First Thursday

111 Arts Gallery
111 E Main

The work of Aaron Roberts will be displayed.

The Artist Within
313 S Walnut

The work of painters Casey Parmerlee and Nick Jones will be displayed.

Cortex
Jill Palumbo - 112 W Jackson

Jill Palumbo and her husband, Pat, live in Muncie, Indiana, where they are raising two sons, Nick (20) and Vince (15).  Jill is a world citizen at heart; certified to teach French, Japanese and Spanish, she has taught world languages to two generations of students at Blackford High School in Hartford City.  Jill is also an artist in her spare time.  She makes jewelry and mosaics and especially loves pushing limits in her favorite media, polymer clay.

Although Jill dreamed of being an artist since early childhood, she has only recently begun to explore this passion with great intent.  She lost her mom in 2006 and soon discovered that art was a powerful source of healing.  Jill's sister, Nancy, helped her discover jewelry design, and a friend, Anna, showed Jill how she made miniatures with polymer clay. The idea of combining jewelry designs with custom made components in polymer clay set Jill on a clay-creating adventure that has lead to publishing articles in internationally distributed magazines and winning awards in local and international art competitions.  

Jill loves the outdoors and her artwork reflects this.  Textures and motifs from leaves, shells, rocks and flowers play an important role in many of her creations. Her art is also influenced by her study of world languages and cultures.  The technique that is Jill's "signature" is her unique way of creating and incorporating millefiori canes into her creations.  This technique is also called "caning" and was borrowed from Italian glass makers.  Jill describes millefiori as "painting in three dimensions with a palette of polymer clay".

Jill is proud to be a member of the Muncie Artist Guild, the Indiana Polymer Clay Association and the International Polymer Clay Association. 

Gallery 308
Phil Vore - 308 E Main

Legendary in the local arts scene for over 20 years, Phil brings his unique style to Gallery 308. A recent fire at his home and studio has done little to diminish the passion of this outstanding artist and he has been busy salvaging older work as well as creating new and exciting expressions.

Gordy Fine Art & Framing Co.
Laseau to Exhibit "Greek Isles +" - 224 E Main

Paul Laseau began painting in watercolor media in 1992 on a trip to the Greek islands. He was inspired by the delicate, but vibrant colors of the sun-baked white villages that cling to the crest of island mountains. Laseau will exhibit more than a dozen paintings of these paintings during the month of September at Gordy Fine Art & Framing in downtown Muncie. Titled, Greekl Isles +, the show is based largely on sketches and photos from several subsequent trips to Greece, and includes a few paintings from other Mediterranean countries.

The former BSU Architecture professor has published several books on the art of pen and ink sketching and later, a book about watercolors. "Like many artists, I was drawn to watercolor because the medium supports a fluid, spontaneous approach to painting. I suppose it is a question of level of comfort, given my temperament. While my approach to painting involves some forethought or planning, there is a pleasurable flow to the work that would be ruined by extended "massaging" of the piece."

Laseau brought to his work observations skills developed through 35 years of experience in freehand sketching and photography of mostly architectural subjects, from travels to the coasts of Greece, Italy, England, New England and the Maritime Provinces of Canada.

"For me the value of painting lies more in the act than in the end result. Typically, I am completely absorbed in the subject of a painting. I continue to be fascinated by the historical response of humans to the forces of nature – land, water, sun – as they continue to define appropriate human habitat. Coastal towns and harbors provide particularly vibrant subjects."

Laseau's work has been exhibited in several universities in the U.S. and has been included in The Indiana Watercolor Society, Minnetrista Cultural Center and Red Tail Conservancy exhibits. Represented locally by the Gordy's, Laseau's work is on display throughout the year. This exhibit features new works that have not previously hung at the gallery.

A reception for the artist will be held during the First Thursday art event in downtown Muncie, September 6, 2012, from 5 to 8 PM. The artist will speak about his work at 6:15.

Muncie Civic Theatre
216 E Main

A very special evening is planned featuring Harvey! Drop by and meet this Pooka in person. That is, if he decides to grace us with a personal appearance. You never know with Pookas! This is a performance night for this classic play. Stick around and see this hilarious play at 7:30pm! Robert Dirden will have his original body painting photography in the Studio Theatre. Janessa Erickson will have her unique one-of-a-kind jewelry for your perusal. The Starr Vintage Boutique will be open and you will find all kinds of bargains! Also, board members will be on hand to tell you all about the up-coming season, and it's not too late to get your season tickets. Bonus tickets included!

Rose Court
125 E Charles

This month Rose Court will be displaying various artists sponsored by the Students for Responsible Consumerism who are partnering with the Living Lightly Fair to present local artists. who are celebrating sustainable lifestyles. The art featured in the show will be themed around sustainability. Pieces will be either created from sustainable or repurposed materials, or they will have a sustainable or environmental message in their content.  Please join us for this event.  The art work promises to be unique!