Nina L. McCoy says when you look at her portraits, "They pull you into that individual's spirit, even though there aren't any words." (Photo provided by Central Library)

Iris Rosa works in fabric. Anthony Artis makes drums.(Photo provided by Central Library)

Andrea Short (Photo provided by Central Library)

Celebrating its 20th anniversary, this year's "Meet the Artists" series will showcase the works of more than 50 new and returning artists in what has become a celebrated exhibit of black-American art.

It kicks off at the Central Library with a reception from 5 to 10.p.m. Feb. 2, featuring a conversation with actor and singer Avery Brooks, artistic director for the National Black Arts Festival. It continues through Feb. 29.

"My ultimate goal was to give the artists exposure. Then it's up to them," said curator Anthony Radford.

The exhibit features 43 hanging pieces, nine sculptures and six cases of small sculptures, jewelry and textiles.

Here's a look at four artists:

Nina L. McCoy

She read a love story written by a retired history teacher about his wife, who died of cancer. It was accompanied by a photo of the woman taken the day of her diagnosis. Her husband told her she'd never looked more beautiful and snapped her picture.

From that photo, Nina L. McCoy, 62, painted, "The Day She was Told," an evocative acrylic portrait.

"My portraits are reflective of a person's inner self, so, when you look at them, they pull you into that individual's spirit, even though there aren't any words," said McCoy, who has been painting for more than a decade. Some of her portraits are displayed at The Art Bank, 811 Massachusetts Ave.

Iris Rosa and Anthony Artis

When Iris Rosa, an Indiana University professor of African American Studies, received a six-week residency with the National Dance Ensemble in Ghana, West Africa, her husband, Anthony Artis, spent time sitting with the drummers and learning to craft the instruments.

Artis, 57, will exhibit two Ashiko drums -- a 24-inch-tall one made of walnut and another made of white wood and embellished with ornate carvings and burned-in designs. A third piece -- a drummer's stool, includes an ornate upholstered seat, done by Rosa, 57, who works with African fabrics. Her wares will also be displayed.

Andrea Short

Her children poked holes in the screen door so many times that Andrea "Andy" Short, 45, decided she should recycle the screening rather than throw it away. She started "playing" with it, entered a sculpting contest and started a new phase of her life as a mesh artist.

That was 10 years ago. Since then she has returned to high school to get her diploma and is taking classes at Herron School of Art.

In the past year, she's spent about four months working on her aluminum mesh sculptures. One of her pieces hangs above the Bamboo Cafe at Community Hospital North. It's Short's interpretation of a soul entering heaven. Short creates the pieces by spraying mesh with water-based enamel colors and then sculpting the wire into origami folds.

"Meet the Artists" Gala Reception

When: Saturday, Feb. 2, 5-10 p.m.; exhibit continues through Feb. 29 during regular library hours: 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Friday; 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday; 1-5 p.m., Sunday.

Where: Central Library, 40 E. St. Clair St.

Cost: Free.

Info: (317) 275-4099, www.imcpl.org. Feb. 2 events: 5-10 p.m., Book signings by local authors; 5-6 p.m., African drumming by Urban Vibes; 5:30-6 p.m., Kenyetta Dance Company; 6-6:30 p.m., poetry reading by James Depp Sr.; nSaychable, and SIAM; 6:30-7 p.m., Asante Children's Theatre; 7-8 p.m., A conversation with Avery Brooks & introduction of the artists; 7-7:45 p.m., clown and magic show; 8-8:45 p.m., featured band: The Toy Factory; 8:45-9 p.m., poetry reading by James Depp Sr.; 9-10 p.m. "Returning to Our Roots: Africa! Hair and Fashion Show" presented by Thierry Baptiste.

- By T.J. Banes