Fall Arts Guide 2015: 7 emerging Indy artists to watch
Everyone may not know their names, but these seven artists or organizations are making serious waves in the Indianapolis arts scene.
These dancers, poets and visual artists, who grow their scenes from the bottom up and help put Indy on the national and global map, tell us what makes them tick and what they’re excited about this fall.
SOPHIE FAUGHT, 28, JAZZ SAXOPHONIST
What’s the primary motivation driving your work?
I practice revolutionary craftsmanship. My goal is to make music that is organic, human and life-affirming — and to share that with all the people who want to hear it.
What’s your favorite aspect of being an artist in Indianapolis?
Being part of a community that is close-knit and supportive. I love connecting with artists from other mediums and learning how much we have in common. Also, The Chatterbox.
Are there challenges to working in Indianapolis?
No different than the challenges that face any artist anywhere: getting inspired, finding the people who can help you realize your artistic visions, and staying energized and excited about what you’re doing.
Tell us one event you’re involved in that people should know about and why.
Indy Jazz Fest Block Party, Sept. 19 from 3:30 p.m. to midnight at the Jazz Kitchen and Yats. Two stages, so many local artists, a true jazz party. I’m especially excited that Frank Glover, a legendary tenor/clarinet player and a hero of mine, will be joining me on stage.
Tell us one event this fall you’re not involved in that you’re excited about.
The re-release of Dan Wakefield’s novel “Under the Apple Tree.” It’s on Sept. 16 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Indy Reads Books. He’s a great writer and storyteller, carries with him an abundance of oral history about this city (which he will happily share), plus he’s a huge jazz fan. Can’t wait to read this book that’s been out of print for awhile.
CAITLIN NEGRON, 31, DANCER AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF INDY CONVERGENCE
What’s the primary motivation driving your work?
I love to move. Dance has the ability to show what can’t be said and make mundane moments extraordinary. I’ve realized that I also love collaborating. There is nothing better than developing a work and realizing it is so much more than any one person could have created alone.
What’s your favorite aspect of being an artist in Indianapolis?
I love the energy — there is huge potential and momentum in Indy. Every week I meet a new artist or art enthusiast who introduces me to something fantastic that’s just starting up in Indy.
Are there challenges to working in Indianapolis?
I still meet people who have no idea Indianapolis has a full-time, 16-dancer strong dance company that has been here for over 40 years. Indy is perceived as a sports town and it’s a challenge to adjust the image to include our world-class arts organizations and artists.
Tell us one event you’re involved in that people should know about.
Dance Kaleidoscope is performing “Remembrances,” a ballet in memory of the victims of the Holocaust. It’s a beautiful, athletic, riveting work set to music by Phillip Glass that always leaves the audience breathless and awed. Oct. 16-18, Clowes Memorial Hall, 4602 Sunset Ave., $22-$40, indyballet.org/performances/remembrances.
Tell us one event this fall you’re not involved in that you’re excited about.
I am really excited to see the Indianapolis Museum of Art’s installation “False Ceiling-Indianapolis” by artist Richard Wentworth. I love the image of books floating overhead and being physically immersed inside a sea of stories. The exhibition opens Sept. 25 and anyone can donate books through Sept. 8 at Indy Reads Books, 911 Massachusetts Ave., or at the IMA, 4000 Michigan Road. Another great part of this project is that all the books the artist does not use will be donated back to Indy Reads.
NICHOLAS OWENS, 30, CHOREOGRAPHER AND DIRECTOR, NICHOLAS OWENS DANCE COMPANY
What’s the primary motivation driving your work?
My motivation rests high on the shoulders of the legends who paved the way for African-American choreographers by encouraging us to never to be afraid to take risks, to always stay true to our history, to break down barriers and be the best possible leader within the community.
What’s your favorite aspect of being an artist in Indianapolis?
The opportunity for growth and the ability to expand an artistic vision without getting lost in the shadows of competition with other arts organizations is remarkable. The connections I’ve made since the start of my career at age 13 created lasting impressions with individuals who have become essential in helping me grow as an artist.
Are there challenges to working in Indianapolis?
While the opportunities for progress are vast, getting the city to recognize the need for a professional African American dance company in Indy is arduous. There are not enough sustainable artist collaborations and not enough children and young adults who can make the commitment to learn and want to excel at it.
Tell us one event you’re involved in that people should know about.
Join Kenyettá Dance Company for “Black Dance Matters,” 8 p.m. Sept. 4 and 5 at The Toby at the Indianapolis Museum of Art. KDC will examine the power of the human spirit of dance from the African American aesthetic into the tapestry of arts organizations in Indianapolis.
Tell us one event this fall you’re not involved in that you’re excited about.
“The Five Heatbeats” the musical presented by Joyce Licorish & The Cupboard, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 24 to 26, The Athenaeum Theater, 401 E. Michigan St. The organization is a great representation of professional black theater that should be seen by America. For the first time ever “The Five Heartbeats” is being performed as a live on stage musical production based off the 1991 movie classic. This is a story you will love and characters you’ll never forget.
