Indianapolis, Indiana – Art, fashion, and community will come together this February as The Indianapolis Public Library celebrates the 38th annual Meet the Artists exhibit and reception. Centered around this year’s theme, “Love in Action,” the monthlong celebration highlights African American creativity across multiple mediums and provides a platform for local artists, youth, and authors to share their work with the broader Indianapolis community.
The celebration officially kicks off on Valentine’s Day, February 14, from 5:30 to 10 p.m., at the Central Library Atrium with a free opening reception. The evening promises an immersive experience featuring live entertainment, a red-carpet pre-show, and hands-on activities for attendees of all ages. This year, a new fashion show will spotlight sustainable designs, reflecting both artistry and responsibility, while additional exhibits will debut as part of the library’s focus on creativity, learning, and community connection.
Hosting duties for the opening night include personalities Steve “Scoop” Jefferson and Karen Campbell, who will guide attendees through performances and presentations. Youth-focused activities are designed to engage younger visitors and include face painting, balloon twisting, canvas painting, and STEM projects. Beyond interactive experiences, the exhibit will display a full gallery of 2D and 3D artwork, literary works, and youth creations, showcasing a wide range of artistic expression.
The exhibit itself is open to the public from January 28 through March 28 at Central Library. Visitors can experience a diverse collection of African American visual art, written works, and pieces created by young artists from the Indianapolis community. The library emphasizes that the event is more than just a display; it is a celebration of heritage, talent, and storytelling.
“Meet the Artists is more than an exhibit that is free and available to all. It’s a celebration of talent, heritage, and the stories that African American artists bring to life,” said Cordea Watkins, circulation manager and chairperson of the Indianapolis Public Library’s African American History Committee. “We are excited that this tradition is still going strong, and we can continue to offer the community a space to connect with the art and the culture of Black creatives in Indianapolis.”
The monthlong celebration will culminate with a Fourth Friday event on March 27 from 6 to 9 p.m., offering the community another chance to meet the featured artists, designers, and authors in an intimate, gallery-style setting. The late-night arts-inspired event allows for deeper engagement, conversation, and connection with the creators behind the work.
According to Gregory A. Hill, Sr., CEO of The Indianapolis Public Library, the annual event elevates local creatives while reinforcing the city’s cultural landscape. “Meet the Artists consistently elevates local creatives and strengthens our city’s cultural landscape,” Hill said. “The African American History Committee has built a powerful legacy of recognition and representation. It’s inspiring to see our Library staff, the featured artists, and the Indianapolis community come together to make Meet the Artists such a vibrant celebration. I look forward to this year’s theme, which ties into our successful We Love Our Library campaign.”
Meet the Artists is presented by the Indianapolis Public Library’s African American History Committee, which was formed in 1979 with a mission to raise awareness of African American contributions, encourage programming across the library system, and showcase diverse accomplishments and heritage. Over the decades, the committee has established itself as a vital platform for recognizing artistic and cultural excellence.
This year’s celebration is supported by the Friends of the Library through gifts to the Indianapolis Public Library Foundation and directly supports the Center for Black Literature and Culture, ensuring that the program continues to highlight African American voices and creative achievement.
The annual exhibit also underscores the library’s broader commitment to community engagement and cultural education. Attendees can explore not only artistic works but also the stories, history, and perspectives behind each creation. By blending performances, gallery displays, youth engagement, and fashion, the event provides multiple avenues for interaction, reflection, and celebration.
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With its theme, “Love in Action,” this year’s Meet the Artists emphasizes the power of creativity to inspire, connect, and strengthen communities. From sustainable fashion to youth art and literary contributions, the event embodies the library’s vision of fostering artistic growth while celebrating African American culture.
By hosting events such as Meet the Artists, the Indianapolis Public Library continues to serve as a cultural hub where heritage, innovation, and community come together. The combination of free programming, gallery exhibits, performances, and hands-on activities ensures accessibility for all and reinforces the importance of supporting local African American artists.
Whether visiting the gallery, attending a performance, participating in youth activities, or experiencing the fashion show, community members are invited to engage deeply with the artistic expressions on display. The celebration not only commemorates Black History Month but also highlights the enduring role of creativity and cultural storytelling in shaping Indianapolis’ vibrant artistic landscape.
For nearly four decades, Meet the Artists has stood as a testament to the talent, resilience, and creativity of African American artists in Indianapolis. The 38th annual celebration promises to continue that tradition while offering fresh experiences and expanded opportunities for engagement. Attendees of all ages are encouraged to visit the Central Library during the exhibition and participate in events that celebrate art, culture, and community.
