Jamichael Kyng Pollard, one of the featured artists during Art & Soul 2023, does a live painting demonstrations during the event. This year’s Art & Soul festival, presented by the Indy Arts Council, unfolds throughout Black History Month by showcasing emerging talent and local legends.
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February will be a month of opportunity, education and celebration.
Black History Month is a chance for everyone to recognize the achievements and contributions of the Black community throughout the United States.
And all month long, local residents can immerse themselves in a wide range of cultural opportunities
People can explore the history of African-Americans in Johnson County in a program shining a spotlight on some individuals who have been forgotten over time. The vibrancy of the Black community will resonate through visual art, dance, music and other forms of creativity.
People can add their own flair to a Black History Month collage, and dive into books for all ages on the Black experience.
To make the most of the month, here are some of the unique events happening through February:
Hoosier (H)Arts
Details: 7-8:30 p.m. Feb. 10, Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site, 1230 N. Delaware St., Indianapolis; tickets are $26.95
What: The Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site invites the community to experience a presentation of Black history, love, and poetry at this one-night-only performance. Set throughout the Benjamin Harrison house, the event will feature live readings of love letters and poetry by the nation’s most prominent Black voices, while local writers will weave together history and art. Live music, local Sip and Share Wine, and hors d’oeuvres will also be featured throughout the evening.
African American Stories in Art
Details: 2-3 p.m. Feb. 10, 17 and 24, noon-1 p.m. Feb. 16, Eiteljorg Museum, 500 W. Washington St., Indianapolis; tickets $12-$20.
What: Johanna Blume, curator of Western art, history and culture will present a special tour focusing on the works by African-American artists at the Eiteljorg.
“A Historical Look at African Americans in Johnson County — A Celebration and Commemoration”
Details: 6 p.m. Feb. 15, Trafalgar branch of the Johnson County Public Library, 424 S. Tower Drive; free
Douglas Gray, who preaches at the historically Black Second Baptist Church in Franklin, has compiled a look at the contributions and important stories of some of the most influential and important African-Americans in Johnson County history. The community is invited to come learn about local leaders and everyday people who may not be as well known, but who played an oversized role in making Johnson County what it is today.
Walk & Talk: Hoosier Historia Moments
Details: Various times, Feb. 16-18, 6 W. Washington St., Indianapolis; free
What: Sampson Levingston, a storyteller and Indiana historian, brings back his Walk and Talk program just in time for NBA All-Star Weekend. “Hoosier Historia Moments” will focus on the “transformation of downtown Indianapolis along Washington Street and the diverse group of athletes and artists who made it happen,” according to Levingston.
2024 Meet the Artists: XXXVI Exhibit and Gala
Details: 5 p.m. Feb. 17, Central Library, 40 E. St. Clair St., Indianapolis; free
What: Some of the area’s most talented and boundary-pushing African-American artists will show off their creative works during the Central Library’s annual Meet the Artists exhibit, which will run through March 23. The opening reception on Feb. 17 will feature musical performances, poetry, an illusionist, face painting, crafts, and more.
Celebrate Black History
Details: Feb. 18-24, Franklin branch of the Johnson County Public Library, 401 State St.; free
During the week of Feb. 18, materials will be available in the children’s department to create a collage to celebrate Black History Month. For all ages.
Art & Soul Celebration + Naptown Tribute
Details: 5-7:30 p.m. Feb. 23 (doors open at 4:30 p.m.) , Indianapolis Artsgarden, 110 W. Washington St.; free general admission, cash bar available.
What: The finale celebration for the annual Art & Soul celebration will feature a Naptown Tribute, highlighting the iconic music of Indiana Avenue from past to present. People can enjoy performances by the Art & Soul 2024 featured artists, such as Dexter Clardy of Shvdy Rollins, dancer Austin Day and spoken word artist jus Will, alongside local legends. Artwork by Art & Soul 2024 featured artist, Boxx The Artist will also be on display. New this year is the Indianapolis Public Schools Kids Zone, where student artwork will be on display on the upper level of the Artsgarden along with a performance by the Arsenal Tech High School Jazz Combo.
“A Conversation with Bernard Williams”
Details: 6 p.m. Feb. 29, Eiteljorg Museum; included with admission.
What: Visitors to the Eiteljorg Museum are undoubtedly familiar with Bernard Williams’ painting “Black Cowboy – Bill Pickett,” which is prominently featured in the museum’s Art of the American West Galleries. Hear about Williams’ inspiration for the piece, and the series it came from, as well as his decades-long career during this special conversation at the museum. Johanna Blume, curator of Western art, history, and culture, will moderate the conversation.
