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Brandon Meeks is bringing jazz home — one Sunday at a time. Brandon Meeks will tell you he's not a household name, although many jazz aficionados would likely disagree with that. "I've had a pretty successful career as a jazz artist," he says, "but I'm not like a celebrity jazz musician or anything." Household name or not, Meeks is something rarer — a full-time working artist who has spent more than 20 years building something real — performing and collaborating in Indianapolis and neighboring regions where great music gets made and mostly goes unnoticed. And this summer, he's bringing all of it to Arts for Lawrence on the Fort Ben Cultural Campus. Jazz Concert Series Starting in June, Meeks will curate and perform in the 3rd Sunday Jazz Concerts, a free monthly series hosted by Arts for Lawrence. Bring a lawn chair. Bring your kids. Bring your friends and neighbors. The first concert is on June 21, followed by performances on July 19 and August 16. "I want families and people who maybe can't get into a jazz club to be able to experience something cool," Meeks says. "No cover charge, no drink minimum, no babysitter required. Just a Sunday afternoon and something worth showing up for." The series runs three Sundays through the summer. The first concert will feature Meeks in a trio format alongside pianist William Menefield and drummer Cassius Goens. The remaining two shows will expand into a quintet, with original compositions and new work premiering throughout. A stew of different vibes Meeks has long been fascinated by what happens when musicians from different cities share a stage. It's not just geography. It's sound, he says. "Indianapolis has a laid-back, self-assured approach," he explains. "Chicago has this urgency, this rich history of avant-garde jazz. Cincinnati has its own thing. Louisville has something else entirely." Combine them, he says, and you get something that none of those scenes could produce alone. "It's like pulling flavors and seasoning from different sources. The combination is what makes it unique." His own sound reflects a similar kind of mixing. Raised in Gary, Indiana, Meeks grew up surrounded by gospel music, hip hop, and soul — a mother who had him in church four days a week, a DJ brother spinning hip hop, an older brother who introduced him to the deep roots of Black music. All of it lives in how he plays jazz today, even when the form is acoustic and straight-ahead. That upbringing also shaped his vision for what a jazz concert can feel like. "The kind of family gatherings we would have when I was a kid … we'd be out at the park, and there would be music in the air, and people just coming together," he says. "Really enjoying each other, as well as enjoying the music. And really just celebrating our culture as Black Americans." That's the atmosphere he's after at Fort Ben — what he describes as "the combination of an outdoor cookout and a scaled-down, more relaxed jazz festival vibe." The stories that don't get told In 2025, Meeks created Unsung Giants — a nationally touring performance project built around conversations with under-recognized jazz artists. The idea was to find the musicians who filled in the gaps of the national jazz narrative, capture their stories, and turn them into new music. "Indianapolis is known for Freddie Hubbard and Wes Montgomery," he says. "But I feel like that's just the tip of the iceberg. There are so many stories and so much history that don't get told on a national level but that I feel are equally important." He was also clear about what he didn't want the project to be. "The spirit of jazz was always moving forward. I didn't want this to be a nostalgia exercise. I wanted it to be something that fuels and pushes the music into the future by keeping it rooted in its history." The project also reflects something personal. Meeks spent nearly a decade as a graphic designer before making the leap to full-time musician — a decision born less from confidence than from necessity. He'd been laid off from ad agencies multiple times, each time because a firm was too dependent on a single client. Eventually the logic became unavoidable: if stability isn't what the nine-to-five is actually giving you, maybe it's worth betting on yourself. "I had built up a strong network, strong relationships, a well-rounded career," he says. "I just hadn't made the leap yet." He made it. And because he did, he talks to other artists now — honestly, without the usual cheerleading — about the hard work and networking it actually takes. Carrying Indiana Avenue forward The 3rd Sunday Jazz Concerts are rooted in something older than Meeks himself. Indiana Avenue — once the cultural and musical heart of Black Indianapolis — shaped the musicians who shaped him. Mentors like Clifford Ratliff and Melvin Rhyne came from that world and passed parts of it on to younger musicians. "That history has to live in people," Meeks says, "because it doesn't physically live in the geographical location anymore." He's thinking about the next generation too. You never know, he points out, who's standing in that crowd on a Sunday afternoon — which kid will grow up to be a patron of the arts, an artist themselves, or someone who starts building their own cultural experiences. "You never know who may become your next patron of the arts because they were exposed to these experiences as a young child," he says. "Or who the next crop of artists will be. Or who will see what I'm doing and start creating other cultural experiences. "This was inspired by things I saw in my younger years," he adds. "I'm just trying to push that inspiration forward." 3rd Sunday Jazz Concerts Curated and performed by Brandon Meeks Fort Ben Cultural Campus | Free and open to the public. Bring a lawn chair. Food trucks on site. Visit Arts for Lawrence for dates and details.

