"Butter" Art of Indianapolis Expands to Los Angeles 2026

 Indianapolis has become a hub for creativity and culture over the years, and one of the shining stars of that movement has been BUTTER: A Fine Art Fair, known simply as Butter.  Now, the celebrated art showcase is spreading its wings and expanding from the Circle City all the way to Los Angeles.

The History of Butter Art in Indianapolis

Founded in 2021, Butter was created by GANGGANG Culture, a cultural development and creative advocacy firm based in Indianapolis. The co-founders, Alan Bacon and Mali Jeffers, started Butter with one clear mission: to uplift, celebrate, and give proper value to Black visual artists.

The fair quickly grew into one of the Midwest’s most talked-about art events. Instead of the traditional art fair model where galleries take large cuts of sales, Butter operates on a unique “100% to the artist” structure, meaning every dollar spent on artwork goes directly to the creator. This innovative approach has not only supported artists financially but also reshaped how Indianapolis views the art economy.

Butter’s Move to Los Angeles

After four successful years in Indianapolis, the expansion to Los Angeles marks a major milestone. LA is one of the world’s biggest art markets, and the move signals a bold step in giving Black artists national—and even global—recognition.

While Indianapolis will continue to host its annual Butter fair each Labor Day weekend, Los Angeles will provide a new stage for artists to showcase their talent in front of larger audiences, collectors, and galleries from across the world.

Why Butter Stands Out

• Focus on Black artists – Butter is committed to

  
  
  showcasing the brilliance of Black creativity.

• Artist-first approach – 100% of proceeds from art sales go to the artists.

• Cultural movement – Beyond just an art fair, Butter has become a community celebration with music, food, and conversations about equity in the arts.

The Future of Butter

With roots firmly planted in Indianapolis and branches now reaching Los Angeles, Butter is positioned to become a national movement. For collectors, art lovers, and cultural advocates, this expansion means more opportunities to engage with and invest in Black artistry.

As co-founders Bacon and Jeffers continue to lead the charge, Butter is proving that Indianapolis culture can not only compete on the national stage but also set new standards for how art fairs should operate.

BJ