E.B. and Bertha C. Ball Center

Tuesday, September 2, 6-7:30 p.m.
Held at the E.B. and Bertha C. Ball Center
No Charge—Reservations Required
Please register online at: https://commerce.cashnet.com/BALL_EMS057   (under “History”)

When Bracken Library opened on September 9, 1975, the move of thousands of books, periodicals, and microfilm from the library in North Quad was organized by Phyllis Harland, head of the Division of General Collections for Ball State University Libraries.

In its 50-year history, scores of other notable women have worked behind the scenes to make Bracken Library the research and learning center of campus. This program will highlight stories of some of its librarians, archivists, catalogers, and other staff and some of the unique collections and resources they curated and preserved. 

Presenter: Melissa Gentry, Supervisor, Map Collection, Ball State University Libraries

Visitors will feel like they are stepping into a beloved children’s storybook as they encounter whimsical scenes and engaging sensory activities in this nature-inspired experience. Designed to help build confidence and cultivate scientific curiosity, children will discover and learn about animals that emerge in their neighborhoods and local forests after the sun goes down.

June 7 through November 2, 2025

Location: Center Building, Gallery 1 & 2

Cost: Included with your admission ticket

Good Night Forest is organized and produced by the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites, with support from Ball Brothers Foundation and George and Frances Ball Foundation.

This is a Weekly Recurring Event

Runs from Jun 7, 2025 to Nov 2, 2025 and happens every:

Wednesdays: 9:00am - 12:00pm Timezone: EDT

Thursdays: 9:00am - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

Fridays: 9:00am - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

Saturdays: 9:00am - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

Sundays: 12:00pm - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

The narwhal, with its unique spiral tusk, has inspired legend and fascinated people across cultures for centuries. Take a deep dive into the narwhal's Arctic world to explore what makes this mysterious animal and its changing ecosystem so important. Through first-hand accounts from scientists and Inuit community members, the exhibition will reveal how traditional knowledge and experience, coupled with the latest scientific research, heighten our understanding of these fascinating animals—and our changing global climate.

July 12, 2025 – September 28, 2025

Location: Center Building, Gallery 3

Cost: Included with your admission ticket

Narwhal: Revealing an Arctic Legend is organized by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service in collaboration with the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History.

This is a Weekly Recurring Event

Runs from Jul 12, 2025 to Sep 28, 2025 and happens every:

Wednesdays: 9:00am - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

Thursdays: 9:00am - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

Fridays: 9:00am - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

Saturdays: 9:00am - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

Sundays: 12:00pm - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

Visitors will feel like they are stepping into a beloved children’s storybook as they encounter whimsical scenes and engaging sensory activities in this nature-inspired experience. Designed to help build confidence and cultivate scientific curiosity, children will discover and learn about animals that emerge in their neighborhoods and local forests after the sun goes down.

June 7 through November 2, 2025

Location: Center Building, Gallery 1 & 2

Cost: Included with your admission ticket

Good Night Forest is organized and produced by the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites, with support from Ball Brothers Foundation and George and Frances Ball Foundation.

This is a Weekly Recurring Event

Runs from Jun 7, 2025 to Nov 2, 2025 and happens every:

Wednesdays: 9:00am - 12:00pm Timezone: EDT

Thursdays: 9:00am - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

Fridays: 9:00am - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

Saturdays: 9:00am - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

Sundays: 12:00pm - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

The narwhal, with its unique spiral tusk, has inspired legend and fascinated people across cultures for centuries. Take a deep dive into the narwhal's Arctic world to explore what makes this mysterious animal and its changing ecosystem so important. Through first-hand accounts from scientists and Inuit community members, the exhibition will reveal how traditional knowledge and experience, coupled with the latest scientific research, heighten our understanding of these fascinating animals—and our changing global climate.

July 12, 2025 – September 28, 2025

Location: Center Building, Gallery 3

Cost: Included with your admission ticket

Narwhal: Revealing an Arctic Legend is organized by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service in collaboration with the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History.

