Indianapolis – The College Avenue Library branch is once again home to the annual FLAVA FRESH! juried exhibition, a showcase of 50 contemporary artists of color. The show, which runs through Jan. 28, invites local residents to vote for their favorite artwork by Oct. 21, with winners honored at an awards ceremony.

Founder’s vision

Del Reverda‑Jennings, now 70, created the series more than three decades ago to counter the exclusionary atmosphere that once dominated Indiana’s arts scene. “Into the mid‑2000s, there were very few, if any, Black or BIPOC artists even aware of opportunities commonly made available to their white counterparts,” she explained. With today’s technology, she believes the intentional neglect has largely been overcome.

How the exhibition works

FLAVA FRESH! is a juried show, meaning a panel of curators selects the participating artists. The exhibition highlights emerging and early‑career creators across a wide range of media, styles and disciplines. While Reverda‑Jennings displays her own work at each season’s show, her pieces are not part of the juried selection.

Community impact

Reverda‑Jennings describes the event as a “large, diverse family” that offers inspiration, fellowship and professional development. Artists report seeing genuine joy when visitors praise or purchase their work. Long‑standing relationships have formed with local arts leaders, including Cynthia Young of the Sullivan‑Munce Cultural Center and mixed‑media artist Anthony Radford.

Planning and logistics

The exhibition series is planned at least two years in advance. Originally six shows a year, the program now presents four annual exhibitions to ensure quality and feasibility. Organizing the shows requires significant manual labor and dedication, a fact many observers overlook.

Voting and awards

Visitors to the College Avenue Library can cast votes for their favorite pieces online or in person through Oct. 21. The award ceremony, held at the library’s final presentation, celebrates the artists’ achievements and highlights the importance of providing a level playing field for under‑represented creators.

Looking ahead

As the exhibition continues into 2027, Reverda‑Jennings remains committed to nurturing creative fellowship and ensuring that visual art receives the recognition it deserves. The FLAVA FRESH! series stands as a testament to the power of community‑driven arts initiatives to uplift families, honor cultural heritage, and enrich Indianapolis’ cultural landscape.

Original reporting: Mirror Indy — read the source article.