interpreting what the Indy 500 and the city itself mean to them, producing pieces that range from two- to three-dimensional works, including sculptures, carvings, papercraft, and more. This year’s artists bring a diverse set of styles, mediums, and personal stories to the project, each reflecting a unique perspective on Indianapolis culture and motorsports.
Kirsten Anderson, known for her stained-glass artistry, uses the copper foil method to transform images into handcrafted glass designs. She carefully selects each piece of glass for color, texture, and pattern to tell stories that resonate and inspire. Her work, often layered with nuance and detail, brings a tactile, luminous quality to the Welcome Race Fans program that engages viewers in both light and narrative.
Jonathan E. Carr, a digital illustrator, draws on expansive natural landscapes as the foundation for his work. Guided by principles of balance, beauty, and intention, Carr immerses himself in the creative process to capture authentic energy and motion. His pieces are designed to evoke the dynamic thrill of racing while reflecting the environment and spirit of Central Indiana, offering fans a vibrant, visually rich interpretation of the city’s racing culture.
Kylene Dolen brings a pop-art approach to the program, creating acrylic paintings that layer bold colors and curated imagery into striking visual collages. Inspired by nostalgia, everyday life, and personal memories, she hand-draws each piece before adding acrylic layers and finishing touches, often highlighted with crisp black outlines. Her works promise to infuse Indianapolis with energy, color, and playful creativity during the Month of May.
Kenyon Mason is a 2D mixed media artist whose work merges graffiti, portraiture, and bold experimentation with color and materials. Combining dry and wet mediums and exploring sustainable materials, Mason creates expressive portraits that capture the raw energy of street-style art while showcasing refined traditional techniques. His contributions are expected to reflect both contemporary urban influences and the excitement that surrounds the Indy 500.
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Philip Ramilo, also a mixed media artist, draws inspiration from his life experiences and cultural heritage. By blending traditional and contemporary techniques, Ramilo’s artwork tells compelling stories exploring identity, memory, and transformation. His perspective offers a layered, personal lens through which visitors can engage with the broader cultural narrative of Indianapolis, connecting the local community with fans from around the world.
The five Welcome Race Fans artworks will be unveiled May 1, kicking off a month-long celebration that transforms Indianapolis into a hub of racing, culture, and artistic expression. From the sculptures and paintings placed around downtown to interactive installations that may appear near the Speedway itself, visitors will be greeted by a creative tapestry that captures the city’s spirit and the thrill of motorsports.
As the Welcome Race Fans program reaches its 10th year, it continues to reinforce the connection between Indianapolis’s art scene and its racing heritage. Over the past decade, more than 80 artists have contributed to the program, helping to make the Month of May an immersive experience for visitors and residents alike. The initiative highlights not only the excitement of the Indy 500 but also the ways in which creativity and community intersect in the city.
To explore the full list of Indy 500 community initiatives and programs, visitors can visit IMS.com/Community, and an up-to-date calendar of IMS events is available online for those planning their May experience. Through this blend of art, culture, and motorsports, Indianapolis welcomes the world in a celebration that goes far beyond the track, showcasing the talent, diversity, and creativity of Central Indiana.
