Since 1996, Indy Arts Council’s Art & Soul has kicked off Black History Month in Indianapolis with live music, dance, poetry, theater and conversations with local creatives. The program also helps launch the careers of Black emerging artists in central Indiana — four Featured Artists are selected annually to be spotlighted at Art & Soul events.
Boxx the Artist, this year’s featured visual artist, remembers visiting the Artsgarden during an Art & Soul event and seeing a beautiful art installation and performers. She started doing research about Art & Soul, which through the years has spotlighted well-known talent such as the Hampton Sisters, poet Mari Evans, DJ Rusty Redenbacher, saxophonist Rob Dixon and vocalist Goldie Ingram.
“My young artist mind was impressed that something of this magnitude was highlighting Black artists,” Boxx the Artist said. “I’m just grateful I get to add to the history and fulfill an early dream.”
The festival kicks off Feb. 2 with a free art exhibit at Gallery 924 and celebration at the Cabaret, continues Feb. 7 with a showcase at the Jazz Kitchen, and ends with a celebration and Naptown tribute on Feb. 23 at the Indianapolis Artsgarden. You can find ticket information and more details here.
Mirror Indy reached out to the 2024 Featured Artists and learned about their favorite restaurants, music, and what they love most about Indy.
Boxx The Artist, Visual Artist
What are three things you love about Indy?
One, the arts scene. Each year it’s offering more opportunities to sustain a creative economy to keep artists employed with dignity. The art scene is really on the rise here and the talent is top tier.
Two, that it’s a big, small city. I love that I get the best of both worlds: you get a big city vibe in a reasonable size package where it really doesn’t take you long to get to any side of town. But in this big small package comes some dope local food spots like Fever’s Grill and Juice Bar for the plant-based folks like myself, and Cleo’s Bodega, a mecca for local underrepresented small businesses.
Lastly, I love the people. Not being an Indy native, the support from the people has been nothing but love. I never imagined being a full-time artist — and I can’t tell you how many times I felt discouraged — but the people really offer support in what I do and that allows me to keep going.
What is something most people don’t know about you that is important for understanding your art?
I have a dual degree from Purdue University: African American studies and mass communication, with a concentration in media productions, a minor in political science, and a certificate in entrepreneurship and innovation. My paintings tend to become an extension of research rooted in the Black experience and offer another pathway for me to study people of the African diaspora and our experiences.
What are you listening to right now?
I’m vibing to a local artist: Brandon Lott’s “Aquadream” EP. I had “Asunder” on repeat at the gym today to get me through my cardio. I also keep Shvdy Rollins and Allison Victoria on the playlist.
At the studio, I’ve been on a jazz kick with Wes Montgomery, Art Porter, Gerald Albright, and a sea of sounds of other artists thanks to my smooth jazz playlist. Honorable mention to my audiobooks — currently finishing up “Think Like a Monk: Train Your Mind for Peace and Purpose Every Day” by Jay Shetty.
jus Will, Spoken Word Artist
What are three things you love about Indy?
The amount of artists pursuing their goals and dreams, the amount of opportunities to be seen while honing your craft, and the energy flowing through the streets even with the negativity that leaks its way in.
What is something most people don’t know about you that is important for understanding your art?
During my days on this planet I have experienced many different life journeys, so my stories will turn, twist and guide you to many different places.
What are you listening to right now?
I listen to an array of music but sometimes I vibe out to my own album, “Evening Service,” just to relax.
Dexter Clardy of Shvdy Rollins, Musician
What are three things you love about Indy?
How slowly but surely there’s more pride being built within the community about the artists and talent that exist here. We’re also starting to see a bit more recognition in the media. And, finally, because I love to hoop: the Pacers.
What’s something most people don’t know about you that is important for understanding your art?
Most people, when they see me out doing my shows, see me as a happy-go-lucky individual that loves to talk and be seen. In reality, I’m a homebody who goes in and out of having a big personality and wants to be the guy behind the scenes. It makes writing songs that are relatable sometimes a bit more of a challenge for me, which is why I tend to write about love.
What are you listening to right now?
I’ve been listening to a lot of Elmiene (“Mad At Fire”) or Lucky Daye. And of course, the unreleased Shvdy Rollins music.
Austin Day, Dancer
What are three things you love about Indy right now?
I love the fluidity of the arts scene and the cross-pollination between mediums. I love the community vents that gather and entertain locals while building bonds. I love how centralized we are in the crossroads so that we experience a bit of everything.
What is something most people don’t know about you that is important for understanding your art?
I am as amazing as I am because of the people who’ve poured into me. The discipline and how I creatively arrange my work is mine, but the vocabulary and inspiration is a collection of love and respect from my elders and peers.
What are you listening to right now?
Artist Lucky Daye. I’ve also been returning to R&B music.
Mirror Indy Arts and Culture Editor, Jennifer Delgadillo manages Arts and Culture. Contact her at jennifer.delgadillo@mirrorindy.org.
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