This is a Weekly Recurring Event

Runs from Jul 12, 2025 to Sep 28, 2025 and happens every:

Wednesdays: 9:00am - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

Thursdays: 9:00am - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

Fridays: 9:00am - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

Saturdays: 9:00am - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

Sundays: 12:00pm - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

Learn Bob’s signature “wet-on-wet” technique from experienced Certified Ross Instructors and paint in the building where The Joy of Painting was filmed!

Learn Bob’s signature “wet-on-wet” technique from experienced Certified Ross Instructors 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!”

September 4; 1–4 p.m.
Location: Bob Ross Experience Studio in the L.L. Ball Home
Cost: $75 | Member Discounts Apply

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: Admission to the Bob Ross Experience exhibition is not included with workshop registration, and all attendees must be registered to participate. Contact our front desk at 765.282.4848 for more information.

Join us for the unique experience of Live Geode Slicing during First Thursday & the Muncie Maker’s Market ! Come & witness the transformation of raw geodes into beautiful , sparkling crystals ! Choose your own stone and watch live as the surprise beauty is revealed . Prices starting at just $5 . 

FIRST THURSDAYS! 🌱 Join our local Growers & Makers of the Muncie Makers Market for a really fun community experience EVERY MONTH for First Thursdays in Downtown Muncie! ALL OUTDOORS! While you enjoy shopping for our homemade, handmade, and locally grown goods, you can also have a great time with live geode/rock cutting with Wook's Workshop, check out Kat's Crystals & Curiosities along the path of our Market, and explore the many arty opportunities throughout Downtown Muncie's First Thursday Gallery Walks! The Muncie Makers Market is so happy to get back outside with the First Thursday community events, a popular local tradition, going many years back, with all sorts of vendors, artists, and entertainers set up throughout all of Downtown Muncie. Come shop with us and enjoy your community!

The Muncie Makers Market is a retail business incubator presented to the public through a community farmers market with fresh homemade food, locally grown produce, live plants, and handmade arts of all kinds! You’ll find the Muncie Makers Market monthly during the First Thursday & Third Thursday community events in Downtown Muncie, and at special annual events like the Magic City Brewfest, Brink of Summer ArtsWalk, Fire Up DWNTWN, ArtsWalk, and Light Up DWNTWN throughout our community all year! We develop local small business through education, connections, and events! Please JOIN us on Facebook and Instagram and please SHARE: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1627047027524961/  

First Thursday Gallery Walks:

https://www.downtownmuncie.org/first-thursday

Kat's Crystals & Curiosities:

https://www.katscrystalsandcuriosities.com

Advance Vendor Registration is required to be a Vendor at each selling event with the Muncie Makers Market. 🌿

Scott Sterling at 111 Arts Gallery Art at the Murray Cornerstone Center for the Arts Cornerstone Center for the Arts The Gathering Place Harmony Movement Studio Harmony Movement Studio Kat's Crystals and Curiosities NEA Big Read Kickoff at Madjax Jerry Wire, Muncie Artists Guild "Artist of the Month" Muncie Makers Market Tim Berg at MuncieArts Tim Berg at MuncieArts

DWNTWN (Downtown Development)
Various Locations
Let there be music in the streets of DWNTWN Muncie!  Thanks to the efforts of Rick Zeigler, founder of the Muncie Three Trails Music series, four buskers will be performing throughout DWNTWN, 5-8p.m.

Dan Wright- 300 Block of Walnut St
Katie Jo Robinson- 200 Block of Walnut St
Cherry Chub- Gordy's Fine Art and Framing
Dave Carter- The Clubhouse Muncie

111 Arts Gallery 
111 E. Main
We will be showing several pieces of Scot Sterling Tattoo Flash collected over the years. Scot is a world-famous tattooist and machine builder. He started under Lyle Tuttle and has built machines since the 1980s. Come take a look at his flash from years past! Also offering half off all tattoos, walk-in special all day Thursday, and tattoo flash specials all month on Scot Sterling flash.

