Graham Watson

Experience the arts in Downtown Muncie at this year's ArtsWalk on Thursday, October 4th from 5:00 – 9:00pm in the streets of Downtown and in Canan Commons.

ArtsWalk will feature live entertainment such as music ensembles from Ball State University and America's Hometown Band, the YART sale featuring local works of art for under $40, and performances by Muncie Ballet Studio, Cornerstone Center for the Arts, Muncie Civic Theatre, Ancient Arts Dancers, and more. Downtown art galleries are kicking off new exhibits, and there will be a kids area for activities and creative fun.

The event will also feature street performers, a Soup Crawl at various locations, dinner and drink specials at local restaurants and establishments, community information featuring arts and culture partners, artisan booths, and more. Detailed maps will be available at the event throughout downtown.

The spotlight of the event will be a ceremony celebrating the Grand Opening of the Canan Commons beginning at 7:15pm. The ceremony will feature guest speakers including the Mayor, music from America's Hometown Band, and a special pyrotechnics display and other entertainment to celebrate the opening of the new park and entertainment venue. The Grand Opening is presented by the City of Muncie, Muncie Downtown Development Partnership, and Muncie Arts and Culture Council. The event is sponsored by the Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County. 

Please join Muncie Downtown Development Partnership, Muncie Arts and Culture Council, Ball State Music Department, and all of the local galleries, artisans, and downtown businesses to celebrate the rich culture of arts and entertainment.

111 Arts Gallery
111 E Main

Work by artists Malik, Brad Brunsman, Stephanie Hutchinson, Amanda Lentine, Nate Harmon, Sofielsa Harmon, Hector Cedillo, Sean King, Brant Dailey, Elyssa Christensen, and Alexa Camacho.

The Artist Within
“2 burris OWLS & A freeburg MIDGET (*W/mad art skills)” - 313 S Walnut

Work by artists Debra Dragoo, Kara DuQuette, and Michael DuQuette in a collaborative exhibit of art dolls and wall art with music by Bryce Taylor.

The Artist Within will also feature demonstrations of throwing on the potter’s wheel with resident potter Toren Scott and representatives from the BSU Ceramics Department and their Potters’ Guild.

Cortex
Sticks and Stones - 112 W Jackson

Work by Sticks And Stones, a collaboration between mixed media artists Taylor Fentz and Dustin Davis. This artisan team uses a variety of materials such as bone, stone, wood, and metal to create an array of handmade crafts ranging from jewelry to pipes to weapons. The inspiration behind their creations comes from nature, primitive cultures, and a common background of Native American ancestry and tradition, all mixed with an artistic twist and a dash of fantasy. Visit http://sticksandstonesdt.etsy.com for more information.

Also at Cortex:

• Music by Mike Martin
• Performance by Freakshow Foley
• Jewelry by Jill Palumbo
• Sculptures and other art by Kate Titus
• Paintings by Ben Bryantt
• Jewelry and painting by Sarah Hedges
• On-site caricatures by Mike Fentz

Gallery 308
308 E Main

Work by 2012 Paper Chase Show "Best in Show" winner Ann Johnson. “There is So Much I Want to Say to You” is a collection of pictures Ann has painted since she sold F.B. Fogg in 2008.

What began as desire for watercolor paper which led her, as a young mother to take the first mixing of lint from her dryer to form an early handmade paper, blossomed into a 24-year career as handmade paper artist F.B. Fogg.  According to Johnson, “In my not so- quaint past, I took  paper further than it should go… clocks sold in every state in the union, sculptures in 14 countries, and enough golden retrievers  to form an avalanche of paper.  Then I sold Fogg.  When you experience loss or change, you surprise yourself.  Sometimes what matters is not what one gives, but what one gives up.  Now, I have returned to my 'roots', so to speak, and am once more a painter, a colorist.  So painting is a delight for me and best yet, I paint only to enjoy the art.  What a delightful time I am having!"

