Now in its fifth year, BUTTER, the celebration of Black visual art is back August 28 to 31 at The Stutz, bringing 50 artists from Indiana and around the world, and a bigger, more immersive experience than ever. Here’s what you should know.
What’s New This Year
- More Art, Wider Range: The largest collection yet, with works starting at $250 and climbing into six figures. The fine art will now be exhibited in and behind The Stuz Car Museum, 1060 N Capitol Ave. Visitors can preview every piece for sale (and its price) via the Artists page on the BUTTER website before arriving.
- Five-Course, Fine Dining: A brand-new VIP space in the Stutz Two building will offer a five-course tasting menu by 2025 World Food Champion chef Colin Hilton, complete with wine pairings. Sixty guests for one seating each night, Friday and Saturday. Tickets are $250 per person, which includes general admission for the whole weekend.
- Ju’s Juke Joint – New this year inside the pink warehouse is a late-night music lounge honoring co-founder Mali Bacon’s late nephew, Junior. Designed to evoke the feel of informal, historically Black-owned establishments, the 21+ space will feature live music by Chreece, Bashiri Asad, Taylor Hall, and Rob Dixon, food from local restaurants like Tru Taste Indy and a dance floor. Open Friday through Sunday evenings, the lounge is included with admission.
- Expanded Butter Shop – Double the size, with artist-designed merch ranging from T-shirts to prints and limited-edition collaborations. There will also be custom shoes designed live by BUTTER artists for purchase for $100.
- Living Design – This year’s theme, Remembrance, comes to life with giant trees and moss walls with help from the head plant designer Natalie Harris at Grounded Plant & Floral Co.
The Artists & Curators
BUTTER’s model requires at least half of participating artists to be Indiana-based. This year, that’s 26 creators, joined by national and international talents, including artists from Africa and London.
Guest curators:
- Jacqueline “Jac” Forbes (LA): Owner of Malibu’s only Black-owned gallery
- Janice Bond (Houston): Cultural connector with deep roots in Black arts
- Samuel Trotter (Detroit): Artist, chef, and creative curator
Artist standouts include “Hometown Heroes” Fitz, Gary Gee, and Ashley Nora (each featured in all of BUTTER’s five years), London’s Sonia Barrett, New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art staffer Jeary Payne, and Houston’s Blu Murphy.
Special Events
- Aug 26 – Public unveiling of a new “Keepers of Culture” mural, dedicated to Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton with hopes the NBA star will be in attendance.
- Aug 27 – “Naptown Narratives” film screening at Alamo Drafthouse, spotlighting local artists.
- Aug 28 – Preview Night (VIPs, sponsors, artists).
- Aug 30 – Street performance by blues artist Buddy Red at 8:00 p.m. on the 10th Street Performance Stage.
Celebrities & CollectorsBUTTER has quietly become a magnet for celebrity buyers — past attendees include Haliburton and Mike and Kyra Epps. Invitations have gone out to Indy Ignite, Indiana Pacers, Fever players, and other high-profile guests. Many stars drop in unannounced to purchase works.
Know before you go:
When: Aug 28–31, 2025 (closed Labor Day)Where: The Stutz, only entrance off Capitol Ave. between 10th & 11th StreetsTickets: General Admission $50 (Fri–Sun), Preview Night $175, VIP $400; kids under 18 free (Fri–Sun). Purchase tickets at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/butter-fine-art-fair-tickets-1381887726389.Parking: Reserved lots available, but rideshare encouraged.
Contact IndyStar Pulliam Fellow Sam Habashy at shabashy@gannett.com or follow her on X @HabashySam.
