Indianapolis Public Library hosts an art show during NBA All-Star Weekend

Indianapolis, Indiana – Visit the Indianapolis Public Library to learn more about the relationship between basketball and the arts.

The 36th annual Meet the Artists exhibition is open for viewing at Central Library in downtown Indianapolis, located at 40 E. St. Clair Street. Meet the Artists honors the most well-known Black artists in Indianapolis each year.

Poetry, photography, fashion, sculpture, painting, and film are all featured in the presentation. In honor of NBA All-Star Weekend, it also features an “All-Star” theme.

The current exhibition, Meet the Artists, is on view through March 31.

Meet The Artists was founded and is curated by Anthony Radford.

“Back in the ’80s, there wasn’t a lot of places for African American artists to show,” Radford explained.

After working with the Library for more than 40 years, Radford recently retired. He showcased his artwork and those of other artists in Indianapolis by utilizing his contacts. His mission is to give local, gifted Black artists a platform so that their works can be seen by a larger audience than they otherwise might.

On Saturday, the community is invited to a free opening gala celebration at the Central Library, hosted by IPL.

All visitors, regardless of age, are welcome to use the Simon Reading Room after 5 p.m.

“Come out, it’s free. It’s open to the public, you can view 24 talented artists’ work, we’ve got a ton on entertainment, a magician, a fashion show, poetry, gospel, a youth area for the kids,” Radford said.