Gallery 308 will also be hosting art making activities for all ages with aerosols, chalk, and the ever-popular squirt gun painting. Across Main Street, members of the BSU FreshstART group and other local artists will be "chalking the block". Be sure to check out their art!

In case you miss the gallery opening, the exhibit continues through October 26. The gallery is open Wednesdays through Saturday from 12:30 – 5:00pm.  Admission is free.

Gordy Fine Art & Framing Co.
10 Year Gallery Anniversary - 224 E Main

Ten years ago, Brian and Genny Gordy realized a dream by turning their oversized frame shop showroom into a legitimate art gallery. The Boyce Block space already offered high ceilings and hardwood floors, and underneath layers of wallpaper, a stunning plaster wall, authentically distressed by the centuries. A nifty hanging system was installed to protect that wall, and a gallery was born. The first artist was Gala Bent, who had worked for the Gordy’s while attending Ball State University as an art major.  The opening reception was held on the first Thursday in October 2002.

The Gordy’s – also graduates of the BSU Art Department – had a vision about fine art, fine handcrafted picture framing, and the downtown Muncie art scene. They were certainly not alone in that vision, and a decade later, “First Thursdays” is a term that seldom needs explanation. Scores of art lovers mark their calendars to visit various gallery spaces downtown for an evening of exhibits of mostly local works that include oil paintings, watercolors, prints, jewelry, and a robust selection of pottery. Music is often a part of that scene, running the gamut from tuba ensembles to drum circles.

“It is fulfilling,” offers Brian Gordy, “to live in a town that embraces its art and artists, not only by showing up at the various exhibits, but by collecting works by those artists, many of whom are recognized far beyond the boundaries of Delaware County.” The Gordy gallery represents twenty two local and regional artists.

The owner himself will be the exhibitor on the wall for the month, opening during the annual ArtsWalk event on October 4, 2012. Designated an Indiana Artisan artist, Gordy has won numerous awards and is included in galleries beyond his own. For this show, titled, “Recent Watercolors,” twenty new paintings with varying subjects will be hung, including complex compositions with intense colors and the first of a new series. The new pieces are semi-abstract images inspired by roots, riverbanks and reflective waters, and will hang alongside the final pieces of a turtle series the artist has been painting for the past seven years. States Gordy, “I consider these five images to be the most challenging and aesthetically successful of the turtle series. They also mark its conclusion.”

The evening’s agenda includes a short talk and introduction of artists at 6 PM, “Meet and Greet the Artists,” and photo op. “For any contribution, guests may have a picture taken with one of the artists.  Greg Harty and Jack’s Camera Shop are donating services for this fun event, the proceeds of which will go to the 2nd Harvest Food Bank,” Genny explains. “They are doing The Soup Crawl again during ArtsWalk, and we wanted to help with their mission. We thought this would be a memorable way for the artists and the gallery to give back to the community that sustains us.”

Visitors may also register to win a $200 gift certificate for custom picture framing during the 5 to 9 PM time frame. For children, there will be a “Fill in the Famous Frame” coloring sheets.  Music will be provided by Mike Statler, also of Jack’s Camera Shop.

“We started a gallery because it was an important aspect of our personal “ideal community” concept. That others are encouraged by our efforts is the icing on our anniversary cake,” offers Genny.

ArtsWalk Agenda at Gordy Fine Art 2012:

• 5 PM – Exhibit, “Recent Watercolors,” opens
• 6 PM - Genny will give a short talk and introduce the artist, Brian Gordy and other GFAF artists
• 6:15 to 7 PM - Meet and Greet artists and photo op for a donation to be given to 2nd Harvest
• 8 PM - Drawing for $200 gift certificate for picture framing (need not be present to win)
• All evening - Fill in the Famous Frame Coloring sheets for Children and Interested Adults
• 9 PM – Closing
• Intermittent:  Woody Statler live music

Gordy Fine Art & Framing Co. is located at 224 E. Main Street, next door to Muncie Civic Theatre.  For more information, call 765-284-8422 or visit http://www.gordyframing.com.

