Arts

Spring Mill State Park gets crafty in November

kpaul.mallasch — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 17:45:34 -0700

During three weekends in November, Spring Mill State Park will offer unique and exciting craft programs designed to bring out the creativity in everyone.

The crafting fun begins on Saturday, Nov. 8, with Autumn Craft Day. Visitors can make six different autumn-themed crafts. Supplies are limited to the first 35 visitors to purchase a $10 ticket. Tickets will be sold in the Pioneer Village Gristmill beginning at 11 a.m. that day. Also the same day, Spring Mill Inn will host its annual craft show, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

On Nov. 22 and 23, Saturday and Sunday, visitors to the park can select individual crafts to make in the Pioneer Village. The "Pioneer Craft Sampler" will offer a variety of choices, priced from $1 to $5 per craft.

Holiday crafts take center stage the following Friday and Saturday, Nov. 28 and 29. A different set of six crafts will be offered each day for $10 per person. Participation is limited to the first 25 people to purchase tickets on Friday, and to the first 35 to purchase tickets on Saturday. Tickets will be sold in the Pioneer Village Gristmill beginning at 11 a.m. each day.

Park admission during these events is $5 per vehicle for in-state residents and $7 per vehicle for out-of-state residents.

For more information on this and other upcoming events, contact park program coordinator Coletta Prewitt, (812) 849-4129, cprewitt@dnr.IN.gov.

Source: Indiana DNR

Celebrate Family History Month at the State Library

kpaul.mallasch — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 23:45:13 -0700

State Library hosting special Family History Month and Amercan Archives Month events in October!

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - This October, in celebration of Family History Month and American Archives Month, the Indiana State Library is hosting several family history-related events and activities. The State Library and Indiana State Archives will offer several FREE programs on a variety of family history topics, all dedicated to researching family history and exploring Indiana's cultural heritage.

"Genealogy reveals fascinating details about those who came before you, which can lead to exciting discoveries about yourself and family," said Roberta L. Brooker, Indiana State Librarian. "Whether you're an experienced genealogist or a novice, the State Library has many resources that will enrich your family history research."

On Saturday, October 25, 2008, the State Library will host Family History Day. The all-day event will feature the following workshops and activities (all times Eastern):

8:15-8:50 a.m.           Sign-in

8:50-9:00 a.m.          Welcome

9:00-10:00 a.m.        Back To Basics: Beginning Your Family History
Research Guidelines for the beginning genealogist and reminders for the experienced researcher.

10:15-11:15 a.m.       Family History Research at the Indiana State Library
An introduction to family history-related materials located within the State Library's collections.

11:15 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Lunch (On your own)

12:30-1:30 p.m.        Family History Resources at the Indiana State Archives
An overview of resources of interest to genealogists available at the State Archives.

1:45-2:45 p.m.           Indiana State Library and Archives Q&A Panel
Library and Archives staff will field questions regarding resource availability and research techniques.

2:45-3:45 p.m.          Family History Tour
Tour the many family history resources located at the Indiana State Library.

In addition to the five events on Family History Day, the State Library will offer five Family History Orientation Tours throughout October. These tours offer insight into the different family history resources located at the State Library. Tours are scheduled for the following dates (all times Eastern):

October 2, 2008 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
October 9, 2008 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
October 14, 2008 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
October 21, 2008 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
October 30, 2008 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

All programs are free and open to the public. Registration is required for all Family History Month activities. The deadline to register for Family History Day is October 22 and registration for individual events is allowed. Please call (317) 232-3689 or email augonzalez@library.IN.gov to register.

A downloadable flyer of Family History Month and American Archives Month. For more information on all upcoming Indiana State Library events, visit http://www.in.gov/library/2374.htm.

About the Indiana State Library Genealogy Collection

The Genealogy Collection has developed over time to become one of the largest collections of family history information in the Midwest. The collection includes over 40,000 printed items (family histories, indexes to records, how-to books, cemetery transcriptions, family history magazines, and more) as well as microfilmed federal census records, Indiana county records, passenger lists, and military pension information. The collection includes hundreds of CDs with family history information. The emphasis of the collection is on Indiana and bordering states, as well as eastern and southern states.

There are also numerous online subscription resources that are only available within the State Library. These include: Ancestry Library, HeritageQuest, FirstSearch, and New England Ancestors.org.

Source: Indiana State Library

Satisfy the Senses at the 17th Annual Wine Cornucopia

kpaul.mallasch — Mon, 8 Sep 2008 13:45:27 -0700

Exceptional Wine Tasting Benefiting Easter Seals Crossroads

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - Novice wine drinkers and aficionados alike are invited to sample an array of magnificent varietals and nibble distinct hors d’oeuvres on Thursday, October 2, 2008 during the 17th Annual Wine Cornucopia, a fundraiser benefiting Easter Seals Crossroads. The Westin Indianapolis will serve as the backdrop for the early evening event allowing wine enthusiasts to sip and savor in style while supporting programs for children and adults with autism.

“The evening is a wonderful opportunity for guests to taste some superb wines and give back to a community resource that has provided disability services for Central Indiana children and adults since 1936," said James Vento, President/CEO of Easter Seals Crossroads.

Guests are invited to enjoy an array of over 300 premier wines and a gourmet hors d’oeuvre buffet accompanied by live jazz music, all while browsing a broad assortment of private cellar wines available for purchase during a silent auction that will run throughout the course of the evening.

Adding further cachet to the celebration this year is an exclusive Prestige Area, which entitles patrons to sample a select group of the finest wines not available to general admission guests.

The 17th Annual Wine Cornucopia will be held in the Grand Ballroom of The Westin Indianapolis from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 2, 2008. Guests must be 21 years of age to attend. Tickets are $45 in advance; $50 at the door. A limited number of spaces are available for the Prestige Area and priced at $125 per person. To purchase tickets to the 17th Annual Wine Cornucopia, please visitwww.eastersealscrossroads.org or stop by any 21 Amendment Wine & Spirits location. For more information, call 317.466.2002.

