Entry No. 23 — the Indianapolis file — filed under: black-owned
1000 Words Gallery
A Black-owned, nonprofit art space dedicated to uplifting emerging Black and Brown visual artists, offering a welcoming platform with rotating exhibitions, workshops, and an outdoor 'Art Garden.'
The story
What began at the start of 2020 as a modest, one-room setup inside an old house on East 10th Street has grown into a vital creative sanctuary on the Near Eastside. Developed in collaboration with 10 East Arts, 1000 Words Gallery was carved out to answer a glaring absence in the local scene: a dedicated, Black-owned platform explicitly focused on uplifting emerging Black and Brown visual artists.
You won't find a sterile, silent white-cube gallery where quiet whispers are enforced. Tucked into Suite C, the space operates as a laboratory for collective thinkers. High-contrast paintings and rotating visual exhibitions line the interior, while out back, the gallery expands into an outdoor Art Garden—a neighborhood gathering spot designed to strip away the art world's usual gatekeeping.
What it's like
Stepping into Suite C inside the 10 East Arts building, the vibe feels far more like an active community hub than an intimidated gallery. Expect to browse bold work from local creators, drop into a phone photography class, or catch an evening singles social surrounded by regional art. If you visit during warmer weather, head straight out back to the Art Garden for hands-on making sessions. Because operating hours hinge heavily on event programming and exhibition cycles, confirm their current schedule online before heading over.
The move: Attend one of their creative workshops, like a phone photography class or a hands-on art session in their outdoor Art Garden, then browse the vibrant, community-focused paintings inside.
- 📍 Near Eastside
- 💸 $$
- ⚡ Up for anything
- 🌗 Indoors
Where: 3328 E 10th St, Suite C, Indianapolis, IN 46201
Hours: Added 2026-07-21 — confirm current hours before you go.
Pair it with
- Indy's Teeny Statue of Liberty Museum — Pair grassroots local visual art with a trip just down the road to browse over 700 miniature Lady Liberty oddities.
- Factory Arts District — Follow 10th Street west to explore a massive 1918 auto plant turned multi-acre creative enclave packed with artist studios and local spots.
- Glass Arts Indiana / Indy Fused Glass — Double down on Near Eastside maker culture by catching a molten glassblowing or fusing class at the nearby Circle City Industrial Complex.
Good to know
What kind of workshops and events are offered?
Programming rotates regularly and includes practical creative sessions like phone photography classes, hands-on making in the Art Garden, singles social nights, and formal art exhibition openings.
Where inside the building is the gallery located?
You can find 1000 Words Gallery at 3328 East 10th Street in Suite C, operating within the 10 East Arts venue on Indy's Near Eastside.
Is the space child-friendly or community-oriented?
Yes, the gallery operates as a non-profit community space designed to be accessible and welcoming to local neighbors and visitors alike.
How do I check current opening hours?
Because hours depend on current exhibitions and active workshops, check their official website or Instagram feed (@1000wordsindy) before planning your trip.
Plan a visit & invite your people →
Further reading: Official site · 10eastarts.org · lifeinindy.com
last checked: 2026-07-21