The School of Art is proud to present Checkpoint: Interactive Artworks & Experimental Play , an exhibition by John C. Gonzalez.

The Ned and Gloria Griner Art Gallery
____________________________
January 7 to 29, 2026
Exhibition Reception, Gallery Talk and Art Performance: January 7, 4 to 6 p.m.

About the Artist

John C. Gonzalez is an interdisciplinary artist whose practice spans installation, sculpture, painting, performance, writing, music, game design, and socially engaged projects. Deeply collaborative in nature, his work often blurs the lines between artist, viewer, and participant, challenging conventional notions of authorship and production. Gonzalez frequently partners with individuals or institutions not traditionally associated with artmaking to create pieces that reflect shared labor, conversation, and experience. These conversations result in works that are as much about the process and relationships as they are about the final product. Through his ongoing exploration of labor, cooperation, and institutional critique, Gonzalez's practice offers a reflective and often playful lens on the social systems that shape artistic and everyday life. Whether building systems that critique their own fabrication, facilitating game-based art experiences, or searching for meaning in collective action, he consistently seeks to expand the role of the artist beyond the studio and into the shared spaces of work, play, and community. Gonzalez lives in Rhode Island and teaches drawing and game design at Rhode Island School of Design in Providence, RI.

The exhibition Checkpoint: Interactive Artworks & Experimental Play will include several interactive and game-adjacent artworks in the galleries. These works will include images, performance, and site-specific works that will solicit viewer engagement and provide space for unexpected connections and exchanges.

Gallery Hours: Tuesday – Friday: 10 A.M. - 4 P.M. Closed weekends and all Ball State breaks and holidays.

Start your year off right!
Join us for a FREE Health Fair at the Muncie Children’s Museum on Saturday, January 24, from 10 am to 3 pm.

Bring the whole family for a day of hands-on museum fun, plus free health screenings, community resources, and interactive activities and games provided by Ball State University COH Interprofessional Community Clinic and ECI-AHEC.

Admission to the museum is FREE from 10 am to 5 pm. Stop by for a fun-filled day for the entire family

Paulus Hector Mair, c. 16th century

Join us as we travel to 15th century Germany to learn the art of longsword fencing! The richly illustrated manuscripts documenting this tradition have inspired countless movies, shows, and games - this class will inspire you! Building your reputation as a sword fighter is a great way to build strength, balance, and coordination too. No prior fencing experience is required. All equipment provided. Athletic shoes, sweatpants, and groin protection are recommended

Explore the art of glass enamel on copper using the same techniques artist Jessica Calderwood employed in exhibition pieces.

All tools, supplies, and safety gear will be provided. Participants should wear cotton clothing (no polyester or acrylic). Preregistration is strongly preferred; limited walk-in tickets may be available—please call ahead.

Free Community Event | Ages 13+

Yoga is for EveryBody is not just a class—it’s a celebration of unity and mindfulness. Led by Che’Reese Anderson, MBA, MSN/HC, RN, and CEO of Namaste, this Vinyasa yoga session links breath with movement through creative sequences, offering a dynamic practice that adapts to all levels. Whether you're new to yoga or an experienced practitioner, this class provides the perfect opportunity to connect with your body, mind, and spirit in a supportive, welcoming environment.

Participants are encouraged to bring their own yoga mat (or beach towel), wear comfortable clothing, and come with an open heart.

Join us for good music, great food, and a family-friendly atmosphere while listening to fantastic music performed by the MVP Project! 🎶⛳️ Grab your friends and family and settle in for a night of great music, delicious food, and family-friendly fun. 🍕✨️🥤

We'll also have some great specials available! 🎸⛳️ We hope to see you there!  *No outside food or beverages permitted*

Muncie Stitch n' Bitch meets every Sunday! 🧶 We meet weekly at The Cup and we come and go from 3-6p. Everyone is welcome, with any kind of making! The Cup is in The Village, near the campus of Ball State University, at 1606 West University Avenue. Free parking is behind the café, enter the parking lot off of Dill Street by Be Here Now. Support our host venue with purchases from The Cup’s menu! ☕️🥯 Creativity and caffeine, that's our thing! 
 

Join us on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1472977992921700

Please join us for Cuplets, live “open mic” poetry at The Cup! 🎙️ Everyone is welcome! Read your words! Read the words of others! Come to enjoy others reading words! We are all looking forward to listening to everyone’s words! 