The 17th Annual Wine Cornucopia has received generous support from event sponsors, including: Eli Lilly and Company; Comprehensive Computer Support, Inc.;21st Amendment Wine & Spirits; Indianapolis Monthly; and The Westin Indianapolis.

About Easter Seals Crossroads

Easter Seals Crossroads is a community resource working in partnership with Central Indiana children and adults with autism, developmental disabilities, physical disabilities and other special needs to promote growth, independence and dignity. Visitwww.eastersealscrossroads.org for more information.

Source: Press Release

Downtown Muncie Newsletter

kpaul.mallasch — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 12:15:58 -0700

Are you ready for RibFest this weekend? Bring your appetites and come on downtown. Click here for the RibFest schedule of events and entertainment lineup.

AUGUST EVENTS

August 1 - The Muncie Children's Museum is throwing a party! Come to August's Friends and Family Fun Night for an End of Summer Party at the MCM from 3 - 7 p.m. Admission is free.

August 1 - Freaky Tiki Friday food, drink and live music from Walden Song. Starts at 5pm in the parking lot next to the Blue Bottle.

August 1 - Free Friday Night Movie - "Transformers" begins at dusk in the 400 block of South Walnut Street.

August 1 & 2 - Summer Stage Fest at Minnetrista, featuring Oklahoma!, presented by Muncie Civic Theatre (Free Admission).

August 2 & 3 - This year's Ribfest will be held August 2nd, noon-10:00p.m and August 3rd 11:00a.m.-4:00p.m. in the streets of downtown Muncie. Visit munciedowntown.com for vendor applications and more information.

August 7 - First Thursday in Downtown Muncie from 5 to 8pm. All the art galleries open their monthly exhibits with meet-the-artists receptions. Cornerstone Center for the Arts now has an art gallery that will also be included in First Thursday!

August 7 - Carol Cheney will be giving portrait demonstrations at the ArtWorks Art Gallery on First Thursday, August 7, from 5:00 to 7:30 pm. Carol is a painter and local artist/educator. Her watercolor and oil paintings will be on display at ArtWorks Gallery for the month of August.

August 8 - Freaky Tiki Friday food, drink and live music from the Easy Leis and Tim VanCleave Trio. Starts at 5pm in the parking lot next to the Blue Bottle.

August 8 - Free Friday Night Movie - "Spiderman 3" begins at dusk in the 400 block of South Walnut Street.

August 9th - Making Music (For 4 - 9 year-olds) at Minnetrista, 10 a.m. - Noon Muncie Music Center will demonstrate how to play instruments from each musical family, then you can create music in our Wild Music Jam Room and make a flute to take home! Registration required.

August 10th - Second Annual Cornerstone Carnival from 2 to 5 pm at Cornerstone Center for the Arts. Games for children of all ages, prizes, crafts, free classes, performances, refreshments, and much more!

August 11th - Artworks will host an artistic earrings class by Artist Heidi J Hale from 6-9:00pm. Learn how to make three different unique earrings with various techniques using sterling silver wire and semi-precious gemstones. Class limit 6.

August 15th - Cardinal Greenway 15th Anniversary celebration continues with an Old Fashioned Ice Cream Social - Cool off with ice cream after strolling along the Greenway!

August 15th - Freaky Tiki Friday food, drink and live music from The Joan Hamilton Band. Starts at 5pm in the parking lot next to the Blue Bottle.

August 15th - Free Friday Night Movie - "Underdog" begins at dusk in the 400 block of South Walnut Street.

August 20th - PBS Program Club at Minnetrista, 2:00 p.m. - 4 p.m. Watch and discuss this PBS production about the Aztec Massacre. Price: Free, registration requested.

August 22nd - Freaky Tiki Friday food, drink and live music from Losing September w/ Looking for Chairs. Starts at 5pm in the parking lot next to the Blue Bottle.

August 22nd - Free Friday Night Movie - "Shrek the Third" begins at dusk in the 400 block of South Walnut Street.

August 26th - Artworks will host a beginning photography class by Artist Jack Reynolds from 6:30-8:30pm at ArtWorks Gallery. Learn to take control of your camera, composition, lighting, action tips and more. Make better images with your point and shoot or other digital camera.

August 27th - Summer Stage Fest at Minnetrista, Pops Concert, featuring Muncie Symphony Orchestra (Free Admission)

August 28th - Wildlife Solutions at Minnetrista, 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. This seminar will teach you to diagnose and identify garden intruders and discuss prevention techniques. Registration deadline Aug. 25.

August 29th- Freaky Tiki Friday food, drink and live music from Ruined for Life. Starts at 5pm in the parking lot next to the Blue Bottle.

August 29th - Free Friday Night Movie - "The Game Plan" begins at dusk in the 400 block of South Walnut Street.

August 30th - Glass Bead Minne-trip, 8: 00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. (Lunch will be provided) Join us as we travel to Inspired Fire Glass Studio & Gallery in Lafayette, Indiana. Experience flame-working techniques firsthand, create glass beads to take home, and learn the basics of creating a small glass sculpture. Registration deadline Aug. 25.

August 30th - Farmers Market Cooking Demonstration Saturday, August 30, 9:00 a.m. at Minnetrista. Enjoy this FREE cooking demonstration featuring chefs from the local chapter of the American Culinary Federation. All demonstrations include locally grown ingredients found at Farmers Market.

AUGUST ONGOING

Every Monday - Jazz at the Fickle Peach features Ralph Johnson on drums, Paul Rhine on double-bass and flute, and Phil Cooley on Piano. They perform every Monday night from 9 to 11.