Art at the Murray
405 S. Walnut (upstairs between the Caffeinery & Atty. Frank Brinkman's)
Gallery Flaneur (suite 310) will be exhibiting the work of four artists: the sculptural work of Jessica Calderwood, Chet Geiselman, and Toren Scott, along with 2D work by Mark Sawrie. Hue House (suite 206) welcomes you to their vibrant space bursting with creative prints and original art for sale. Carrie Wright welcomes you to take a behind the scenes look at her newest handmade tool that allows her to stretch 5 yards of silk to create a single painting.

Cornerstone Center for the Arts
520 E. Main
Join us at Cornerstone on the 2nd floor from 5–8 pm as we celebrate the work and performances of our Summer Semester students during Celebration! Explore and shop artwork by Debra Dragoo Gindhart and ValKraft, our featured gallery artists for September. Browse and shop local vendors while you listen to music from Kevin Klinger. Go on the record with The Facing Project to make Muncie history by sharing your story. All events are free and open to the public.

Fox & Sparrow Tattoo
304 S. Walnut
Fox & Sparrow Tattoo will be showing an exclusive preview of the tattoo flash designs for our donation event benefiting ARF, Paws for a Cause –Saturday September 6th 1PM-8PM. Paws for a Cause will be a cash only event. Walk-ins welcome 1st Thursday! 

The Gathering Place
125 E. Charles
Stop in and take a look around to see if our space fits your needs for your next gathering! The Gathering Place provides a small intimate space for you and your guests to gather to celebrate all of life’s special moments. 5-8pm. 

Harmony Movement Studio
312 E. Main
Come join classes at Harmony Movement Studio for FREE on first Thursdays. At 6 o'clock we have line dancing class for warming up, stretching out and learning the basic movements of swing dances throughout the ages and at 7 o'clock we have lead and follow classes for basic swing dancing. No partner is needed, no experience is necessary and no special clothing or shoes are required. Come as you are and enjoy an evening full of dancing at 312 E Main Street, Muncie IN. 

Kat’s Crystals & Curiosities
111 E Adams St
Join us at 111 E Adams St from 5-8pm for our Live Geode Slicing Event! Come and witness the transformation of raw geodes into beautiful , sparkling crystals. It's a one-of-a-kind opportunity you won't want to miss! Prices start at just $5. 

Madjax Muncie
515 E. Main St.
Join Muncie Public Library at MadJax for the NEA Big Read Kickoff from 5–7 PM in the first-floor Public Hall. This free community event will feature free book giveaways, Filipino food tastings by Baryo, readings from the featured books, family crafts, dance performances, and booths from local artists, vendors, and community partners. Free parking at Monroe and Main and Monroe and Jackson!

Muncie Artists Guild
Various locations
The Muncie Artists Guild's Artist of the Month for September 2025 is Jerry Wire. 

Jerry Wire is a retired teacher from Muncie Community Schools. He is currently a member of the Muncie Artist Guild and is taking a throwing class at Peterson’s Pottery. He became interested in art at an early age by being exposed to grandfather’s landscape paintings. He has an interest in art history and creates both two - and three-dimensional works of art. He is still learning about the subject at an advanced age and enjoys museum-hopping on his trip at home and abroad. Jerry's work will be on display at various downtown locations. 

MuncieArts
216 E Main St. (Lobby of Civic Theatre)
MuncieArts Artist Spotlight: Timothy Berg: Meet artist and educator Timothy Berg and view a sample of his photographs, drawings, and other works, including his street-side micro-gallery. 5-7pm.

Muncie Makers Market
Corner of Walnut and Adams
Come #ShopSmall at our community farmers market with fresh homemade food, locally grown produce, live plants, and handmade arts of all kinds! You’ll find the Muncie Makers Market outdoors every First Thursday at Adams & Walnut from 5-8pm!

