News Summary
Filmmaker Chris M. Wilborn is producing a documentary that highlights Indianapolis artists and their contributions to the city’s creative legacy. The film features local artists Gary Gee, Israel Solomon, and Johnson Simon, intertwining storytelling and history to enrich the understanding of Indianapolis as an art city. Upcoming events such as the 12th annual Art Squared festival will further celebrate regional creativity, providing a platform for emerging talent and engagement in the local arts scene.
Indianapolis, IN
Filmmaker Chris M. Wilborn has embarked on a project to produce a documentary that spotlights Indianapolis artists and explores the city’s creative legacy. The film centers on the stories and works of three local artists—Gary Gee, Israel Solomon, and Johnson Simon—as it aims to shed light on the often-overlooked artistic contributions of Indianapolis to the broader cultural landscape.
The Focus and Progress of the Documentary
Wilborn emphasizes that this documentary extends beyond art itself, aiming to intertwine storytelling, history, and the preservation of Indianapolis’s identity as an art city. An initial activation of the project was showcased at the Butter Fine Art Fair earlier this year, offering a glimpse into the filmmaker’s vision. Currently, Wilborn is working toward completing the final version of the documentary, which promises to enrich the city’s understanding of its artistic heritage.
Upcoming Local Arts Events
The Fountain Fletcher District Association will host the 12th annual Art Squared festival on September 20 in Indianapolis’s Historic Fountain Square. The festival aims to celebrate regional creativity with over 100 art vendors, presenting a wide range of art forms including paintings, handmade jewelry, and pottery. The event is designed to be family-friendly, providing entertainment and activities suitable for all ages.
Attendees will enjoy live busking performances by local musicians, contributing to a lively and vibrant scene. Additionally, a creator space at the festival will feature demonstrations from local businesses such as Heat Stroke USA, a sister company of the clothing brand Howl & Hide, and the music education organization Indy String Theory.
Art Competitions and Showcases
The festival will also host a Masterpiece in a Day competition, encouraging artists of all skill levels to complete a piece of artwork within a single day. A panel from the local art community will judge the entries, and the top three winners will receive prizes. The best ten pieces will be displayed at the Murphy Arts Center during October’s First Friday gallery event, highlighting the city’s emerging artistic talent.
Local Artists and Cultural Figures
Among the artists gaining recognition is Taylor Hall, a 25-year-old singer, songwriter, and activist born in Indianapolis. Hall recently appeared briefly in a Super Bowl LVII commercial for McDonald’s. She has been active in organizing significant protests, including one of the largest Black Lives Matter demonstrations in Indianapolis during June 2020. An alumnus of Crispus Attucks High School, Hall participated in school talent shows, student council, sports, and performance arts during her youth.
Hall has released her debut EP titled Cheaper than Therapy, which documents her transition from living in Los Angeles back to Indianapolis. The EP captures her personal struggles and experiences in the music industry, inspired by artists like Lauryn Hill, Corinne Bailey Rae, and Joni Mitchell. Her unique sound features acoustic, guitar-driven arrangements paired with autobiographical lyrics.
Performances and Notable Projects
Recently, Hall performed at local festivals such as Chreece and the Butter Fine Art Fair. She is scheduled to perform at the Broad Ripple’s Mellow Yellow Festival on September 13. Her career also includes an advertising campaign with SheaMoisture and a song featured in the film Family Affair by Mary J. Blige.
While Hall’s career continues to develop and gain traction, she remains uncertain about her long-term plans in Indianapolis, acknowledging that many artists leave the city to pursue broader opportunities outside Indiana. Nonetheless, her presence underscores the ongoing vibrancy of Indianapolis’s local music and arts scene.
Summary
Through projects like the documentary by Chris M. Wilborn and events such as Art Squared, Indianapolis continues to foster its creative community and highlight its artistic achievements. The city remains a hub for diverse art forms and emerging talents committed to enriching its cultural landscape.
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Additional Resources
- WRTV: Moving with the Spirit Documentary
- WISH TV: Art Squared Festival
- IndyStar: Taylor Hall Background
- IndyStar: How to Buy Art
- Wikipedia: Indianapolis
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Indianapolis
Author: STAFF HERE INDIANAPOLIS WRITER
The INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIndianapolis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Indianapolis, Marion County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Indianapolis 500, Indy Jazz Fest, and the Indiana State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Indy Chamber and Visit Indy, plus leading businesses in motorsports and healthcare that power the local economy such as Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IU Health. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Indiana's dynamic landscape.