Daily at Minnetrista--Historical House Tours at 11, 1 and 3pm; The Minnetrista Story 2pm ; and Nature & Garden Fun at 4pm

Through August 16 - Young artists from Clay Camp will have their work on display at Gallery 308 the first two weeks of August. The exhibit will include work created by children in summer art camps at the Art Mart and the Artist Within. An opening reception to meet the young artists will be held Thursday August 7th from 5-8 pm.

Through August - "Resonating Bio-forms" by Thurman Grantham will be on exhibit at ArtWorks through August. The watercolor and oil paintings of Carol Cheney will also be on display. There will be an opening reception, as well as an art demonstration from Cheney, during First Thursday.

Through August - Gallery Sale at Gordy Fine Art & Framing. Included in the exhibit/sale will be many recognizable names - Alan Patrick, Jim Faulkner, Margie Prim, David and Sarojini Johnson, Bill Zack, Shonet Martin, Eric Ernstberger, Martha Gilliom, Jerry Henning, Sally Myers, Carol Burt, the Gordy's, and others. There will be an opening reception during First Thursday.

Through August - "Friends and Family" is an exhibition of some of the artwork the Artist Within owners Bob and Vicki Hartley have collected over the years. There will be an opening reception during First Thursday.

Through August 28 - Muncie Children's Museum - Summer Storytime. Included with admission. Join the MCM educators every Tuesday and Thursday, at 1:00 p.m., for Summer Storytime in the Book Nook! Pre-registration is not required.

Through August 31 - Recording History: The Grand Pianos and Diverse Sounds of Starr Gennett at Minnetrista. Visit www.minnetrista.net for info.

Through Sept. 7 - Wild Music: Sounds & Songs of Life at Minnetrista, May 31 - September 7. Visit www.minnetrista.net for info.

Through October - Minnetrista Farmers Market meets every Wednesday evening from 4pm until sold out, and every Saturday morning from 8am to noon. Featuring vegetables, fruits, flowers, eggs, honey, baked goods, meat, cheese and much more.

LOOKING AHEAD...

September 5 - Freaky Tiki Friday food, drink and live music from Mike Martin & Friends. Starts at 5pm in the parking lot next to the Blue Bottle.

Tag Sale for Tutus at Muncie Ribfest

kpaul.mallasch — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 09:22:12 -0700

MUNCIE, IN - Do you have too many tiaras, tutus or tea dresses in your closet? Muncie Ballet will host a fundraiser "Tag Sale for Tutus" during RibFest August 2nd & 3rd, downtown Muncie.

You can help by donating, gently used dance wear, costumes, dance shoes, dance themed items and pretty dresses.
Please bring your donation to Mr. Super Rent Equipment on the corner of Centennial and Wheeling, 1631 N. Wheeling Ave. Muncie, IN 47303 before Friday August 1.

Dance Season Starts Soon

kpaul.mallasch — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 13:28:13 -0700

By Lisa Love

Our dance season is almost ready to start!

I hope I will see some of you at Valery Lantrotov's master class on July 27th or the Ball State Dance Camp in early August. I know many families are getting the last of summer vacations taken care of.. I hope all are safe and relaxing. Come back ready to dance!

A pointe shoe trip will be made on August 9t to Indianapolis.. Please call or email if you would like to join me.

A local visit to Hot Toes on Wheeling will be made on August 23rd. If you need tights, soft ballet shoes or just want to join us for an afternoon. Please let me know if you would like to participate in this as well, so I can let Mary at Hot Toes know how many to expect.

Our rehearsal schedule and performance schedule will be available soon. Twice a week dance classes begin Tuesday, August 12th. Pre-Pointe 5:00-6:30 and Pointe 6:00-6:30. Twice a week students : - Please plan on keeping most Saturday afternoons from 12-2 available in October and November.

Once a week dance classes begin September 8th. If you would like to join the twice a week class please email or call me. I would love to see you join us. Class schedule Please email me with the class you plan on attending. Thank you.

PreK Monday 6:30-7:15 Tuesday 4:00-5:00 Saturday 11-11:45

K-1 Thursday 4:00-5:00 Saturday 10-11 Grade 1-3 Monday 4:30-6:30 Saturday 9:00-10:00

Grade 3-6 Monday 5:30-6:30 Saturday 9:00-10:00

Adults Thursday 7:30-8:30

Saturday rehearsals for once a week students will not begin until late October and will be for 6 weeks. We have some wonderful opportunities available this season - I can't wait to share them with you! Please call or email with any questions.

Lisa Love

765-282-1480 studio

Ball State University students and Industry Professionals Collaborate on feature film

kpaul.mallasch — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 21:45:55 -0700

MUNCIE, IN - Indiana will be home to industry professionals from across the nation as they begin filming “My Name Is Jerry” on July 15, 2008.

Unprecedented in scope, the production breaks new ground in movie-making by utilizing university funding for a professionally-produced commercial film written of the course of three years by industry professionals.

Directed by Ball State graduate Morgan Mead, the film is produced by Clothespin Films in partnership with The Institute for Digital Entertainment and Education, The College of Fine Arts, and Ball State University.

The story follows Jerry (Pan's Labyrinth's Doug Jones), a forty-something door-to-door book salesman, who is used to having doors shut in his face. However, a chance meeting with Trisha, engaging young punk rocker, opens the door into a new world.

Members of the distinguished cast include Catherine Hicks (Annie Camden on “7th Heaven”) as Dana, Don Stark (Bob Pinciotti on “That 70’s Show) as David, and Allison Scagliotti (Mindy Crenshaw on “Drake &Josh”).

The movie is set to be released in 2009.

“My Name Is Jerry” is a student and industry professional collaborate effort in partnership with The Institute for Digital Entertainment and Education, The College of Fine Arts, and Ball State University.

