Between January 29 and March 29, our community is fortunate to view the 37th annual “Meet the Artists” exhibit at the Indianapolis Central Library. The highlight of the exhibit, which the Indianapolis Public Library identifies as “one of the city’s premiere cultural events,” was the “Pearl Experience” Gala on February 15, 2025, where one could meet all of the local artists featured in the show.
Well, all but one, that is. After learning Vernon T. Bateman was prohibited from attending, Black artists (including the “Meet the Artists Gala” Founder and Curator Anthony Radford, threw Vernon his own celebration.
You can read more about the circumstances here.
Watch the Celebration
Featured photo: “Meet the Artists Gala” Founder Anthony Radford and Vernon T. Bateman. Credit: Coalition to Free Vernon Bateman.
Tagged: Anthony Radford art and social justice Black art Free Vernon Indianapolis art Indianapolis Black Artists Meet the Artists Gala Tony Radford Vernon T. Bateman Vernon's Versions Woman31