Cuplets is for fellowship, not critique. We all clap at all the poems and we want to make friends. You CAN sit with us, every 4th Sunday at 5p. The Cup is in The Village, near the campus of Ball State University, at 1606 West University Avenue in Muncie, Indiana - parking is in the back. Please support our host small business venue with your purchase from their menu as admission to Cuplets! ☕️ 🥯 

∙ Cuplets has a YouTube Channel! 🍿 Check it out:

YouTube.com/Muncie.Cuplets

∙ Cuplets Facebook Group:

Facebook.com/groups/1596819023887658

∙ The Cup is on Instagram:

Instagram.com/TheCupInTheVillage

Join us at Kat’s Crystals for a Crystal Healing workshop ! The workshop will cost $20 per person and will include a beginner’s class session + 2 crystals to take home! Workshop duration will be 1 hour . This workshop is the perfect opportunity to learn more about how Mother Nature’s beautiful gemstones can help you in your day-to-day life . We will be looking at this subject from both a scientific and a spiritual lens . We hope you will join us ! 🔮✨ Class size will be limited to 12 students . Spots are first come first serve and will not be reserved until payment has been made . Spots can be booked and paid for through the Events section of our website ! https://www.katscrystalsandcuriosities.com/events

The School of Art is proud to present Checkpoint: Interactive Artworks & Experimental Play , an exhibition by John C. Gonzalez.

The Ned and Gloria Griner Art Gallery
____________________________
January 7 to 29, 2026
Exhibition Reception, Gallery Talk and Art Performance: January 7, 4 to 6 p.m.

About the Artist

John C. Gonzalez is an interdisciplinary artist whose practice spans installation, sculpture, painting, performance, writing, music, game design, and socially engaged projects. Deeply collaborative in nature, his work often blurs the lines between artist, viewer, and participant, challenging conventional notions of authorship and production. Gonzalez frequently partners with individuals or institutions not traditionally associated with artmaking to create pieces that reflect shared labor, conversation, and experience. These conversations result in works that are as much about the process and relationships as they are about the final product. Through his ongoing exploration of labor, cooperation, and institutional critique, Gonzalez's practice offers a reflective and often playful lens on the social systems that shape artistic and everyday life. Whether building systems that critique their own fabrication, facilitating game-based art experiences, or searching for meaning in collective action, he consistently seeks to expand the role of the artist beyond the studio and into the shared spaces of work, play, and community. Gonzalez lives in Rhode Island and teaches drawing and game design at Rhode Island School of Design in Providence, RI.

The exhibition Checkpoint: Interactive Artworks & Experimental Play will include several interactive and game-adjacent artworks in the galleries. These works will include images, performance, and site-specific works that will solicit viewer engagement and provide space for unexpected connections and exchanges.

Gallery Hours: Tuesday – Friday: 10 A.M. - 4 P.M. Closed weekends and all Ball State breaks and holidays.

Whether you first fell in love with the most elegant sword through the adventures of The Three Musketeers and Zorro, or in a roleplaying adventure of your own as a swashbuckler, we welcome you on a journey to 16th century Spain to learn “the true art”, La Verdadera Destreza! This exploration of historical fencing with the rapier and dagger is for all who want to learn an exciting new skill, get a great workout, and feel the thrill of clashing blades, all in one! No prior fencing experience is required. All equipment provided. Athletic shoes, sweatpants, and groin protection are recommended. 

Bob Ross Painting Workshop

Learn Bob’s signature “wet-on-wet” technique from an experienced Certified Ross Instructor® and paint in the building where The Joy of Painting was filmed! Just bring yourself, and we will provide everything you need to have a wonderful time. Just like Bob said, “Let’s get crazy!”

This workshop is held in the Bob Ross Experience studio, which is only accessible by stairs. Painting workshops are open to participants ages 14 and up. Preregistration is strongly preferred; limited walk-in tickets may be available—please call ahead.

Please note: 765.282.4848 for more information.

The School of Art is proud to present Checkpoint: Interactive Artworks & Experimental Play , an exhibition by John C. Gonzalez.

The Ned and Gloria Griner Art Gallery
____________________________
January 7 to 29, 2026
Exhibition Reception, Gallery Talk and Art Performance: January 7, 4 to 6 p.m.

About the Artist

John C. Gonzalez is an interdisciplinary artist whose practice spans installation, sculpture, painting, performance, writing, music, game design, and socially engaged projects. Deeply collaborative in nature, his work often blurs the lines between artist, viewer, and participant, challenging conventional notions of authorship and production. Gonzalez frequently partners with individuals or institutions not traditionally associated with artmaking to create pieces that reflect shared labor, conversation, and experience. These conversations result in works that are as much about the process and relationships as they are about the final product. Through his ongoing exploration of labor, cooperation, and institutional critique, Gonzalez's practice offers a reflective and often playful lens on the social systems that shape artistic and everyday life. Whether building systems that critique their own fabrication, facilitating game-based art experiences, or searching for meaning in collective action, he consistently seeks to expand the role of the artist beyond the studio and into the shared spaces of work, play, and community. Gonzalez lives in Rhode Island and teaches drawing and game design at Rhode Island School of Design in Providence, RI.