Visitors will feel like they are stepping into a beloved children’s storybook as they encounter whimsical scenes and engaging sensory activities in this nature-inspired experience. Designed to help build confidence and cultivate scientific curiosity, children will discover and learn about animals that emerge in their neighborhoods and local forests after the sun goes down.

June 7 through November 2, 2025

Location: Center Building, Gallery 1 & 2

Cost: Included with your admission ticket

Good Night Forest is organized and produced by the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites, with support from Ball Brothers Foundation and George and Frances Ball Foundation.

This is a Weekly Recurring Event

Runs from Jun 7, 2025 to Nov 2, 2025 and happens every:

Wednesdays: 9:00am - 12:00pm Timezone: EDT

Thursdays: 9:00am - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

Fridays: 9:00am - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

Saturdays: 9:00am - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

Sundays: 12:00pm - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

The narwhal, with its unique spiral tusk, has inspired legend and fascinated people across cultures for centuries. Take a deep dive into the narwhal's Arctic world to explore what makes this mysterious animal and its changing ecosystem so important. Through first-hand accounts from scientists and Inuit community members, the exhibition will reveal how traditional knowledge and experience, coupled with the latest scientific research, heighten our understanding of these fascinating animals—and our changing global climate.

July 12, 2025 – September 28, 2025

Location: Center Building, Gallery 3

Cost: Included with your admission ticket

Narwhal: Revealing an Arctic Legend is organized by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service in collaboration with the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History.

This is a Weekly Recurring Event

Runs from Jul 12, 2025 to Sep 28, 2025 and happens every:

Wednesdays: 9:00am - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

Thursdays: 9:00am - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

Fridays: 9:00am - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

Saturdays: 9:00am - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

Sundays: 12:00pm - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

The Farmers Market is the perfect place to discover fresh produce, baked goods, plants, eggs, meats, and more! Connect with local vendors and experience what our community has to offer.

Every Saturday through October

9 a.m.–Noon

Location:  Main Parking Lot

Free Community Event

Snap, Snap Double Up, and eFMNP (WIC FMNP and SFMNP) are accepted at participating vendors, making it easy for everyone to enjoy local treasures. Stop by our Minnetrista info booth at the market to swipe your SNAP/EBT card to get your vouchers for the amount you’d like to spend. We will match up to $20 in SNAP credits ($40) total.  To learn more about this program, please refer to Double Up Indiana. Don’t miss out on this delightful experience!

The outdoor market season is presented by 3Rivers Federal Credit Union.  

This is a Weekly Recurring Event

Runs from Aug 2, 2025 to Oct 25, 2025 and happens every:

Saturdays: 9:00am - 12:00pm Timezone: EDT

Visitors will feel like they are stepping into a beloved children’s storybook as they encounter whimsical scenes and engaging sensory activities in this nature-inspired experience. Designed to help build confidence and cultivate scientific curiosity, children will discover and learn about animals that emerge in their neighborhoods and local forests after the sun goes down.

June 7 through November 2, 2025

Location: Center Building, Gallery 1 & 2

Cost: Included with your admission ticket

Good Night Forest is organized and produced by the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites, with support from Ball Brothers Foundation and George and Frances Ball Foundation.

This is a Weekly Recurring Event

Runs from Jun 7, 2025 to Nov 2, 2025 and happens every:

Wednesdays: 9:00am - 12:00pm Timezone: EDT

Thursdays: 9:00am - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

Fridays: 9:00am - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

Saturdays: 9:00am - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

Sundays: 12:00pm - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

The narwhal, with its unique spiral tusk, has inspired legend and fascinated people across cultures for centuries. Take a deep dive into the narwhal's Arctic world to explore what makes this mysterious animal and its changing ecosystem so important. Through first-hand accounts from scientists and Inuit community members, the exhibition will reveal how traditional knowledge and experience, coupled with the latest scientific research, heighten our understanding of these fascinating animals—and our changing global climate.

