BUTTER 5's million-dollar milestone
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Pacers All-Star Tyrese Haliburton checks out Israel Solomon's "Spades Game" during BUTTER 4 before purchasing the piece. Photo: Courtesy of Kaylon Outlaw
The fifth BUTTER Fine Art Fair takes over the historic Stutz factory building this weekend with new artists, galleries and experiences.
Why it matters: The equitable art fair's commitment to growing the arts ecosystem in Indianapolis and beyond by giving everything back to the creators remains the same.
How it works: Organized by creative advocacy agency GANGGANG, BUTTER aims to loan or sell 100% of the fair's artwork and offer 100% of sales profit to artists.
- There is no fee for artists to participate, and guests under 18 pay no fee to enter.
By the numbers: Since its inaugural event in 2021, the fair has put a spotlight on nearly 200 local and national artists.
- The fair has sold a combined total of more $900,000 worth of artwork and attracted more than 46,000 attendees.
- Last year's BUTTER was the biggest yet, moving 64 pieces of art with an average price per sale of about $2,400, for a total of more than $154,000.
- Notable sales include Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton buying Israel Solomon's "Spades Game;" The Children's Museum of Indianapolis buying "Saturday Morning" by FITZ and "Dreamgazer" by Micah Johnson; and TV producer Kyra Epps — wife of Indy comedian Mike Epps — buying a Gary Gee mask called "I See You King."
What they're saying: "Amid a polarizing social and political environment, BUTTER continues to promote resiliency, possibility and culture," Malina Simone Bacon, co-founder of GANGGANG and BUTTER, said in a statement. "Year five marks a major milestone for the fine art fair and tells of Indy's commitment to talent retention, economic development and innovation in the arts."
- "This year we will eclipse $1 million in sales for artists, and we'll continue to inspire thousands of guests each day."
Zoom in: BUTTER 5 includes the work of 50 exhibiting artists, live music, educational pop-ups, walking tours, dining experiences and more. Here's some of what's new this year:
- BUTTER is partnering with Tamika Catchings for the first-ever Collectors' Club tea party at 12pm Sunday, featuring specialty tea pairings and biscuits prepared by 2025 BUTTER curator and culinary artist Samuel Trotter.
- Ju's Juke Joint will set up shop in the bright pink building on 10th Street as a nod to old Indiana Avenue. Prepare to dance to live music from Chreece curators, Bashiri Asad, Taylor Hall, Clint Breeze and Rob Dixon.
- A Cunningham Restaurant Group dining experience in the BUTTER Loft will offer attendees a five-course menu crafted by CRG executive chef Carl Chambers and Chef de Cuisine and World Food Champion Colin Hilton.
If you go: BUTTER runs through Sunday at the Stutz.
- Tickets for the art fair, which opens at 11am Friday-Sunday, start at $55.
A 21 and up BUTTER dance party called MELT will be held at Murat Shiners Center at 9pm Saturday. Tickets start at $35.