soul • real • ism – An Art & Soul Featured Artist Showcase

soul • real • ism – A Featured Artist Showcase curated and hosted by Madam Walker Legacy Center

On Friday, April 11, the 2025 Art & Soul Featured Artists—Monique Burts, Brandon Lott, Akili Ni Mali, and Kierra Ready—invite you to soul • real • ism – An Art & Soul Featured Artist Showcase curated and hosted by the Madam Walker Legacy Center.

This multimedia experience will feature an unconventional wearable art fashion show, a visual art display, and live music performances. This event is presented by the Indy Arts Council with generous support from Lilly Endowment, Inc.

Doors open at 6 p.m. The show starts at 7 p.m. and runs until 9:30 p.m.

2025 ART & SOUL FEATURED ARTISTS

• Akili Ni Mali - Recording Artist & Actor
  Akili Ni Mali is an independent recording artist, born in California and raised in Indianapolis. With a sound blend of R&B, soul, jazz, and pop, some of her musical influences are Jazmine Sullivan, Rachelle Farrelle, Sadé, and India Arie. She released her EP Breathe in 2020, along with singles “Good Life” (2020), “Right” (2021), “Sold” (2022), “Lana Del Rey” (2023) and “9-5” (2024), and her latest EP Changes (2024). Akili is also a professional actor with representation out of Chicago.
  
• Brandon Lott - Recording Artist
  Brandon is a versatile and seasoned recording artist specializing in vocal performance, songwriting, and multi-instrumental production. He began his career in 2014 as a music intern at the Harrison Center while attending Herron High School. In 2022, Brandon signed with 199X Sound, an independently-run artist management company based in LA. His work blends R&B and neo soul with global influences, aiming to inspire listeners to explore their inner selves and question the mysteries of existence.
  
• Kierra Ready - Visual Artist & Illustrator
  Kierra is a multidisciplinary artist whose work is deeply rooted in community and culture. She creates art that sparks conversations, encourages unity, and invites people to experience the beauty of diversity. With a strong passion for storytelling through visual media, Kierra strives to uplift and inspire through every project, connecting people through creativity and shared experiences. Past exhibitions include Phoenix Theatre: Taking Up Space, Indy Black Expo: Art Speaks, Storefront Indy: Fine Chic, and Re:Public: Beautiful Things Grow Here.
  
• Monique Burts - Wearable Artist
  Monique Burts is a wearable artist who uses storytelling and performance art to bring her sculptures to life through various unconventional materials. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in sculpture from Herron School of Art + Design. Monique draws much of her inspiration from the possibilities that appear when perspective is altered. Her artistry is also shaped by her culture and lived experiences as a Black woman. She has exhibited at various Indianapolis galleries and venues including the Phoenix Theatre Cultural Centre, The Vogue Theatre, and the Indy 500 Snakepit Ball.

PARKING INFORMATION

Parking is available in the lots directly next to the Madam Walker Legacy Center.

617 Indiana Ave. Indianapolis, IN 46202

About Indy Arts Council
Indy Arts Council is central Indiana’s leading arts advocacy and services agency. Their mission is to champion arts and culture. Indy Arts Council believes every resident should experience arts and culture in a way that nourishes and inspires them. This vision of a creative life for all is central to the work they do to support artists, arts organizations, and the community.
About Madam Walker Legacy Center
The Madam Walker Legacy Center represents a significant piece of the nation’s history. It is located in the Madam C.J. Walker Building, which was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1991 and placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. It remains a beacon of pride, hope and the beauty that lies in diversity, ensuring that the significance of Madam C.J. Walker, Indiana Avenue and African-American cultural arts are not forgotten.

Host or Publisher Madam Walker Legacy Center