As Indianapolis prepares for the 109th Running of the Indianapolis 500, the city is set to unveil the latest installment of the "Welcome Race Fans" initiative, a collaboration between the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) and the Indy Arts Council. This program, established in 2016, commissions local artists to create original artworks that embody the spirit of the Indy 500 and the Month of May festivities. The 2025 artworks, crafted by five Central Indiana artists, will be unveiled on April 29 and displayed throughout the city during the race season.

The "Welcome Race Fans" initiative was launched to commemorate the 100th Running of the Indianapolis 500, aiming to integrate local visual art into the city's celebration of the event. Each year, five artists are selected to create original pieces that reflect the excitement and heritage of the Indy 500. These artworks are then showcased in various locations across Indianapolis, serving as vibrant symbols of Hoosier hospitality.

For the 2025 edition, the selected artists are Sarah Anderson, Xavier Gray, Caroline Hays, Cassie Mitchell, and Frances Ruiz. Their diverse backgrounds and artistic styles promise a rich tapestry of interpretations of the racing tradition.

Sarah Anderson: A full-time ceramic artist known for her illustrative characters on clay surfaces, utilizing the sgraffito technique. Her work is characterized by bright colors and exaggerated creatures, creating a uniquely identifiable brand.

Xavier Gray: A multidisciplinary artist blending street art, graphic design, and personal storytelling. His work often features repetitive images that create dynamic visual rhythms and positive affirmations, inviting viewers to engage with the transformative power of creative expression.

Caroline Hays: An artist and educator focusing on the layers of history that shape a place. Through mixed media and layering, she aims to illuminate the memories, histories, and connections people have to places.

Cassie Mitchell: A junior at Marian University with a deep passion for art and community service. She is dedicated to inspiring the younger generation by promoting the importance of art and works to elevate and support artistic initiatives that make a difference in the community.

Frances Ruiz: Inspired by her upbringing in Puerto Rico and experiences in Indiana, she employs vibrant colors and dynamic lines to evoke movement and convey emotion in her compositions. Her work has been described as "painting with paper" due to the intricate details and precise representation found in her collages.

This year marks a significant evolution in the program, as both two- and three-dimensional artworks, including sculptures, carvings, and papercraft, were considered and may be created for the first time. This expansion reflects a broader exploration of artistic mediums within the initiative.

IMS President J. Douglas Boles emphasized the importance of the initiative, stating, "The Welcome Race Fans art is one of the first things thousands of visitors see when they come to the city of Indianapolis and IMS for the Month of May. This Hoosier hospitality is just one of the many reasons the Month of May is so special to so many."

The "Welcome Race Fans" initiative exemplifies the fusion of sports and arts, enriching the cultural landscape of Indianapolis during the Month of May. By commissioning local artists, the program fosters community engagement, supports the local art scene, and enhances the visitor experience by providing unique visual representations of the city's racing heritage.

Since its inception, the initiative has become a cherished tradition, with each year's selected artworks contributing to the evolving narrative of the Indianapolis 500. The program has consistently highlighted diverse artistic styles and mediums, reflecting the dynamic nature of both the art and racing communities.

As the 2025 artworks are unveiled, they will not only welcome race fans but also celebrate the city's rich cultural heritage and artistic talent, reinforcing Indianapolis's commitment to celebrating its traditions while embracing contemporary artistic expressions.