One of Indy’s most cherished arts traditions, the 27th annual Art & Soul will return this February, celebrating Black art and music all across the Circle City.
With a theme this year of “Kings and Queens,” Indy Arts Council’s largest public program will consist of three marquee events this February. Since its start in 1996, Art & Soul has aimed to expand the City’s awareness and appreciation of African American art and music in Indy.
“Art & Soul is a great way to celebrate Black History Month, highlight the talented Black artists in our city, and give recognition to the Featured Artists alumni and program partners who have led and been a part of building the Indianapolis arts and culture community,” said Indy Arts Council Director of Equity Partnerships Channie Jones.
2023 ART & SOUL FEATURED ARTISTS
For more than 25 years, Art & Soul has helped launch the careers of emerging Black artists in central Indiana. Four Featured Artists are selected annually to be spotlighted at Art & Soul events. In addition, the Featured Artists receive year-long career development support. Indy Arts Council partnered with Asante Art Institute, FLAVA FRESH !, iibada Dance Co., Indy Jazz Fest, and event producer Valerie Phelps to develop this year’s program and select the four Featured Artists:
Brandon Douthitt, jazz musician
Douthitt picked up a saxophone for the first time at age 11, starting an award-winning musical journey that has led to performance gigs throughout the U.S., including Indy Jazz Fest, CUNY Jazz Festival, AFROPUNK, Highline Ballroom, and more. He graduated in 2015 from Butler University with a bachelor of arts degree in music and earned a master of music degree in jazz performance from Queens College in 2017. Brandon taught music at Kentucky State University before moving back to Indianapolis, where he teaches and performs.
Jamichael Kyng Pollard, visual artist and tattoo artist
Pollard is the founder and owner of KyngPen Art. He specializes in portraits, using colored pencils, and acrylic and oil paints. Along with his work as a portrait and tattoo artist, he creates live paintings and does face painting at events. Pollard’s artwork has been featured in multiple solo and group exhibits, from 2019’s FLAVA FRESH 16 ! to the 2022 Kyngdom Art Show. Pollard is also a substitute art teacher and works with children and adults.
Crystal V. Rhodes, author and playwright
Rhodes has written over 20 plays that have been produced throughout the U.S. She has received multiple awards, including the Black Theatre Alliance Award for Best Writing of a Play for Stoops and the Ivoryton Playhouse Women’s Playwright Initiative’s Elle Award for her one-act play 1200 Miles from Jerome. Rhodes has written for television, newspapers, and magazines and is the author of 14 books, including her most recent novel, Someone Like Them.
Adrienne Jackson, dancer
Adrienne D. Jackson grew up learning West African dance as a member of Alayanfé, a youth dance company based in Durham, N.C. As an adult, she expanded her study of modern and contemporary dance in Chicago. In Indianapolis, Adrienne served as assistant artistic director of Iibada Dance Co. before performing with Kenyetta Dance Co. She directs local dance ministries and also teaches students. In 2012, she founded Create Freedom Art Projects, a contemporary dance company and community of artists. She is continuing her West African dance training and also studying hip hop dance.