July 12, 2025 – September 28, 2025

Location: Center Building, Gallery 3

Cost: Included with your admission ticket

Narwhal: Revealing an Arctic Legend is organized by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service in collaboration with the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History.

This is a Weekly Recurring Event

Runs from Jul 12, 2025 to Sep 28, 2025 and happens every:

Wednesdays: 9:00am - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

Thursdays: 9:00am - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

Fridays: 9:00am - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

Saturdays: 9:00am - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

Sundays: 12:00pm - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

Bring your little ones to Storytime Saturday! Join one of our experience guides for a cozy storytime perfect for children 5 and under and their families. Each month, we’ll feature a special seasonal story that celebrates the time of year. 

Betty’s Cabin Activities are presented in partnership with Patterson Block Muncie.

Learn Bob’s signature “wet-on-wet” technique from experienced Certified Ross Instructors 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!”

September 6; 1–4 p.m.
Location: Bob Ross Experience Studio in the L.L. Ball Home
Cost: $75 | Member Discounts Apply

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: Admission to the Bob Ross Experience exhibition is not included with workshop registration, and all attendees must be registered to participate. Contact our front desk at 765.282.4848 for more information.

Colby T. Helms

Country/bluegrass artist Colby T. Helms and the Virginia Creepers will be performing in a Free, All Ages concert as part of the Muncie Three Trails Music Series

Bring your little ones to Storytime Saturday! Join one of our experience guides for a cozy storytime perfect for children 5 and under and their families. Each month, we’ll feature a special seasonal story that celebrates the time of year.  

Saturdays; 11:30 a.m.

Location: Betty’s Cabin

Free Community Activity

Betty’s Cabin Activities are presented in partnership with Patterson Block Muncie.

This is a Weekly Recurring Event

Runs from Aug 2, 2025 to Dec 27, 2025 and happens every:

Saturdays: 11:30am - 11:50am Timezone: EDT

Visitors will feel like they are stepping into a beloved children’s storybook as they encounter whimsical scenes and engaging sensory activities in this nature-inspired experience. Designed to help build confidence and cultivate scientific curiosity, children will discover and learn about animals that emerge in their neighborhoods and local forests after the sun goes down.

June 7 through November 2, 2025

Location: Center Building, Gallery 1 & 2

Cost: Included with your admission ticket

Good Night Forest is organized and produced by the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites, with support from Ball Brothers Foundation and George and Frances Ball Foundation.

This is a Weekly Recurring Event

Runs from Jun 7, 2025 to Nov 2, 2025 and happens every:

Wednesdays: 9:00am - 12:00pm Timezone: EDT

Thursdays: 9:00am - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

Fridays: 9:00am - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

Saturdays: 9:00am - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

Sundays: 12:00pm - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

The narwhal, with its unique spiral tusk, has inspired legend and fascinated people across cultures for centuries. Take a deep dive into the narwhal's Arctic world to explore what makes this mysterious animal and its changing ecosystem so important. Through first-hand accounts from scientists and Inuit community members, the exhibition will reveal how traditional knowledge and experience, coupled with the latest scientific research, heighten our understanding of these fascinating animals—and our changing global climate.

July 12, 2025 – September 28, 2025

Location: Center Building, Gallery 3

Cost: Included with your admission ticket

Narwhal: Revealing an Arctic Legend is organized by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service in collaboration with the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History.

This is a Weekly Recurring Event

Runs from Jul 12, 2025 to Sep 28, 2025 and happens every:

Wednesdays: 9:00am - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

Thursdays: 9:00am - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

Fridays: 9:00am - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

Saturdays: 9:00am - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

Sundays: 12:00pm - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

Muncie Stitch n' Bitch meets every Sunday! 🧶 We meet weekly at The Cup at 3p. 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!