For more information about the movie, visit any of these sites:

http://www.mynameisjerry.com
The official blog: http://www.mynameisjerry.com/blog/
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/mynameisjerrymovie
IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0889146/maindetails
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/My-Name-is-Jerry/14595826033
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/mynameisjerrymovie

Downtown Muncie Newsletter

kpaul.mallasch — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 14:39:23 -0700

Unknown Hinson, the King of Country & Western Troubadours, is playing a showdate at Doc's Music Hall in Downtown Muncie on Friday July 11th. This is a can't-miss show for all guitar aficionados and fans of good schlocky psychobilly fun. I saw him at a New Year's Eve gig in Kentucky, and again last Thursday at Radio Radio in Indianapolis. While his "rackerds" are pure sappy countrypolitan circa 1972, and though he insists that "rowk & roll is straight from hay-ell," that's exactly what you'll get at his showdate concerts. Hay-ell raising rowk. Wooow! [BANG] Check out the story of Unknown Hinson here, then git down to Doc's and buy your tickets to tomorrow's show! -- carey @ munciedowntown.com

It's Faerie time of year again at Minnetrista and Oakhurst Gardens! Faeries, Sprites and Lights return on Friday and Saturday. Read more...

Today is the last day for the BSU orientation parent tours of Downtown Muncie. Many thanks to everyone involved at Ball State, Downtown Development and Muncie Visitor's Bureau, and extra thanks to all the downtown businesses, volunteers and tour guides who helped contribute to the success of this year's tours. In its third year, the tour program continues to be well received by the parents. Good job, everyone!

JULY EVENTS

July 11th - Muncie Civic Theatre is presenting The Servant of Two Masters at Main Street Studio, 222 E. Main St., on Friday, July 11 at 8pm. Call 288-PLAY.

11th - Muncie Children's Museum - Friends and Family Fun Night. Admission is free. The theme for July's Friends and Family Fun Night will be celebrating All American Pet Photo Day. Bring a picture of your pet to the Museum to be entered into the Cutest Pet and Most Unique Pet Contests. Decorate a frame for your pet's picture, play animal bingo and meet the pets of the Museum. Underwriting for this event is provided by the Edmund F. & Virginia B. Ball Foundation.

July 11th - Freaky Tiki Friday food, drink and live music from The Last Domino. Starts at 5pm in the parking lot next to the Blue Bottle.

July 11th - Free Friday Night Movie - "Hairspray" begins at dusk in the 400 block of South WWalnut Street.

July 11th - Unknown Hinson, "King of Country & Western Troubadours," at Doc's Music Hall. www.unknownhinson.com.

July 11 - Faeries, Sprites & Lights: "Faerie Jam" at Minnetrista's Oakhurst Gardens from 6 to 9pm. Join us for the magic and excitement as we learn how faeries sing, dance, party, and play!

July 12 - Faeries, Sprites & Lights: "Faerie Jam" at Minnetrista's Oakhurst Gardens from 6 to 9pm. Join us for the magic and excitement as we learn how faeries sing, dance, party, and play!

July 14-18th - Summer Art Camps for 9-12 year olds Clay Camp, 9am-noon at the Artist Within. Contact the Art Mart at 284-2919 or the Artist Within at 289-7895 for more information or to enroll in camp.

July 14-18 - Camp Minnetrista 2008. Your child will engage in days of fun, learning and discovery this summer at Camp Minnetrista! Choose from two week-long sessions in July, or attend both. Visit www.minnetrista.net/camp or contact us at (765) 282-4848.

July 15th - Anny Delk, fiber artist and member of ArtWorks Gallery will be giving a class on making a COPTIC STITCH HANDMADE JOURNAL on July 15th, from 6 to 8pm at Artworks, 301 S. Walnut St.

July 15th - Stan Hodge, a Master Gardener and Greenway Volunteer, will give a presentation on the more than 100 different types of wildflowers that can be found along the Cardinal Greenway at the Historic Wysor Street Depot, 7pm.

July 16th - PBS Program Club at Minnetrista,2 p.m. - 4 p.m. Watch and discuss this informative PBS production about Winston Churchill. Price: Free, registration requested.

July 18th - Freaky Tiki Friday food, drink and live music from The Easy Leis. Starts at 5pm in the parking lot next to the Blue Bottle.

July 18 - Free Friday Night Movie - "Surf's Up" begins at dusk in the 400 block of South Walnut Street.

July 19th - Show & Tell: Interpreting Music at Minnetrista, 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. Music is more than notes on paper or the sounds we hear. See how music can be interpreted visually. Don't forget to explore the Wild Music exhibit to learn more about music! Price: Included with paid admission

July 21-25th - Blast Off: A Trip to the Sky Summer Camp at Muncie Childrens Museum. Call the museum for details 286-1660.

July 21-25th - Camp Minnetrista 2008. Your child will engage in days of fun, learning and discovery this summer at Camp Minnetrista! Choose from two week-long sessions in July, or attend both. Visit www.minnetrista.net/camp or contact us at (765) 282-4848.

July 25th - Freaky Tiki Friday food, drink and live music from Doc's Americana. Starts at 5pm in the parking lot next to the Blue Bottle.

July 25 - Free Friday Night Movie - "Daddy Day Camp" begins at dusk in the 400 block of South Walnut Street.

July 25 - David Allan Coe returns to Doc's Music Hall. 21+ Visit www.docsmusichall.com for info.

July 26 - Muncie Children's Museum - Free Family Saturday. Free admission from 10 am to 5 pm. July Ongoing - Muncie Children's Museum - Make 'n Take. Included with admission. Come to the MCM every Wednesday and Friday, at 1:00 p.m., to take part in innovative and fun crafts in the Museum's Make 'n Take! Pre-registration is not required.

July 26 - Wild Songs of Summer at Minnetrista, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Special guest Brian Cunningham, Education Manager of Wild Birds Unlimited, will help us explore the wild sounds of our feathered friends and other sounds in nature. Registration deadline: Mon., July 21.