KNOW NO STRANGER, ARTS AND PERFORMANCE COLLECTIVE
What’s the primary motivation driving your work?
We’re working to engage the city in a shared experience, and through that whimsy and interaction, inspire others to seek out and create unique creative endeavors of their own.
What’s your favorite aspect of being an artist in Indy?
Indianapolis has a special relationship with its artists. There is not only an open-arms welcome among the art community itself, but a homespun word of mouth and acceptance here that allows doors to be opened with a creative spark and a smile.
Are there challenges to working in Indianapolis?
There’s this perception that the Midwest, or Indiana in particular, isn’t nurturing and cultivating great or significant works, which can affect the reception of our artists. Happily those barriers seem to be tumbling down as time goes on and others take notice of what Indy’s got up its sleeve.
Tell us one event you’re involved in that people should know about.
Our annual visual arts extravaganza, the variety show “Optical Popsicle Infinity,” will hit the stage of the Indianapolis Museum of Art’s Toby Theater on October 15 and 17. Get tickets at the IMA’s website and opticalpopsicle.com.
Tell us one event this fall you’re not involved in that you’re excited about.
Big Car’s “Spark” programming on Monument Circle (through Oct. 16) is an inspired and inspiring endeavor bringing together community, the arts and live entertainment. Turning the most Indianapolis spot in Indianapolis into a live, interactive art installation? Yeah. We kind of adore that.
ANILA QUAYYUM AGHA, 2014 ARTPRIZE AWARD WINNER
What’s the primary motivation driving your work?
I am deeply interested in culture, and its various components. The starting point is often triggered by a political stance connected to cultural interpretations of identity. World religions and their interpretations, especially in relation to the feminine identity, allow me to make artwork that is content-oriented and multi-disciplinary.
What’s your favorite aspect of being an artist in Indy?
It has allowed me to contribute in meaningful ways through my art and teaching along with participating in the rejuvenation of Indianapolis. Living in a small city has allowed me to make artwork without distractions that a large city provides.
Are there challenges to working in Indianapolis?
There is greater appreciation of the contributions that artists make in Indiana. I do wish there were opportunities here for artists to have commercial success. I believe the economy and the arts are connected and the support of the arts community in the form of buying artwork and paying artists, writers, dancers, performers and entrepreneurs for their time instead of expecting free services will be the next step.
Tell us one event this fall you’re not involved in that you’re excited about.
The Public Collection project. Some of my colleagues from the Herron School of Art are participating in creating artist-designed book share stations in Indianapolis. Visit thepubliccollection.org to learn more.
TONY STYXX, 28, SPOKEN WORD ARTIST
What’s the primary motivation driving your work?
The team I have been working with, Nightsons LLC. Warren Harris, Shadowkat Nightson, Beatroom — all of these guys have been a positive, constructive and very motivational part of my journey.
What’s your favorite aspect of being an artist in Indy?
The challenge. Because Indy is no different than New York, or anywhere for that matter. You have people who are overly critical and make it hard to breathe, then you have those who are extremely inviting and make it easy to push harder.
Are there challenges to working in Indianapolis?
Yes. But they are not without their rewards. Even the moments you feel like you lose, you still gain a lesson.
Tell us one event you’re involved in that people should know about.
I am the host of an open mic event called “Vibe on Wednesday” alongside Amber Michelle Harper. It is held every other Wednesday at 8125 Center Run Drive at Tantrum Night club. All art forms are welcome.
Tell us one event this fall you’re not involved in that you’re excited about.
The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra’s Happy Hour is an event all should experience. The guys at Time For Three are a musical blessing.
GENERAL PUBLIC COLLECTIVE, ARTS GALLERY AND ORGANIZATION
What’s the primary motivation driving your work?
All members of GPC have had their hands in creative underground endeavors. We’re inspired by the swift current of a city that engages itself with unencumbered beauty, rage and new expression.
What’s your favorite aspect of being an artist in Indy?
Indianapolis has the personality of what you could describe as a crossroads — landlocked, four seasons, capital city, Midwestern values, with the freakiness that grows up out of that. A highway pointing in each direction, so we can venture out and draw in from any part of the world.
Are there challenges to working in Indianapolis?
I think all Indianapolis arts organizations, even those with grant support, struggle in a sports-, religion-, and luxuries-based economy, but we’re fortunately doing OK.
Tell us one event you’re involved in that people should know about and why.
On Sept. 13, GPC, 1060 Virginia Ave., hosts the second installment of “Difficult Women” — a performance series highlighting formidable female/transgender/queer/non-male artists. DW presents Berlin musician and visual artist Mary Ocher, accompanied by local bootleg cheerleading troupe HEN, and the video and installation humorists Copy/Culture.
Tell us one event this fall you’re not involved in that you’re excited about.
We’re looking forward to Kyle Long’s monthly event called “Highlife” at The Hi-Fi which brings Ghanaian ‘Highlife’ and other world music to Fountain Square. The next event is 9 p.m. Sept. 18.