The exhibition Checkpoint: Interactive Artworks & Experimental Play will include several interactive and game-adjacent artworks in the galleries. These works will include images, performance, and site-specific works that will solicit viewer engagement and provide space for unexpected connections and exchanges.

Gallery Hours: Tuesday – Friday: 10 A.M. - 4 P.M. Closed weekends and all Ball State breaks and holidays.

Discover the art of traditional bookbinding in this hands-on workshop! Students will learn how to create a classic stab-bound book from start to finish, gaining foundational skills and an appreciation for this timeless binding technique. Each participant will complete and take home their own handcrafted book—perfect for journaling, sketching, or gifting. All tools and supplies will be provided.

Preregistration is strongly preferred; limited walk-in tickets may be available—please call ahead.

Happens on the following Dates:

• Jan 28, 2026, 2:00pm to 4:30pm Timezone: Eastern Time (US & Canada)
• Jan 29, 2026, 6:00pm to 8:30pm Timezone: Eastern Time (US & Canada)

Join us Wednesdays for a 6 week program to explore drawing materials & mediums. Be challenged through using familiar materials in new ways and new mediums you haven't had the chance to play with yet. 

Ages 9-13 will focus on quick sketches of common items in our space, fun prompts, and tips to learn the new materials. Every other week is a new drawing medium.

Ages 14-24 will focus on quick sketches of live figures and a deep dive on a still life with challenges and tips to get more out of the mediums. Each week is a new drawing medium and still life.

We look forward to drawing with you!

The School of Art is proud to present Checkpoint: Interactive Artworks & Experimental Play , an exhibition by John C. Gonzalez.

The Ned and Gloria Griner Art Gallery
____________________________
January 7 to 29, 2026
Exhibition Reception, Gallery Talk and Art Performance: January 7, 4 to 6 p.m.

About the Artist

John C. Gonzalez is an interdisciplinary artist whose practice spans installation, sculpture, painting, performance, writing, music, game design, and socially engaged projects. Deeply collaborative in nature, his work often blurs the lines between artist, viewer, and participant, challenging conventional notions of authorship and production. Gonzalez frequently partners with individuals or institutions not traditionally associated with artmaking to create pieces that reflect shared labor, conversation, and experience. These conversations result in works that are as much about the process and relationships as they are about the final product. Through his ongoing exploration of labor, cooperation, and institutional critique, Gonzalez's practice offers a reflective and often playful lens on the social systems that shape artistic and everyday life. Whether building systems that critique their own fabrication, facilitating game-based art experiences, or searching for meaning in collective action, he consistently seeks to expand the role of the artist beyond the studio and into the shared spaces of work, play, and community. Gonzalez lives in Rhode Island and teaches drawing and game design at Rhode Island School of Design in Providence, RI.

The exhibition Checkpoint: Interactive Artworks & Experimental Play will include several interactive and game-adjacent artworks in the galleries. These works will include images, performance, and site-specific works that will solicit viewer engagement and provide space for unexpected connections and exchanges.

Gallery Hours: Tuesday – Friday: 10 A.M. - 4 P.M. Closed weekends and all Ball State breaks and holidays.

Reptiles Around the World

Join us on Saturday, January 31, from 10 am to 12 pm for an exciting, educational program by Scalez & Tailz at the Muncie Children’s Museum! Guests will meet two reptiles from each continent (excluding Antarctica), learn fun facts about each animal, and participate in an interactive guessing game with prizes. There will also be opportunities for hands-on interactions with reptiles.

This program is FREE with museum admission and FREE for MCM Members

Paulus Hector Mair, c. 16th century

Join us as we travel to 15th century Germany to learn the art of longsword fencing! The richly illustrated manuscripts documenting this tradition have inspired countless movies, shows, and games - this class will inspire you! Building your reputation as a sword fighter is a great way to build strength, balance, and coordination too. No prior fencing experience is required. All equipment provided. Athletic shoes, sweatpants, and groin protection are recommended

Muncie Stitch n' Bitch meets every Sunday! 🧶 We meet weekly at The Cup and we come and go from 3-6p. Everyone is welcome, with any kind of making! The Cup is in The Village, near the campus of Ball State University, at 1606 West University Avenue. Free parking is behind the café, enter the parking lot off of Dill Street by Be Here Now. Support our host venue with purchases from The Cup’s menu! ☕️🥯 Creativity and caffeine, that's our thing! 
 