July 30th - Muncie Downtown Business Council meets at 3:00pm in the Star Press building conference room. Mayor Sharon McShurley is expected to address the group about downtown Muncie.

JULY ONGOING

Through July 10th - Guided tours of Downtown Muncie for the parents of BSU orientation students, Tuesdays through Thursdays, from 10:30 to 11:50am.

Through July 15th - Art gallery at Cornerstone features "Artwork of a Muncie Youth" by David Freeman, winner of the 2nd Annual Cornerstone Art Show.

Through July - Artwork by Eric Ernstberger will be on exhibit at Blue Bottle Coffee Shop in July. If you have artwork you'd like to be displayed at Blue Bottle, please contact Lelly at 284-3630.

Through July - Artist Within will feature the photography of Brad Ayers in an encore exhibit, "Pushing Reality" with an artists' reception Thursday July 3rd from 5-8pm.

Through July - "Woman As Vessel," a new exhibition by artist Kimberly Anderson, will be on display at Artworks through July 31st. An opening reception will be from 5 to 8pm during First Thursday July 3rd.

Through July - Gallery 308 will have its annual Members' Show in July, with an opening reception during First Thursday downtown, July 3rd. The opening reception is from 5 to 7 p.m. Admission is free and refreshments are provided. The 2008 Members' Show will be on view through the end of July.

Through July - Gordy Fine Art and Framing exhibit: twelve members of the Indiana Plein Air Painters Association will be on exhibit. Opening reception on June 5th 5-8pm

Through July - Muncie Children's Museum - Make 'n Take. Included with admission. Come to the MCM every Wednesday and Friday, at 1:00 p.m., to take part in innovative and fun crafts in the Museum's Make 'n Take! Pre-registration is not required.

Through-Aug. 7th - Cornerstone Center for the Arts classes for youth and adults run June 16th-August 7th. This summer, more than 50 classes are offered in a variety of categories, such as dance, language, visual arts, music, Kindermusik, theater, and writing. Visit www.cornerstonearts.org.

Through August 31 - Recording History: The Grand Pianos and Diverse Sounds of Starr Gennett at Minnetrista. Visit www.minnetrista.net for info.

Through Sept. 7 - Wild Music: Sounds & Songs of Life at Minnetrista, May 31 - September 7. Visit www.minnetrista.net for info.

Every Monday - Jazz at the Fickle Peach features Ralph Johnson on drums, Paul Rhine on double-bass and flute, and Phil Cooley on Piano. They perform every Monday night from 9 to 11.

Daily at Minnetrista--Historical House Tours at 11, 1 and 3pm

Daily at Minnetrista--The Minnetrista Story 2pm

Daily at Minnetrista--Nature & Garden Fun at 4pm

LOOKING AHEAD...

August 1 - Summer Stage Fest at Minnetrista, featuring Oklahoma!, presented by Muncie Civic Theatre (Free Admission).

August 1 - Freaky Tiki Friday food, drink and live music from Walden Song. Starts at 5pm in the parking lot next to the Blue Bottle.

August 1 - Free Friday Night Movie - "Transformers" begins at dusk in the 400 block of South Walnut Street.

August 8 - Freaky Tiki Friday food, drink and live music from the Easy Leis and Tim VanCleave Trio. Starts at 5pm in the parking lot next to the Blue Bottle.

August 8 - Free Friday Night Movie - "Spiderman 3" begins at dusk in the 400 block of South Walnut Street.

August 15th - Freaky Tiki Friday food, drink and live music from The Joan Hamilton Band. Starts at 5pm in the parking lot next to the Blue Bottle.

August 15 - Free Friday Night Movie - "Underdog" begins at dusk in the 400 block of South Walnut Street.

August 22nd - Freaky Tiki Friday food, drink and live music from Losing September w/ Looking for Chairs. Starts at 5pm in the parking lot next to the Blue Bottle.

August 22 - Free Friday Night Movie - "Shrek the Third" begins at dusk in the 400 block of South Walnut Street.

August 27 - Summer Stage Fest at Minnetrista, Pops Concert, featuring Muncie Symphony Orchestra (Free Admission)

August 29th- Freaky Tiki Friday food, drink and live music from Ruined for Life. Starts at 5pm in the parking lot next to the Blue Bottle.

August 29th - Free Friday Night Movie - "The Game Plan" begins at dusk in the 400 block of South Walnut Street. ]

September 5 - Freaky Tiki Friday food, drink and live music from Mike Martin & Friends. Starts at 5pm in the parking lot next to the Blue Bottle.

Designed by C Hays for MuncieDowntown.com

Brilliant 'Impromptu' rendition wins national music competition

kpaul.mallasch — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 07:29:13 -0700

MUNCIE, Ind. - A stellar harp performance earned Ball State University student Ashley Wells first prize in the Instrumental Division of the Glenn Miller National Music Scholarship Competition.

The judging took place June 12 in Clarinda, Iowa, the birthplace of the famed bandleader. By taking top honors, Wells, a sophomore from Houston, earned a $4,000 scholarship and was a featured performer during the coinciding Glenn Miller Festival.

Wells performed a brilliant rendition of Gabriel Fauré's "Impromptu" as part of her winning performance, recounted Elizabeth Richter, professor of harp at Ball State's School of Music.

"I'm delighted but not surprised that Ashley won the competition," she said. "She performs with exceptional virtuosity and musicality, and she worked very hard and was thoroughly prepared. I'm tremendously proud of her!"

This honor adds to an already impressive musical resume. Wells is a multiple winner of the Milligan Harp Competition in Houston in additional to being a three-time Texas All-State Orchestra winner and a four-time Texas Region 23 Orchestra winner.

