Spoken word artist Auboni Hart, known as Auboni Essence, creates poems, short stories, and plays that explore characters experiencing both joy and challenges. She has also led youth poetry workshops and has competed nationally as part of a slam poetry team.
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Essence describes herself as a safe space for her audience, whether they are engaging with her poetry, participating in writing activities, or experiencing curated events she organizes. "I like to consider myself a safe space for everyone who walks into whatever it is that I am doing," she stated.
Essence is one of four featured artists for the upcoming 2026 Art & Soul, an annual celebration of Black artists. The performance will take place at 6 p.m. on October 11 at the Madam Walker Legacy Center. Tickets are available at indyarts.org/programs/art-soul.