Radford receives Lifetime Achievement Award

The Indianapolis arts scene is abuzz with the news that Anthony ‘Tony’ Radford, a pillar of the community, is receiving the Christel DeHaan Lifetime Achievement Award from the Indy Arts Council. The prestigious honor acknowledges Radford’s unwavering dedication to cultivating artistic expression and commemorating the works of African American creators. Radford’s journey began on the east side of Indianapolis, where his childhood was brimming with creative pursuits. “I grew up in an era where we would build treehouses, go-karts and things like that,” Radford said. “I’d lay out the plan, and they knew what we were gonna do that day.” At 19, Radford’s path took a turn towards the Indianapolis Public Library (IPL), where he joined the Books to People program. Here, he brought the joy of reading to residents across nursing homes, barbershops and community events. Further, a particularly rough winter ignited a return to his artistic ways. Radford began crafting jewelry and art, reconnecting with a passion that had long simmered within him. Radford’s artistic passion intersected with a desire for a platform that advocated the creativity of Black artists. “I will never forget when I was at the library, and I saw the work of an artist...