At Ball State, she has earned a Ball State Presidential Scholarship and a Young Artist Award from the School of Music. She also has performed with the Harp Ensemble, the Ball State Symphony Orchestra and the Wind Ensemble. And this summer, Wells plans to attend the renowned Sewanee Summer Music Festival in Tennessee.

The Glenn Miller competition was established in 1976 and Wells is the second Ball State harp student to win first prize. Rachel Browne won in 2001.

Downtown Muncie Events

kpaul.mallasch — Thu, 15 May 2008 11:25:09 -0700

MAY EVENTS

15th - Gallery 308 Living Arts Program presents "Why Watercolor" at 7:00 p.m. Juli Eflin, Pat Garofolo, and Yvonne Williams will discuss their individual and group experiences with watercolor. The program is free and open to the general public. Light refreshments will be served.

15th - WIBU semi-annual social event--Progressive Dinner, cost $25 traveling by MITS to McDowell B&B, Average Joe's Grill and Muncie Children's Museum, call 289-6015 for reservations.

15th - Cardinal Greenway Wysor Street Depot 5:30pm, program benefits of walking.

15th - Losing September and One Piece Suite, 10pm at Doc's Music Hall.

16th & 17th - Muncie Civic Theatre-rummage sale 8am-4pm

16th - M.V.L, Mic Sol, Freeze, Ace One, WhoIsLouis, 10pm at Doc's Music Hall.

17th - Minnestrista May Market every Saturday in the Orchard Shop parking lot. Vegetable and flower bedding plants, early veggies,hanging baskets (good for Mothers Day in May), eggs, honey, baked goods, meat, cheese and much more.

17th - Michael Kelsey and The Last Domino, 9:30pm at Doc's Music Hall.

18th - High Street United Methodist Church 62nd annual Summer Chamber Music Festival 2pm

19th - Community Center for the Vital Aging located at Cornerstone Center for the Arts--Under the Hood 6:30-8PM free

19th - Muncie Children's Museum Golf Outing--Crestview Golf Course, shotgun start at 1:00pm with registration and lunch at 11:30am.

20th, 27th, June 3rd, 10, 17, 24 Community Center for the Vital Aging located at Cornerstone Center for the Arts--Living Healthy 6:30-8pm FREE

21st Community Center for the Vital Aging located at Cornerstone Center for the Arts--Supper in a Snap 6:3-80pm FREE

21st Minnetrista PBS Program Club, 2-4pm. This month will focus on the Frontline production of "Bush's War."

23rd Community Center for the Vital Aging located at Cornerstone Center for the Arts--Make It and Take It Crafts 1;30-3pm

24th Minnetrista May Market every Saturday in the Orchard Shop parking lot. Vegetable and flower bedding plants, early veggies,hanging baskets (good for Mothers Day in May), eggs, honey, baked goods, meat, cheese and much more

24th Minnetrista Minne-trip River Rhythm 9am-6pm. Explore the sights and sounds of scenic Whitewater River in Brookville, Indiana.Visit www.minnetrista.net for info.

26th - MEMORIAL DAY - many city and government offices will be closed.

28th - Muncie Downtown Business Council meeting at 3pm at the Star Press building. The meeting will be followed by a "Meet the Members" mixer at 4:30 at David Dale Designs. If your business would like to host a mixer, please email info@munciedowntown.com.

29th - Community Center for the Vital Aging located at Cornerstone Center for the Arts--Taste of Spain 6:30-8pm.

31st - Minnestrista May Market every Saturday in the Orchard Shop parking lot. Vegetable and flower bedding plants, early veggies,hanging baskets (good for Mothers Day in May), eggs, honey, baked goods, meat, cheese and much more

31st - Muncie Children's Museum Free Family Saturday. Free admission from 10 am to 5 pm. For more information, contact the Museum at 286-1660 or visit our website at www.munciechildrensmuseum.org

MAY ONGOING

Every Monday - Jazz at the Fickle Peach features Ralph Johnson on drums, Paul Rhine on double-bass and flute, and Phil Cooley on Piano. They perform every Monday night from 9 to 11.

Through May 29th - Gallery 308 presents "Four Femmes: Inner and Outer - a Watermedia Exhibit." A complementary exhibition, "New Works," spotlights ceramic work by Kim Anderson in 308's Founders Gallery. The opening reception for both exhibitions is Thursday, May 1, 5:00 - 8:00 p.m., at 308 E. Main.

Through May 30th - Artworks Gallery features Fran Carrioc--flowers and handmade sea themed glass beads.

Through May 30th - David Dale Designs Spring Art Show, featuring Rosemary Gishler, watercolor; Paul Laseau, watercolor; and Jean McCauley, oil. Featured First Thursday, May 1, from 5 to 7, with light refreshments. For more information visit daviddaledesigns.com

Through May 31st - "Young Artists" exhibit at The Artist Within. An opening reception is planned for first Thursday, May 1 from 5-8 pm.

Through May 31st - Gordy Fine Art & Framing presents Night Work: Abstract Paintings by Eric Ernstberger. The exhibit will open with a First Thursday reception for the artist on May 1, 2008 from 5 to 8 PM. Light refreshments will be served and the public is invited to attend.

Daily at Minnetrista--Historical House Tours at 11, 1 and 3pm

Daily at Minnetrista--The Minnetrista Story 2pm

Daily at Minnetrista--Nature & Garden Fun at 4pm

LOOKING AHEAD...

June 2 - Deadline to submit applications for 401 (k)ids Arts Scholarship Program at Cornerstone Center for the Arts. Visit www.cornerstonearts.org for info.

June 9 thru July 25th - Sign up for Muncie Children's Museum Summer Camp, camps run June 9-July 25, call the museum for details 286-1660.

June 29 - Doc's Music Hall presents Shooter Jennings on Sunday, June 29th. Visit www.docsmusichall.com for more information.

