Events on January 27, 2026
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Intersessions: The “Sugar Rush” is Over - Why Your AI Strategy Needs Sobering Up
8am to 10am @
Innovation Connector
1208 W. White River Blvd. Muncie, IN 47303
How to build the data foundation required to stop playing and start scaling.
Is your business artificial intelligence (AI) ready? Too many people use AI like a glorified search or auto complete without doing the necessary steps first. By the time most businesses figure it out, they are getting lapped by those who used a different approach from the start.
In this session, you will learn about data cleanliness, internal processes and governance, using your data to train the tools, and how to use AI with end goals in mind.
ABOUT OUR SPEAKER: CHRIS THIESEN
I am a B2B Tech Stack Strategist who specializes in integrating marketing and sales systems to drive efficiency and growth. For over a decade, I’ve focused on the hard part: translating go-to-market strategies into the real-world processes and technology that allow businesses to scale without the grueling hours of human intervention. I fix the messy, disconnected systems that kill productivity and obscure the data you need to make sound decisions.
I live in a home on a brick street in Old Town Noblesville that is over 160 years old and sits within a National Historic District. My wife and I love anything historic or antique; exploring historic towns and areas, antique stores and supporting their small businesses. I'm a community advocate and love to support and volunteer for organizations and events that make our downtown the unique place it is. I'm a sports junky and have newly been enthralled by the Darts World Championship. I enjoy craft beer, even though my wife thinks it all tastes like "rubber tires", and local coffee shops if they have a good dark roast.
About Intersessions
It’s a fact. Marketing is constantly evolving. Join us for free interactive marketing sessions, powered by Intersection marketing + branding agency, as speakers dive into interesting and relevant marketing topics, tailored for professionals, entrepreneurs, and business owners who want to advance their marketing skill set. Meetings are held six times annually with ongoing content and discussions shared on our social media, email newsletter, and more.
8:00-8:30 – Networking + Breakfast
8:30-8:45 – Attendee Introductions
8:45-8:50 – Sponsor Spotlight
8:50-9:30 – Introduction to Speaker and Presentation
9:30-9:35 – Break/Refill on Breakfast
9:35-9:50 – Q & A
9:50-10:00 – Final Comments, Announcements and Adjourn
John C. Gonzalez: Checkpoint: Interactive Artworks & Experimental Play
10am to 4pm @
Art and Journalism Building, Ball State University
Ned and Gloria Griner Art Gallery
1001 N. McKinley Ave.
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.
Beginner Rapier and Dagger
6pm to 7:30pm @
Cornerstone Center for the Arts
Majestic Room
520 East Main Street - Muncie, IN 47305
Cost: $150/8 weeks Ages: 13+ 
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.
Open Jam/Open Mic
7pm @
Room 5 Piano Bar
Upstairs
2150 W White River Blvd.
Ages: 21+ 
If you like cheap drinks and live music, or would like to come and show off some of your musical talent, we will be hosting open mic/jam every Tuesday at Room 5 Piano Bar. We've got food, drinks, a backline provided, and a sign up sheet with time slots starting at 8. Doors open at 7, hope to see you there!