Muncie Civic Theatre
216 E Main

Work by artist Susie Burns.

Rose Court
125 E Charles

The photography of Jennifer Smith and Andrea Swartz.

Jennifer Smith is a retired business professional turned camera junkie who uses the photographic lens to learn about, view and document her travels.

Andrea Swartz teaches in the Department of Architecture at Ball State University.  Her photographs explore our built environment and its relationship to place, time and people. Both have had work accepted in juried shows and received awards.

Savage's Ale House
127 High St.

Work by artist Jannell Summers.

Yart
Canan Commons

Yart is a yard-sale-styled art sale that has been a Muncie tradition for many, many years. All art is created by local artists and each piece is available for sale for $40 or less.

On the second Wednesday of every month, The Artist Within and the Full Circle Arts Co-op host a roundtable meeting for Muncie's arts community from 7pm to 8pm. All are invited to join and discuss community projects and the promotion and development of the local arts.

The meeting will be immediately followed by Full Circle's monthly public board meeting.

The Artist Within
313 S Walnut - Autumn Artists

Autumn Artists: Recent Work by the Artist Within Students and Staff is the featured exhibit for November at the Artist Within, 313 S. Walnut Street in Muncie's Downtown Arts District.  Artwork from the studio's ceramics, painting, drawing, and sculpture classes will be on display and for sale November 1-30, 2012.  Instructors Gary Huggler, Toren Scott, Karen Fisher, and Bob Hartley will show their work along with their students Eugene Boyd, Nick Thomas, Karen Bailey, Tara Harshbarger, Erika Kischuk, Lauren Lykens, Barbara Hauck, Jackie Harris, and Audrey Scott.

An opening reception will be held during First Thursday, November 1 from 5-8pm with live music and light refreshments.  Music will be provided by sculpture student Karen Bailey.

Please make plans to attend the opening to meet Karen and the other artists whohave work in the exhibit.

Regular studio hours: T-Th/11am-6pm Fri/11am-10pm Sat/11am-7pm; closed Sun & Mon

Cornerstone Center for The Arts
520 E Main St - 13 Directions

Ball State University students will display their photographs at Cornerstone’s Art Gallery from November 1st - 30th. An opening reception will take place on Thursday, November 1st from 6 pm to 8 pm.

The show, titled 13 Directions, will feature the work of thirteen senior art majors with emphasis on photography: Hannah Baker, Kristin Bowlby, Cara Calanni, Chelsea Combs, Jordyn Cox, Kaylie Davis, David Deng, Emily Hvidston, Holly Lay, Aly Edmondson, Sarah Reynolds, Amanda Williams, and Jaimie Wilson. The photography will feature works themed in intimacy, beauty, storytelling, and more.

The students have been studying under the direction of professors Jacinda Russell and Mark Sawrie. The students are very excited to show the community what they have been working on throughout the past year.

The gallery is located on the second floor of our building. The gallery will continue to exhibit and promote the artwork of Cornerstone students and instructors, local high school and college students, as well as local and regional artists.

Gordy Fine Art & Framing Co.
224 E Main - Pandora’s Creative Box

Award-winning photo artist Larry Graham has been invited to exhibit his work for the month of November in the downtown gallery of Gordy Fine Art & Framing Company. Opening with a reception on Thursday, November 1, 2012 from 5 to 8 PM, the display will include a variety of mediums from the former Ball State University professor of art.  Titled “Pandora’s Creative Box,” the collection is, “a medley of new and old work using…photography, painting and drawing to illustrate the artist’s creative gifts over the last 40 years.”  Graham has given over 100 exhibitions and numerous performances and lectures.  He will speak about his work at 6:15 PM during the reception, discussing the techniques he uses, mixing photography, drawing, painting, and computer images, “to exemplify a culture which is a conglomerate.”