June at the Artist Within will feature the collaborative work of Nick Carnes and Jason Bord. The collaborative paintings will be on display from June 3-28, 2008 with an artists' reception Thursday June 5th from 5-8pm.

June exhibit at Artworks will be "Earth and Fire" featuring Sue Beach and Carol Burt. Their works will be on display June 5, 2008 through July 1, 2008, with an opening reception at First ThursdayJune 5 from 5 to 8pm.

Meet the Artists at First Thursday in Downtown Muncie

kpaul.mallasch — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 10:04:06 -0700

MUNCIE, IN - Celebrate the arts in Downtown Muncie this First Thursday, April 3rd, from 5 to 8pm. Our many art galleries spotlight their exhibit openings on the first Thursday evenings of every month, with meet-the-artist receptions.

Some of the gallery events (in alphabetical order by gallery) at the next First Thursday:

The Artist Within ~ 313 S Walnut Street ~ 765-289-7895

"Wax and Water" will showcase the talents of several local artists during April at The Artist Within. This exhibit of experimental water colors and encaustics will occupy both the upstairs and main gallery space and is the collaborative effort of 21 artists, Marilyn Derwenskus and the Artist Within. The show runs April 1 through April 30 with an opening reception Thursday, April 3 from 5-8pm. Traditional water color techniques may be seen in the work of these advanced students, but it is the way that they push the boundaries that stands out and makes this such an exciting collection of work. The ages old medium of encaustic can trace its roots back to ancient Greece where it was used in decorative painting on mummy cases. Old techniques are approached in creative and innovative ways as these artists explore painting with wax. A demonstration of the process is planned for the opening night of the exhibit.

Artworks ~ 301 South Walnut Street ~ 765-288-2221

Artworks will exhibit "Totemic Spirit in Clay," a new exhibition by Judy Wojcik. An opening reception will be held during First Thursday, April 3, 5:30pm to 8:30pm.

Judy Wojcik received her MFA in Ceramics from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania and her BS in Art Education from Ball State University. She is completing a one-year position as Visiting Assistant Professor in Ceramics at Earlham College in Richmond, Indiana. He recent work continues to explore altered stoneware vessels, surfaces and high fire glazing techniques.

Ongoing Exhibits: Jeanette Gilbert, watercolors, Heidi Hale, jewelry, Judy Krieger Wand – jewelry/metalsmith

ArtWorks Gallery Mission : we are a non-profit cooperative artist gallery. Our mission is to serve the Muncie community and provide local artists a facility to exhibit their art and to provide educational opportunities and affordable art for our community.

Artworks is an artist owned and operated sales gallery, featuring original works for sale by outstanding Indiana artists. Regular gallery hours are from 11:30 am to 5:30 pm.

Gallery 308 ~ 308 E. Main Street ~ 765-289-8575

Gallery 308 welcomes Dan Burkholder's Photo Exhibit "The Color of Loss; An Intimate Portrait of New Orleans after Katrina" in April. Join us Thursday April 3 from 5-9 p.m. for his new exhibit and book signing. The show will run thru April 26th.

At 5pm at the Muncie Civic Theatre for a talk from Bill Gosnell, of the Delaware County Emergency Management Agency on disaster preparedness. We will also recognize volunteers who went to the Gulf Coast in the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

Dan will discuss his images at 6 p.m., then return to Gallery 308 until 9 to answer questions. His book will be available for purchase and signing at this time.

The American Red Cross and other agencies with disaster preparedness information will have tables set up in the Founder's Gallery at G308. Admission is free.

Dan will also be hanging out at Jack's Camera on Friday April 4 and teaching workshops in the Founder's Gallery on April 5 &6. Contact Sherry Powell or Tom Nahre at Jack's Camera 765-282-0204 or Gallery 308 at 765-289-8575 for more information.

Gordy Fine Art & Framing ~ 224 E Main Street ~ 765-284-8422

Gordy Fine Art & Framing will present "The Frame Show: Framus Fantasticus" on display through April. The Frame Show opens during the monthly First Thursday art event on April 3rd from 5 to 8 PM. Peter Blume will offer remarks about the framing at 6:30 PM. Light refreshments will be served and the public is invited to attend.

The exhibit includes works by local artists to show historically-matched frames for each entry. Jim Faulkner's scene of a Federal style house will be displayed in a Federal-style frame. Alan Patrick's landscape will be shown in an American Impressionist-style frame. The other featured artists will include Shonet Lambert Martin, Robert Farlow, Charlene George, Margie Prim, David Slonim, Carol Strock Wasson and the framer, Brian Gordy.

The exhibit may be viewed until April 26th during normal business hours: Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5:30 PM, Saturday, 9 to 3, or by appointment. Gordy Fine Art and Framing is located at 224 East Main Street, next door to Civic Theatre. For more information call 284-8422 or visit www.gordyframing.com.

Mitchell Place Studio ~ 301 S Walnut

Institute for Digital Intermedia Arts & Animation Student Art & Research Showcase
Thursday April 3rd, 5 p.m.

See monthly showcase of recent, supported student art and research projects in association with First Thursdays downtown. For more information on this and other IDIAA programs visit www.bsu.edu/cmd/mps.

Other downtown Muncie businesses may have art exhibits or special events during First Thursdays include:

~ Cortex Hair Center, 112 W Jackson Street - 765-288-6685
~ David Dale Designs, Interior Designs & Fine Art Gallery, 421 S Walnut Street - 765-284-4987
~ FB Fogg, 418 E Main Street - 765-289-7464
~ Glitterati in the Rose Court on Charles Street
~ Minnetrista, 1200 N. Minnetrista Parkway - 765-282-4848

Additionally, all of Downtown's independently owned bars and restaurants will be open and ready to serve you. For more information, visit www.munciedowntown.com.

Click Here for More Downtown Muncie Events.

