During Labor Day weekend in Indianapolis, some are making room for GANGGANG’s 5th annual BUTTER Fine Art Fair at the Stutz, featuring the works of more than 50 Black visual artists.
The fair was dubbed “America’s equitable art fair,” because 100% of the sales of artworks go to the artists. GANGGANG, the cultural development firm behind the fair, receives no commission.
Co-founder Mali Bacon said she wants artists to use BUTTER as a microphone to express themselves freely.
“There aren’t any restrictions on subject matter at BUTTER,” Bacon said. “No censorship, no commissions. We want the artists to say what they want.”
This comes at a time when art institutions across the country are facing pressure by the Trump administration to censor art that is deemed “controversial.” Bacon said she hopes the fair can be used as a model worldwide.
Since 2021, the three-day event has welcomed more than 40,000 attendees. GANGGANG recently launched a pop-up BUTTER exhibition series that started in July in Los Angeles and will move to Chicago and Miami later in the year.
BUTTER is also offering a few new events for visitors, including a free juke joint party for ticketholders and a special meet up for collectors.
Ju’s Juke Joint
GANGGANG’s I Made Rock N’ Roll activation will invite visitors to explore Black musical heritage and the presence of juke joints in Indiana. All BUTTER ticket holders will get free access to live music from national and local talent Aug. 29-31 inside the pink building at The Stutz.
Blues and rock musician Buddy Red is set to headline the three-day event along with a special performance on the outdoor stage. Guests can also enjoy food and drinks.
Alan Mills’ Best in Show award
Over 50 artists from across the U.S. and internationally will show works at BUTTER. This year, a group of curators will select one to win the first Best in Show award and a $5,000 cash prize on preview night on Aug. 28. The award honors Alan Mills, an attorney and art collector, who was previously a curator for the fair.
Collector’s Club event
Whether you’ve purchased one artwork or several over the last four fairs, you’re invited to meet and mingle at BUTTER’s first, private collectors-only event.
Walk & Talk Tours with Sampson
Sampson Levingston from Through2Eyes will host walking tours during BUTTER to share a bit of the city’s history and the importance of Black art in neighborhoods. Each 30-minute public tour will take place in Ransom Place and along Indiana Avenue.
Kids Zone & free tickets for kids
As always, children under 18 can attend BUTTER for free and are encouraged to tour the exhibition all weekend long. There will be Kids Zone inside The Stutz complete with a half-court basketball installation, table-top games, a mural activity led by artist Ess McKee and the BUTTER time capsule for students to share messages with other BUTTER guests.
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Mirror Indy reporter Mesgana Waiss covers arts and culture. Contact her at 317-667-2643 or mesgana.waiss@mirrorindy.org.
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