Eleven artists. One resilient vision. An open invitation to create. There's a plant called the thistle that blooms under extraordinary conditions. It grows where it isn't expected to. It thrives in environments that weren't designed for it. And yet … it flowers. That's the spirit behind THSSL: A Juneteenth Jubilee Art Exhibition of Creative Resiliency, and it's the lens through which Arts for Lawrence artist-in-residence Andre Parnell sees the Black artists who create and exhibit here in Indiana. Artist Andre Parnell will lead an exhibition and self-portrait experience during THSSL, an art exhibition during Juneteenth celebrations at Arts for Lawrence. "They're making an impact in an environment that wasn't really set up for us," says Parnell, who also is a community activist, mentor, muralist, youth arts educator, and designer. "I compare them to the thistle in their resiliency." The Event On Saturday, June 13, from 4–8 p.m., Arts for Lawrence invites the community inside the campus at 8920 Otis Ave. to experience THSSL — an intimate art exhibition featuring eleven artists whose work reflects the depth, beauty, and endurance of the Black creative tradition. The exhibition runs alongside the Juneteenth Jubilee Celebration at the Fort Ben Cultural Campus, offering a quieter counterpoint to the outdoor festivities. Think of it as a place to step out of the heat, slow down, and spend real time with exceptional art. In addition to Parnell, featured artists include Rhonda Greene, Gary Gee, Ess McKee, Johnson Simon, Amber Jointer, Senequa Curbelo, Onye Obama-Ndika, Sharon Bonner, Cierra Johnson, and LaNiah Reed. THSSL is co-presented by Arts for Lawrence, Artists At Work, and Lawrence Speaks. Come In. Create Something. This isn't just a viewing experience — it's an invitation to participate. Parnell will be upstairs in the studio throughout the event, leading an ongoing community self-portrait class as a part of his Lawrence Speaks project, a larger community portrait developed during his time with the Artists At Work program. No art experience required. The idea is simple: you show up, and he helps you figure out who you are on paper. "I often do these exercises without mirrors," he says. "I ask questions that get to the I am of a person — to help them visualize who they are." Sometimes that looks like a face. Sometimes it's a gradient of color. Sometimes it's something abstract that just says, this is me — and that, Parnell says, is completely valid. Arts for Lawrence volunteers will circulate during the outdoor celebration, inviting people to come upstairs and take part. Groups will rotate through the studio in sessions throughout the afternoon and evening. It's free, it's open, and it might surprise you. More Than an Exhibition For Parnell, this event is about connection — between artists, between communities, and between the arts ecosystem in Lawrence and the wider public who may not yet know it exists. His hope is that someone who walks through the door on June 13 sees a path, not just into the gallery, but into the creative life of this community. "I enjoy connecting the greater art community to the ecosystem of Lawrence," he says. "The art space here." Join Us THSSL: A Juneteenth Jubilee Art Exhibition of Creative Resiliency Date: Saturday, June 13 | 4–8 p.m. Location: Fort Ben Cultural Campus | 8920 Otis Ave. | Lawrence, Indiana Co-presented by Arts for Lawrence, Artists At Work, and Lawrence Speaks

