MEET THE ARTISTS XXIV_2012__INDY Style__Indianapolis, IN.

INDY Style, an Indianapolis Morning Show on WISH TV.... ....Hosts spoke with Cordia Watkins, a member of the Indianapolis Marion County Public Libraries (IMCPL), African American History Committee (AAHC), and newly emerging artist Dr. Mattie Lee Solomon, about the 24th Annual “Meet the Artists,” Exhibit Opening and Gala presented at Central Library inviting everyone to view the works of prominent African-American artists during the “Meet the Artists XXIV” exhibit February 3 through March 31, 2012 at Central Library, 40 E. St. Clair St.

In celebration of the 2012 Super Bowl in Indianapolis, this year’s artistic theme is “A Post Super Bowl Extravaganza.”

Works representing a variety of artistic mediums are on exhibition presented by 15 national and local artists: Mychael Shane (scratch board), Walter 'Lobyn' Hamilton (mixed media), Gevoris McCrary (multi-media), Dee Miller (multi-media), Derrick Carter (sand art), Walter Johnson (oils), Dr. Mattie Lee Solomon (oil and water color), Kevin West (mixed media abstract), Paul D. Sinclair (fine tip markers), D. DelReverda-Jennings (sculpture), Michael Graves (graffiti art), Valerie J. Clarke-Tate (hand crafted jewelry and bags), Norma Saxton (mixed media), and James Caldwell (bow-ties).

This year’s youth artist is 15-year-old Indianapolis resident Quinci Miller.

The “Meet the Artists Gala!” occurred on Saturday, February 18 from 5 - 10 pm. at Central Library. In addition to meeting the artists and viewing their displays, individuals enjoyed performances by the Griot Drum Ensemble, poet Mijiz Soyini, the Vickie Daniel and Friends jazz and blues band, and the Krash Krew dancers. A number of local authors were on hand to sell and sign copies of their books, including Joe Cooper ( Don’t Erase Your Dreams), Interdisciplinary artist D. DelReverda-Jennings ( HORIZON: Contemporary Indiana Artists' Of Color: _and_ BABYLON ROOT: ), Charles L. Terry ( Poetry in the Key of Love:), Rosalynn Shropshire-West ( Black Vignettes: Essays in African-American History and Culture:), as well as authors from Midtown Writers.

The evening also featured the ever-popular Hair and Fashion Show coordinated by Jackie Fuqua. This year’s show theme was “Sign of the Times.”

This year’s “Meet the Artists” exhibit, is open for viewing during regular Central Library hours, and the gala celebration are sponsored by the Library’s African-American History Committee.

Meet the Artists XXIV is made possible by the Christel DeHaan Family Foundation and Friends of the Library through gifts to The Indianapolis Public Library Foundation.

www.imcpl.org for more information about this free Library event.