Graham primarily taught photography and computer graphics courses during his tenure at BSU, but also taught drawing, design, painting and art education classes. Retiring as a Full Professor in 1995, Graham is credited with introducing many professional photographers to the art form, including local resident Pamela DeMarris. “He was my mentor,” offers the international award-winning DeMarris. “He is the one who encouraged me to get my MFA in photography.” Other former students include the Ball State University Architect, Greg Graham, professional photographer, Ron Richcreek, and the gallery owners, Brian and Genny Gordy.

In addition to his personal portfolio, Graham has worked with contemporary American composers, Cleve Scott and Dan Senn. With Senn, the artist created two computer graphic pieces, “Bucktooth Bird, and “Three Primitives,” which have been extensively exhibited from New Zealand to New York.

Light refreshments will be served during the reception and the public is invited. Other downtown galleries will also be hosting art exhibits, and there is no charge to attend. The exhibit may also be viewed through November 30, 2012 during the gallery’s business hours: Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5:30 PM, Saturday, 9 to 3, or by appointment.

Gordy Fine Art & Framing Co. is located at 224 E. Main Street, next door to Muncie Civic Theatre.  For more information, call 765-284-8422 or visit www.gordyframing.com.

Rose Court
125 E Charles - Julie Cranfill

Rose Court will be exhibiting the works of Julie Cranfill for November's First Thursday.  Originally from Muncie, Julie has shown her work in several Indiana locations as well as the Atlanta Mercantile in Atlanta, GA.  Her inspiration comes from life and what she sees around her.  Julie likes to experiment with colors and brush strokes, sometimes layering the paintings.  Her subjects vary from abstract to floral, landscapes to seascapes, buildings and portraits.

Savage's Ale House
127 High St - Digital Experiment: Collection by PROJECTiONE

Savage’s Ale House is proud to announce a collection of new prototypes by PROJECTiONE, a design/fabrication studio locally owned and operated by recent graduate architects Adam Buente and Kyle Perry.  The design duo’s most recent work, Digital Experiment, will be on display during the month of November 2012, with an opening reception Thursday, November 1st, which coincides with downtown Muncie’s First Thursday event.

Originally a collaborative architectural thesis, PROJECTiONE began examining digital tools with analog methods through full-scale prototypes, research, and collaboration with other disciplines. A number of client-based projects, exhibitions, and product designs have fueled the development of this young start-up. Partnerships with Riley Hospital for Children and Indianapolis based non-profit do-tank People for Urban Progress, just to name a few, have Buente and Perry continuing to explore potential relationships between fabrication methods and both analog and digital design. Their most recent endeavor is a series of physical prototypes that utilize the capabilities of computational design tools, CNC machining technology, and an array of synthetic materials. Digital Experiment is described as an investigation of the “use and misuse of design and fabrication software,” in order to reintroduce “an intricate level of ornament previously achieved only by hand through skilled craftsmen and laborers” to the contemporary design table. The end result: a visual and textural treat.

A reception for the design duo will be held First Thursday, November 1st, 2012, from 5 to 8 PM at the downtown bar. The public is encouraged to attend and continue their First Thursday experience beyond normal gallery opening hours, as Savage’s is opening until 2 AM. The exhibit can be viewed through December 3rd, 2012 Monday through Thursday 11:30 AM – 2 AM, Friday 11:30 – 3 AM, Saturday 3 PM – 3 AM, and Sunday 3 PM – 2 AM.

Savage’s Ale House is located at 127 E High Street. Inquiries about PROJECTiONE, Digital Experiment, and other projects should be directed to info@projectione.com

On the second Wednesday of every month, The Artist Within and the Full Circle Arts Co-op host a roundtable meeting for Muncie's arts community from 7pm to 8pm. All are invited to join and discuss community projects and the promotion and development of the local arts.

The meeting will be immediately followed by Full Circle's monthly public board meeting.

The Artist Within
313 S Walnut

The Artist Within will have two exhibits for the month of December. "Bette Graham, the artwork of a Local Living Legend" and "Robot Run" will have separate opening receptions held from 5-8pm on First Thursday December 6th. As always, the receptions are free and open to the public.