Some artists don't arrive at their craft through a straight line. Brian Atkinson is one of them. And that winding path may be exactly what makes his work worth seeing. Growing up, Atkinson was already the kid skipping class to disappear into the art room. But he came from a family where college wasn't part of the conversation, so when the time came, he did what everyone around him did: He went to work as a laborer. Although he didn’t stop exploring art, Atkinson considered it more of a hobby than a potential career path. It wasn't until his mid-20s that he walked through the doors of the Herron School of Art. He was 26. Most of his classmates were 18 or 19. He went full time, then had to stop, then worked, then went part time, then finally finished … earning his degree in art education. Finding the Lane Ask Atkinson how he developed his style and he doesn't hesitate. He found it early, and he's never really left it. "I've always just been really attracted to things that have high contrast," he says. "Really dark, dark areas and really light, light areas." Add to that an eye for organic shapes — such as the skeletal reach of leafless trees, the way branches move across negative space — and bold, arresting color, and you start to understand what you're walking into when you see his work. He does take commissions, but selectively. If it doesn't fit his vision, he turns it down. "I want to enjoy doing it," he says simply. The Teacher Who Stayed an Artist Atkinson spent 30 years at Lawrence North High School — 22 as an art teacher, eight as an administrator. But he never abandoned his studio. Early on, a mentor helped him see that teaching and making didn't have to be separate lives. That mentor, sculptor and fellow Lawrence North art educator Brad Holmes, modeled what it looked like to do both. When Atkinson eventually became department chair at Lawrence North, he carried that conviction into every hire he made. "Show me what you're working on right now," he recalls telling candidates. "Don't show me what you did in college." With an assist from then new hire, Nichole Cooper, he also launched a faculty art show — an annual reminder, to students and staff alike, that the people teaching art were actually making it. But the part of teaching that mattered most to him wasn't about technique. It was about belonging. "There are a lot of kids who don't have a place in a big high school," he says. "The art department is that place." He and Holmes used to chuckle about some of the grade cards — rows of D's and F's, and then an A in art, with a note that said “a pleasure to have in class.” Those weren't charity grades. Those were kids who showed up because someone saw them. Atkinson says he still hears from many of them, who often express gratitude for their time in his class. Retirement, and Getting Back to It With the blessing and the support of his wife, Liz, Atkinson retired in June 2025. Since then, he's been painting. A lot. That dedication has resulted in a growing collection of new pieces. Most mornings, he walks his dogs, then heads to the studio. Sessions run five hours sometimes — time disappearing the way it only does when you're fully inside something. "I don't ever want it to feel like a job," he says. That's why the commissions with too many directions — combine this element, this color, this concept — don't interest him. "That feels like work to me." \He started painting exclusively in oils during COVID, after years of moving through acrylics, chalk drawings, oil pastels, clay, and even digital fine art made with Photoshop and Illustrator. Seven years into oils, he hasn't looked back. What to Expect June 2–11 When you walk into the Arts for Lawrence gallery this month, you'll see bold colors and strong contrast in works ranging from landscapes to florals and abstracts. Atkinson describes his work as something he was chasing — a feeling, a direction, a few months of inspiration gathered and put on canvas. He's thought about what art does for people, especially now. "People need an outlet," he says. "Sometimes you need to look at something and just think, I really love that. I'd love to have that in my house." Brian Atkinson's work is on display June 2–11 at Arts for Lawrence, 8920 Otis Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46216

Arts for Lawrence (AFL) is seeking dynamic teaching artists  to lead engaging classes and workshops  in visual arts, literary arts, performing arts , and more! We are looking for artists who are excited to share their craft and inspire creativity in our community. Classes will be held at either the Arts for Lawrence Theater at the Fort  or the Arts for Lawrence Visual Arts Center . If you’re passionate about teaching and want to make a meaningful impact through the arts, we encourage you to apply! To be considered, please fill out the form using the link  and submit your portfolio  and class/workshop ideas . AFL’s Mission: At Arts for Lawrence, our mission is to connect arts and community to inspire everyone, every day.  We are committed to offering high-quality, diverse, and affordable arts programs that enrich the lives of our community members and provide platforms for both emerging and experienced artists. AFL’s Commitment to Equity: Arts for Lawrence is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment where everyone feels respected, valued, and represented. We strive to offer arts programming that reflects the diverse voices and experiences of our community. We actively seek teaching artists from all backgrounds who share our commitment to equity and inclusion . Class/Workshop Opportunities: Some examples of the types of classes/workshops you could teach include: Visual Arts : Painting, sculpture, ceramics, drawing, and mixed media. Literary Arts : Creative writing, poetry, storytelling, or screenwriting. Performing Arts : Improv, acting, dance, spoken word, or music. Apply Now! If interested, please fill out the form using this link and submit your portfolio  along with your class or workshop ideas .

