Indianapolis, IN
Visual artist featured in newest Art & Soul exhibition
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The Art & Soul program has returned for its 29th year honoring Black artists shaping Indianapolis’ creative scene, and a visual artist in the fellowship recently opened a new show.
Melissa Rowe, director of marketing and communications at Indy Arts Council, said, “Some of the stories that haven’t been told are being told through these artists. They get opportunities through this grant that they may not have been able to access otherwise.”
Each year, four artists are selected to help celebrate Black art and music in the community. “They’re selected based on their talents and different areas, so this year we have two musicians/performing artists, a visual artist, and actually, an unconventional wearable artist.”
Each featured artist gets a $4,000 stipend; paid performing, exhibiting and programming opportunities; media training; and a showcase at Gallery 924.
This year’s visual artist, Kierra Ready, recently debuted her work as From the Inside Out – An Art & Soul Exhibition at Gallery 924. Rowe said, “It’s sort of about joy and how joy starts from within and then radiates out, so that’s what she’s trying to communicate with this work.”
All of Ready’s work at the gallery is available for purchase.
Applications for the next fellowship open up in the summer.
Rowe hopes the artists from this year’s fellowship continue to showcase their work long after their cycle ends. “I really hope that they’re able to tell their stories and communicate to their audiences, and continue to have opportunities to showcase their art here locally, and maybe even beyond.”
The From the Inside Out exhibition will be open through May 22 at Gallery 924.