Join us on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1472977992921700

Whether you first fell in love with the most elegant sword through the adventures of The Three Musketeers and Zorro, or in a roleplaying adventure of your own as a swashbuckler, we welcome you on a journey to 16th century Spain to learn “the true art”, La Verdadera Destreza! This exploration of historical fencing with the rapier and dagger is for all who want to learn an exciting new skill, get a great workout, and feel the thrill of clashing blades, all in one! No prior fencing experience is required. All equipment provided. Athletic shoes, sweatpants, and groin protection are recommended. 

About

Enjoy a concert of standard jazz favorites and original compositions with the Ball State University Jazz Ensembles in honor of alum and trumpet player Tom Shah. The ensembles are under the direction of Mark Buselli.

Learn more about the Ball State University Jazz Ensembles.

Program

To be announced.

Tickets

Tickets available through the College of Fine Arts Box Office located at Sursa Hall. 

Prices

• General Public: $8 in advance / $10 at the door
• Seniors: $5 in advance / $7 at the door
• BSU Faculty/Staff: $5 in advance / $7 at the door
• Students: free* in advance / $5 at the door
  *One (1) free student ticket per ID is available in advance (before 5 p.m. on the day of the concert) at the College of Fine Arts Box Office

Purchase Options

• ONLINE
• Phone: 765-285-8749
• In person: Monday through Friday from Noon to 5 p.m., or starting 1 hour before the performance

**Please note: As part of our commitment to sustainability, all College of Fine Arts tickets are paperless and are accessible via email confirmation. Your confirmation email contains your digital tickets which can be scanned at the door from your mobile device, or you can print your digital tickets at home to be scanned. There is no need to visit Will Call prior to the performance.

Parking

Parking is available in the McKinley Parking Garage (entrance on Ashland Avenue) located immediately south of Sursa Hall. Metered parking is available on the first floor of the garage until 7 p.m. at which time parking is free.

Painting Classes

Learn Bob’s signature “wet-on-wet” technique from an experienced Certified Ross Instructor® and paint in the building where The Joy of Painting was filmed! Just bring yourself, and we will provide everything you need to have a wonderful time. Just like Bob said, “Let’s get crazy!”

This workshop is held in the Bob Ross Experience studio, which is only accessible by stairs. Painting workshops are open to participants ages 14 and up. Preregistration is strongly preferred; limited walk-in tickets may be available—please call ahead.

Please note: 765.282.4848 for more information.

Discover the art of using fine glass frit to paint a winter scene or unleash your creativity with an abstract design. Perfect for beginners and intermediates, this class requires no glass cutting. Participants may bring their own printed images, patterns, or drawings for inspiration, or work from the provided winter scene. With two distinct sessions available, there’s flexibility to fit your schedule.

All tools, supplies, and safety gear will be provided. Preregistration is required. Limited walk-in seating may be available, so please call ahead.

Happens on the following Dates:

• Feb 4, 2026, 2:00pm to 4:30pm Timezone: Eastern Time (US & Canada)
• Feb 5, 2026, 6:00pm to 8:30pm Timezone: Eastern Time (US & Canada)

Jeffrey Gibson Lecture & Reception

Join us for a special lecture by Jeffrey Gibson (b. 1972, Colorado Springs, Colorado; lives and works in New York), a mid-career multidisciplinary artist whose work spans sculpture, painting, printmaking, video, and performance. A citizen of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians and half Cherokee, Gibson has exhibited internationally and represented the United States at the 60th Venice Biennale in 2024 as the first Indigenous artist to present a solo exhibition in the U.S. Pavilion. His work is included in the permanent collections of the Museum of Modern Art, Whitney Museum of American Art, Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian, and more.

Date & Time: February 4, 2026, 6:00 p.m.
Location: Pruis Hall

A reception will follow the lecture. All are welcome.

Join us Wednesdays for a 6 week program to explore drawing materials & mediums. Be challenged through using familiar materials in new ways and new mediums you haven't had the chance to play with yet. 

Ages 9-13 will focus on quick sketches of common items in our space, fun prompts, and tips to learn the new materials. Every other week is a new drawing medium.

Ages 14-24 will focus on quick sketches of live figures and a deep dive on a still life with challenges and tips to get more out of the mediums. Each week is a new drawing medium and still life.

We look forward to drawing with you!