Events on January 15, 2026

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
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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.

A participant creating a print

This is a free letterpress printing event. No experience is necessary. Come select type and images from our collection to create your own unique print to take home. If you carve your own blocks feel free to bring them. Kids can join as long as an adult is with them. 

THIRD THURSDAYS! 🌱 Join our local Growers & Makers of the Muncie Makers Market for a really fun "night market" vibe EVERY MONTH for Third Thursdays at MadJax Maker Force! ALL INDOORS! While you enjoy shopping for our homemade, handmade, and locally grown goods, you can also have a great time throwing axes and nerf football bowling with a beer at Max Axe Muncie, have a delicious dinner and brews at The Guardian Brewery Co., and explore the HUGE MadJax Maker Force facility! WE are soooo excited to partner with MadJax Maker Force for a NEW NIGHT OUT in Downtown Muncie!

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/  

MadJax Maker Force:

https://www.madjax.org

Mad Axe Muncie:

https://madaxemuncie.com

The Guardian Brewing Co.:

https://guardian.beer

Winston Churchill is back! His purpose: To warn humanity not of a Nazi threat, not of Soviet Iron Curtain Communism, but rather - that a Digital Iron Curtain has fallen across all of humanity and that action this day is necessary to Defend Liberty and Freedom.

Winston Churchill, along with Michael Duncan’s brilliant narration, Eric Anderson’s stirring musical renderings and Kevin Pehler’s stunning audio-visual magic leads us through history, painting the portrait of humanity’s struggle between totalitarian conquest and control and individual liberty and freedom. This stirring, inspirational “Theatrical Keynote” brings Winston Churchill’s keen, incisive message of hope to the 21st Century. The audience will have the opportunity to interact directly with Prime Minister Churchill during Ask Winston, a fun, lively Q&A.

World-class artists and musicians brought together in the Coffee and Cabernet Series. Experience these internationally renowned artists in the intimate setting of Pruis Hall and enjoy a selection of wine, craft beer or coffee while attending the performance.