Lawrence, IN. Today, the Indiana Arts Commission (IAC) announced it has awarded $16,061.00 to Arts for Lawrence through the Arts Organization Support grant program. During its June 14 Quarterly Business Meeting, the Commission approved funding recommendations for the Arts Project Support and Arts Organization Support grant programs. Between the two grant programs, 338 organizations in 77 Indiana counties are receiving funding. “All across Indiana we have seen the positive impact that investing in arts and creativity has on quality of life,” said Anne Penny Valentine, Chair of the Indiana Arts Commission. “Each of the projects and organizations selected to receive funding are doing exceptional creative work in and for Hoosier communities. The Commission is excited and honored to support the work these organizations are doing to engage the public, develop their communities, and encourage creativity across our state.” "We are incredibly excited and grateful to receive this grant from the Indiana Arts Commission. This support will enable us to enhance our programming and engage more deeply with the community. It's a significant step towards achieving our mission of making the arts accessible to everyone in Lawrence." -Elana Thompson, Executive Director of Arts for Lawrence “Art and creativity foster connection and cohesion, support the entrepreneurial spirit communities need to thrive, and help build the kinds of communities where people want to live, work, play, study, and stay,” said Miah Michaelsen, Executive Director of the Indiana Arts Commission. “In every corner of the Hoosier state, public funding for arts and creativity continually proves to be a high-return investment that positively impacts the cultural, economic, and educational climate of Indiana. It is a privilege to support the organizations building stronger Indiana communities through arts and creativity.” Funding for the Indiana Arts Commission and its programs is provided by the Indiana General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency. View the full list of grants awarded.

Position Title: Camp Director Reports to: Lecia Floyd, AFL Program Manager Position Summary: The Camp Director is responsible for creating/managing camp curriculum and staffing, and overseeing and managing the structure of the camp day. Assist AFL with administration of camp. Hours: Varied Camp runs June 17-21, June 24-28, July 8-12, July 15-19 (no camp the week of July 4th) Monday: 7:30 am – 5:30 pm (will receive a lunch and two 15-minute breaks) Tuesday – Thursday: 8:30 am – 1:15 pm Friday: 9 am – 3:30 pm Pay Rate: $3000 total $500 Develop Curriculum $500 Pre-Camp activities (training, assist with staff recruitment as needed, camp supply shopping day, etc.) $500/per camp week (4 weeks total) Qualifications: ●      Licensed teacher for the state of Indiana preferred (Art Education experience) ●      Possesses good leadership and managerial skills ●      Adept at problem solving ●      Patient, Inclusive, with a positive and motivating personality Responsibilities: ●      Point person for all seasonal camp staff ●      Oversees the daily schedule ●      Sets compliance for drop off, pick up, and lunch ●      Resolves camper behavior issues so as not to disrupt camp activities ●      Communicates with parents/guardians in the mornings as needed (AFL staff will handle majority of communications with parents) ●      Observes and promotes all rules set within the Summer Art Camp curriculum. ●      Maintains camp attendance records ●      Troubleshoots any unforeseen problems ●      Performs other duties as assigned Pre-Summer Art Camp Duties: ●      Assist where possible in camp staff hiring ○       Four (4) Camp Counselors ○      Two (2) Visual Art Teachers - Deadline April 15, 2024 ●      Curriculum Outlined (sample curriculums on file) - Deadline April 30, 2024 ●      Camp Staff Training (with AFL staff) ●      Supplies List Submitted - Deadline May 15, 2024 Summer Art Camp Daily Duties: Below is the full task list of activities for camp. The first day of each week, the director will need to be present the full day to ensure everything runs smoothly and to supervise camp staff. Before Care (only on the first day of each week): ●      Welcome Campers ●      Answer any questions camper guardians may have ●      Take attendance ●      Supervise free play ●      Provide “sharing” food to any hungry campers Morning Session: ●      Prepare for scheduled visual art project ●      Assist in cleaning up activity area ●      Keep supply storage room organized and clean ●      Monitor bathroom breaks Recess (12p-1p): ●      Supervise outdoor play (indoors on stage during inclement weather). Afternoon: ●      Welcome the performing arts partners ●      Monitor campers during performance instruction ●      Provide play activities during downtime ●      Confirm and supervise clean up theater or VAC for incoming evening activities ●      Supervise a safe guardian pick-up routine ●      Communicate with aftercare staff before leaving ●      Confirm and supervise that all garbage is taken outside at end of day Aftercare: ●      Provide instruction for activities and games to keep all campers engaged ●      Provide instruction for snack time and outdoor recess time ●      Provide instruction for safe and monitored parental pick up Special Events: ●      Friday’s 3pm – 3:30pm Invited performances for/by campers and other community guests and end of week Art Exhibitions. Interested applicants should send resume, cover letter, and references to leciafloyd@artsforlawrence.org by March 31, 2024. No phone calls.

