Exhibit celebrating Indy's prominent African American artists celebrates 35th anniversary

An annual exhibit celebrating Indianapolis’ prominent African American artists is back to celebrate its 35th anniversary at Central Library.

Circulation Manager and chairperson of the Indy Public Library African American History Committee, Cordia Watkins said this year’s exhibit features Master Artists.

“This is considered the Masters exhibit. This started with Tony Radford, who just retired from the library. He was an artist, and there was no place for an African American to place their work. And he started this thing 35 years ago, and he's also in it,” Watkins said.  “These are all local artists here in Indianapolis. And so, these are the masters and so we're excited to show their work.”

The public is invited to a free gala opening reception on Saturday, Feb. 11 from 5:30 to 10:00 p.m.

A variety of art styles will be on display throughoutCentral Library, including large sculptures, paintings, and jewelry. In addition, the written works of local Black authors will be on display.

The work  will be displayed through March 25. It is presented by IndyPL's African American History Committee in support of the Center for Black Literature & Culture each year.  

A full gala schedule can be found at indypl.org/mta.

Artists with works on display include:

• Anthony Radford
• Billy Rent
• Bruce E. Armstrong
• Carl Hazelwood
• D. Del Reverda-Jennings
• Empress Marlena
• Jerome Chambers
• Ken Skelton
• Kenneth Cousin
• Kevin James Wilson
• Lenny White
• Lodi Drane
• Michael (ALKEMI) Jordan Patricia Gaines

  Contact WFYI Morning Edition newscaster and reporter Taylor Bennett at tbennett@wfyi.org. Follow on Twitter: @TaylorB2213.