First Thursday

Work by Casey Parmerlee at The Artist Within Work by Casey Parmerlee at The Artist Within Work on display at Gordy Fine Art & Framing Work on display at Gordy Fine Art & Framing Work by Melissa Cummings at The Rose Court Work by Melissa Cummings at The Rose Court Work by Heather Haviland at The Rose Court Work by Heather Haviland at The Rose Court

The Art of Caring
The Artist Within, Gallery 308, and Gordy's Fine Art and Framing will be participating in "The Art of Caring", a food drive for Second Harvest Food Bank. Canned goods may be dropped off at any of those locations during First Thursday.

111 Arts Gallery
111 E Main
Christmas Krampus flash drawn by guys at shop and $40 Krampus tattoos all night long.

The Artist Within
313 S Walnut
The Paintings of Casey Parmerlee
Local artist Casey Parmerlee has been very interested in spatial, geometric landscapes and feels that this has guided her most popular work over the past few years. Because of this, Casey has really focused in on what she wants the viewer to take away from her paintings.

She has chosen to refine her color palette and work with non-traditional mediums on canvas, such as charcoal, conte crayon, colored pencils, and using gesso as a medium instead of a ground and sizing as one might typically use it.

Casey states that the overall look and feel of the work in this exhibit is more refined than her previous work of the same subject matter. This body of work tends to conjure feelings of grandness and sophistication with its rigid lines and frame work, but still feels organic and tied to nature. It is this balance of geometry with the organic that she finds interesting.

Chesterfield's Deli
102 S Walnut

The official dedication of the Muncie Arts and Culture District gateway signs will take place from 5pm to 6pm on First Thursday in the Ivy Tech Patterson Building. Please RSVP by emailing events@munciearts.org or by calling 765-287-8139.

Gallery 308
308 E Main
Finding Their Voices

The Gallery 308 December show, “Finding Their Voices”, showcases the talents of 15 artists from Ball State University’s School of Art.  The exhibit features works of art in both 2D and 3D media in a variety of mediums including painting, photography, glass, drawing, metals, ceramics, and sculpture. The opening reception will be held from 5-8pm. The exhibit is open through December 27. The gallery is open Fridays from 3-7pm and Saturdays from 12:30 – 5:00pm.

Gordy Fine Art & Framing Co.
224 E Main
Annual Salon Show

Two dozen area artists will hang works for the holidays at Gordy Fine Art and Framing. Opening with a reception on Thursday, December 5th, the exhibit will continue through January 31, 2014 and includes oil, acrylic and watercolor paintings, drawings, original prints, pottery, jewelry, photographs and sculpture pieces.

“We’ve added a few artists to our award-winning lineup this year, which helps keep the event fresh and interesting,” offers gallery director, Braydee Euliss. “The works range from traditional oil paintings of landscapes and florals to more modern and abstract pieces and figurative works.” She continues, “We encourage guests to ask questions. Art openings definitely have a learning component, and we all love to talk about art.”

A salon show differs from typical exhibits by allowing pieces to be removed from the show at time of sale. They are replaced by other pieces or the exhibit is rearranged. This allows patrons to consider art for holiday decorating or gift giving, concepts that also support the artists, who appreciate selling their work before year’s end.

Artists in the Salon Show include Kim and Scott Anderson, Sue Beach, Carol Burt, David Dale, Eric Ernstberger, Braydee Euliss, Jim Faulkner, Charlene George, Brian and Genny Gordy, Corey Hagelberg, David and Sarojini Johnson, Suzanne Lambert, Paul Laseau, Cheryl Anne Lorance, Shonet Martin, Jan McCune, Alan Patrick, John Peterson, Marty Price, Margie Prim, Kyle Rees, Carol Strockwasson and Lynette Waters. A reception for the artists will be held during the monthly First Thursday art event on Thursday, December 5, 2013, from 5 to 8 PM. The artists in attendance will be introduced and a short talk about the show will be given at 6:15 PM. Light refreshments will be served, and the public is invited to attend.

The exhibit may also be viewed during normal business hours: Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5:30 PM, Saturday, 9 to 3, or by appointment.

Ivy Tech Fisher Building
345 S High

The staff and students of Ivy Tech’s School of Education are excited to announce that we will be hosting a “Parent’s Night Out” at the Fisher Building from 5:30 to 8:00pm on December 5th. We have an exciting “Winter Wonderland” themed night planned for children whose parents are attending First Thursday events. This event was created because we have a genuine concern for the availability of proper childcare during the First Thursday events. We also understand that many parents in the surrounding area could benefit from a fun night out, all while supporting the community.

Safe activities and a snack will be provided for children while their parents enjoy Muncie’s First Thursday festivities. Registration is open to the first 75 children ages 4-12. Please contact Erin Donovan at edonovan2@ivytech.edu for registration forms or for more information about the event. Thank you for considering the safety of the children in our community.

Rose Court
125 E Charles
The Work of Heather Haviland and Melissa Cummings

Heather Haviland has a BFA with an emphasis on photography from Herron School of Art in Indianapolis. With her love for graphic design and painting, she incorporates these elements into her artwork. Her inspiration comes from an interest in melding folklore and mythology with fantasy and surreal portraiture. Her background as a floral designer has also influenced the meaning, structure, and vibrant colors seen in her work. This quote from Joseph Campbell best describes what Heather strives to capture in her photographs, “I don’t believe people are looking for the meaning of life as much as they are looking for the experience of being alive.” Her past work has been described as “fantastical & imaginative” challenging the viewer to explore content reminiscent of fairy stories from a darker age.

A self-taught artist,  Melissa Cummings has been the recipient of several honors including winning two scholastic art awards from the State of Indiana.   “People have been my most inspiring subject matter.  The eyes are my greatest emphasis when I am working on a portrait painting.”  Sought after for her portraits Melissa is re-emerging with a new love for surrealistic abstracts in oil.  “This change in genre is allowing me to make creations based from my own emotions.  It is raw energy.”  Her work is eclectic and she enjoys using a variety of mediums and styles. 

Select works will be available for purchase.

Magic City Music Men will perform at 6:30pm and 7:15pm on First Thursday.

Toys Forever Models & Hobbies
300 S Walnut

Toys Forever will host Santa Claus. Bring your child to sit on Santa’s lap and get a photo taken too!