Total Eclipse Art Show An exhibition of art of any medium created by Central Indiana artists. Special consideration is given to artwork focused on space, astrology, and astronomy. March 8 – April 8, 2024. Arts for Lawrence is seeking artworks of any medium created by Central Indiana artists. Artwork should be no larger than 3x3 feet. It should include hardware for hanging on a wall, be able to be displayed on a small table or be able to be displayed on the floor. Selection Process: This is a juried show with the selection made by the Arts for Lawrence Visual Arts advisory committee. Eligibility: · All Central Indiana artists are welcome to submit · All work must be the sole property of the artist · Artwork should have been created within the past two years · Artwork must be within the size limit · Individuals under the age of 18 must provide parental consent Timeline: · January 5, 2024 | Deadline for Entry · January 12, 2024 | Acceptance Notification · February 28 – March 1, 2024, | Artwork Drop off (AFL Theater at the Fort 8920 Otis Ave 46216) · March 8, 2024 | Opening Reception (AFL Visual Arts Center 8970 Otis Ave. 46216) · April 8, 2024 | Close of Show, Artwork Pick up · April 9-12, 2024 | Artwork Pick up Submission Process Submission form is available HERE, by scanning the QR code below, or at artsforlawrence.org/vac Please note that AFL takes a 10% commission on all artwork sold in the gallery. Have questions? Contact leciafloyd@artsforlawrence.org or 317-875-1900 ext. 100

Summer Art Camp 2023 was nothing short of AMAZING! Over the four weeks of camp offered, we welcomed 125 campers to our space to experience visual and performing arts opportunities. Many of these campers were able to attend on a full, need-based scholarship, making arts accessible to everyone. This year's camp was made possible thanks to the generosity of the Lilly Endowment, Inc., the Summer Youth Program Fund (SYPF), and The Mark V. Brommund Fund, a fund of the Central Indiana Community Foundation. Your support helps us to fulfill our mission of connecting arts and community to inspire everyone every day. Thank you. We'd also like to thank our Summer Art Camp Staff, and this year's performing arts partners: Crossroads Dance Indy Adam Riviere Storytelling Arts of Indiana The Magic Comic- Jamahl Keyes React Alexander Coleman Dance Company LLC Please enjoy this short recap of this year's camp.

Thank you to Oseye Boyd of IndyStar for having our Executive Director Elana as a guest on Voices of the Community Podcast in June 2023. Elana proudly “discusses the offerings of this arts and cultural gem on the far east side.” You can listen to the podcast here.

Operations Coordinator Full time Salary $38,000-$41,000 annually, no benefits Tuesday-Friday from 9am-6pm, some weekends and evenings required, (flex time available to compensate) Reports to Executive Director Arts for Lawrence is looking for an experienced Operations Coordinator to join our team. The Operations Coordinator assists the Executive Director and oversees a range of internal organizational operations, including financial systems and budgeting, contracts, and information systems. The Operations Coordinator oversees the operation of the organization, tracks the strategic goals and outcomes, and prepares reporting data for the Board of Directors. The Operations Coordinator works very closely with the Program Manager and oversees all volunteer administrative positions. Responsibilities • Develop and provide overall direction for the day-to-day operation of the organization. • In collaboration with the Executive Director and the Program Manager, cultivate and maintain strong relationships with partners, donors, volunteers, and community members. • Manage all income and expenses and work side by side with the bookkeeper and CPA. • Work with the AFL Finance committee to prepare an annual budget. • Ensure compliance with applicable licensing and regulations. • Support Marketing and Communication activities. Requirements • Highly focused and able to work independently while managing multiple tasks and projects with competing priorities and deadlines • Well-organized with a community-oriented approach • Strong financial management skills • Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal skills • Ability to provide leadership, analyze situations and data, solve problems, handle or recommend appropriate course of action • Planning, project management, and facilitation skills • Capacity to work and thrive in a growing, fast-paced organization • Bilingual (Spanish/English) speaking persons encouraged to apply • Microsoft Office Required (Bloomerang, Wix, QuickBooks experience a plus) Applicants should send a resume, cover letter, and three references to elanathompson@artsforlawrence.org. No phone calls. Please apply by April 14, 2023.