Indianapolis, IN 
June 3, 2025  

Learn new art styles and discover inspiring artistry at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis as it announces the selection of the new Visiting Artists for the 2025-2026 season: Kyng Rhodes and Johnson Simon!  

Each year, a hand-selected committee reviews the resumes and portfolios of some of the most talented artists with Indiana ties, choosing two exceptional individuals to inspire and engage children and families through art exhibits, displays and hands-on workshops during the year at the museum. 

Meet Kyng Rhodes: Contemporary Artist with a Lens of Self-Discovery  

Kyng Rhodes stands as a contemporary artist whose work aims to transcend the canvas, radiating with vibrancy, color and profound expressiveness. Based in Indianapolis and born with a natural inclination towards the arts, Rhodes has evolved into a creator whose distinctive style invites audiences into a world where every work spotlights the mundane and the divine experiences of life. 

His work is characterized by its vivid hues, organic motifs, spiritual undercurrents and influences. It invites viewers on a journey of self-discovery and introspection while commentating on worldly affairs. Rhodes and his work have been mentioned and featured in several national publications, including Ebony, Forbes and The New York Times.  

Rhodes enjoys educating families about the power of art and looks forward to sharing his passion at the museum throughout the year. “I’m passionate about teaching art to children and families because it combines human connection and creativity,” said Rhodes. “It creates a space for families to slow down, breathe and bond through art with the aim to expand on the experience they will have while visiting The Children's Museum of Indianapolis.”  

Explore Rhodes' work here: https://www.kyngrhodes.com/.

Meet Johnson Simon: Expressionistic Artist Using His Art as His Movement  

Johnson Simon is an Indianapolis-based artist of Haitian descent, whose work is focused on movement in motion. His desire is to express himself through dancing, but his disability limits him from moving about the way that he would like. Instead, Simon uses painting to demonstrate his desire to live life with no physical restrictions. 

It was at a dance recital at Western Michigan University that first inspired Simon to create his first dance-focused expressionistic painting. From then on, he became a student of how the body moves and emotes – he used all types of movement in his research including walking, running, swimming and skydiving, even recording his own movements and discovering his own rhythms. 

Now when Simon paints, he chooses bright colors and broad and sweeping motions with his paintbrush to transfer that feeling of movement onto the canvas. In his artistic work, Simon can move freely about without limitations. Check out his portfolio here: https://www.artbyjohnsonsimon.com/.  

Simon shared, “As someone with a disability, movement impacts me on a daily basis. My artwork is a way for me to express how I would move if I could do so freely and uninterrupted. My paintings use expressive mark-making along with vibrant colors to display a sense of motion and energy. I can’t wait to show the kids how to use their imaginations and imitate movement in their work.” 

Visiting Artist Program  

From June 2025 to May 2026, Kyng Rhodes and Johnson Simon will bring their unique artistic visions to the museum, offering a variety of interactive experiences designed to ignite creativity and foster a love for the arts. Their passion for engaging with and teaching children, families and school groups will be evident in the various exhibits and hands-on activities they will lead throughout the year. 

Join us at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis to meet these extraordinary artists and take part in their creative workshops and presentations. Be inspired by their remarkable talents and teachings as they educate children and families through their unique artistic exhibitions, displays and programs.  

The Visiting Artist Program is a project of the Lechleiter Indiana Visiting Artist Fund with support provided by The White Oak Foundation, Sarah and John Lechleiter. For more information on our Visiting Artist programs, visit www.childrensmuseum.org/visiting-artist-program. 

About The Children's Museum of Indianapolis      

We ignite joy, wonder and curiosity by creating powerful learning experiences for children and adults. For more information about The Children's Museum, visit www.childrensmuseum.org and follow us on social media @childrensmuseum.   The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is proud to partner with Riley Children’s Health, Old National Bank, Ice Miller LLP, and The Heritage Group.