Please help keep us informed of any upcoming events or exhibits in Downtown Muncie. Email details to info [at] munciedowntown.com.

Cartoonist Continues Strip, Publishes Book While Deployed

kpaul.mallasch — Sat, 5 Jan 2008 17:45:15 -0800

By Tech. Sgt. Sonny Cohrs, USAF
Special to American Forces Press Service

SOTO CANO AIR BASE, HONDURAS - It's hard being only a figment of someone's imagination. Just ask Air Force 1st Lt. Kenneth Dahl, an F-15 fighter pilot with the imaginary 809th Fighter Squadron.

Dahl, call sign "Barbie," is the star of the online comic strip "Air Force Blues," and is a hero, of sorts, to his Internet following. The fictional fighter jock is the creation of Air Force Staff Sgt. Austin M. May, a public affairs specialist deployed here from Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas.

The general process for production is this: an idea born in May's brain makes its way on to paper. From there, the comic is scanned into a computer, and eventually is published on www.afblues.com. The site boasts as many as 1,000 hits per day when the comic is updated.

Dahl's antics were published in a new book that made its debut in November. The strip also is slated to appear in an upcoming issue of the Air Force's flagship publication, Airman Magazine.

May, who has been drawing since he was a child, said he began the comic strip in February 2007 because he felt it was time to "step things up."

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Austin M. May works on a character from his comic strip, Air Force Blues. May, a public affairs noncommissioned officer deployed to Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras, recently published a book of his comics, and the strip is slated to appear in an upcoming issue of Airman Magazine. U.S. Air Force Photo by Tech. Sgt. Sonny Cohrs
high-resolution

"For almost a year, I had been doing random Air Force-related comics for a friend's Web site, but I was ready to try launching my own site," he explained. "I wanted a consistent base, a recognizable duty station, and above all, a main character everyone could eventually relate to."

The sergeant said he chose a fighter pilot as his main character for a variety of reasons, the biggest being the wealth of comic potential associated with that particular group of airmen.

"Everywhere you look there are movies, books, video games and more, all glorifying fighter pilots," he said. "Why not a comic to make fun of them? After all, they do some pretty off-the-wall things sometimes."

May should know. As a former aircrew member stationed at a specialized undergraduate pilot training base, he has spent practically his entire Air Force career surrounded by fliers.

He noted that the comic doesn't make fun of any specific group of people as a whole, but lumps several stereotypes into one character who becomes the butt of most of the strip's jokes, a proven formula for a successful comic. Just as Beetle Bailey is only one goofy soldier in the Army, Dahl is not necessarily representative of today's men and women in uniform, May said.

The sergeant's first comic strip, AWACker, was started while he was deployed to Southwest Asia as an airborne battle management systems operator on the Airborne Warning and Control System E-3 Sentry. When he wasn't flying missions, May put pen to paper and drew comic after comic to circulate among his fellow fliers. His deployment helped him compile a binder full of comics, which was the basis for the now defunct domain AWACker.com. The site, founded with a fellow AWACS crewmember, had a good run until it was hacked in August 2005, he said. The site never recovered.

"I went on to cross-train into a new career field, and neither of us really had time to rebuild the Web site from the ground up," he said.

Helping May with the current Web site is Air Force Senior Airman Justin Coffman from the 552nd Computer Systems Squadron at Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., who volunteers his off-duty time as the webmaster, forum administrator and "faithful lackey," he said.

Coffman is a recurring character in the strip and is described as the "Airman Agitator" who pokes fun at the other characters. However, it's all in good fun, Coffman said.

"I think humor is a required part of daily life," he explained. "If you aren't laughing, you aren't living. Everyone knows it's just a comic and that it's exaggerated."

Longtime reader Air Force Reserve Master Sgt. William Gordon, from Homestead Air Reserve Base, Fla., agreed, saying the comic pokes "good-natured fun" at the idea of a stereotypical throttle jockey.

"I enjoy the entire concept of Air Force Blues," he said. "It brings together all types of people from different parts of the Air Force who normally would not interact. It (also) has opened my eyes to different things about the Air Force that I would not have considered before."

Dahl's personality developed as May elaborated on his new creation, reflecting himself. The character is an F-15 fighter pilot stationed at the fictional "Elmendork" Air Force Base. May's first duty station was at the very real Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska.

"He's very young. He's pretty new to the Air Force still, and he is so in love with himself and his job," May said in describing the character. "He's like a kid who realized what he wanted to do when he grew up and stuck to it," a trait that rings true for the artist today.

"My parents used to take me to air shows when I was little kid. I didn't know what I wanted to do, only that I wanted to one day join the Air Force," said the 25-year-old native of Katy, Texas.

Donations from readers help to fund the project, and May said his greatest reward is knowing people enjoy his creations. Many readers e-mail him saying how much they look forward to the new strips, he said.

Though some money comes n, none of it ends up in his pocket, the sergeant emphasized.

"I don't do it for profit at all," May said. "All the money I make from selling coins, stickers and the books goes back into the site for Web hosting, drawing supplies, more coins and stickers. I've also sponsored a couple of events at the Laughlin Club."

Dahl is gearing up for a deployment to support the real global war on terrorism at a fictional air base abroad. Readers can follow along online to learn what makes deployments so special for Dahl: "deployment mustaches," he said in a recent strip.

But just because the faux fighter pilot won't be flying real combat missions in his F-15, he will be delivering humor from his cockpit in cyberspace to a desktop near you.

Source: US Department of Defense - Air Force Tech. Sgt. Sonny Cohrs serves with Joint Task Force Bravo Public Affairs.

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kpaul.mallasch — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 22:36:45 -0700

The Hobbit - Lees Theater - Anderson, Indiana

Bilbo and Gandalf at Lee's Theater

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Rawlin Hodge (left) as Bilbo Baggins and Cody Thrasher as Gandalf.

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