The main floor gallery will feature one of the Muncie art scene's own living legends, Bette Graham.  Printmaking is her specialty, but she will also have drawings, paintings, Christmas cards and note cards on display and for sale December 6-29, 2012.

"Bette Graham, the Artwork of a Local Living Legend" will be done in a "salon format": "you see it, you like it, you buy it and take it with you."  This makes giving and/or receiving original artwork easy for your holiday shopping.

The upper level gallery will host the first annual "Robot Run" from December 6-29, 2012.

A group of regional artists will have a variety of artwork with a central theme: Robots.

The drawings, paintings, prints and sculpture in this exhibit cover a broad interpretation of the subject.

Gordy Fine Art & Framing Co.
224 E Main

Filling an oversized gallery wall, top to bottom, with works of art by local artists is no easy job. Ben Gordy tackles the task on an annual basis for the holiday season.  “We represent about two dozen artists,” offers the manager at Gordy Fine Art & Framing in downtown Muncie, “And once each year – for two months - we like to show them all off together.”  Not only does the salon-style setting make a handsome statement of paintings, prints and drawings, but the arrangement allows buyers to take purchased work with them immediately. Typical exhibit etiquette doesn’t allow works to leave until the show is taken down at the end of the exhibit.  “The salon show supports holiday gift-buying as it supports local artists. “ Gordy adds. “Patrons are invited to bring their out-of-town guests to see a hearty selection of area talent.”

That talent this year includes 2D artists, Scott Anderson, David Dale, Eric Ernstberger, Jim Faulkner, Charlene George, Brian Gordy, Corey Hagelberg, David and Sarojini Johnson, Suzanne Lambert, Paul Laseau, Alan Patrick, Margie Prim and Carol Strock Wasson.  Works by 3D artists will fill out the space and include pottery by Kim Anderson, Sue Beach, Carol Burt, John Peterson and Alan Patrick, jewelry by Jan McCune, and bronze sculpture pieces by Cheryl Anne Lorance. 

The opening reception for Salon Show 2012 will be held Thursday, December 6, 2012, from 5 to 8 PM at the downtown gallery. The public is encouraged to attend, and refreshments will be served. Other downtown galleries will also be hosting exhibits, and there is no charge to attend.

The Annual Salon Show continues through January 31, 2013, and may be viewed during normal business hours: Monday – Friday, 9 AM to 5:30 PM, Saturdays, 9 to 3, or by appointment.

Gordy Fine Art & Framing Co. is located at 224 E. Main Street, next door to Muncie Civic Theatre.  For more information, call 765-284-8422 or visit www.gordyframing.com. 

The Notice Gallery
109 E Main

The Notice Gallery will be hosting a one-night-only art exhibition featuring contemporary sculpture and ceramic art from Bloomington and Indianapolis artists. Artists include Brose Partington, Stacey Holloway, Aaron Nicholson, Mike Wilken, Payson Mcnett, Rachael Bleil, Andrew Perry Davis, Michele Signorino, and Jenny Olinkainen.

Rose Court
125 E Charles

Join Rose Court in welcoming Earl Dunbar, photographer, for the December First Thursday at Rose Court.

Rose Court will be fully decked out for Christmas and, as an added treat, Rose Court will also be hosting the Magic City Music Men singing Christmas carols from 7:00 to 7:30pm before finishing their gallery visits for the evening.  If you've never heard the Magic City Music Men, you must be sure to come hear them in Rose Court - the sound rivals that of a cathedral!  You can't miss this, and best of all - it's free! 

Earl Dunbar, Photographer: Life’s Reflections -  Memories captured by photos last us forever... is the philosophy of photographer Earl Dunbar.  Life long in the making, Earl’s passion for photography started when he received his first camera in grade school.  Through the years, he has progressed from film and slides to digital photos.

As a salesman in Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, he carried his camera on all his trips stopping at any opportunity to take pictures. Along with his wife Penny they have traveled throughout the US as well as Australia.  Earl enjoys shooting subjects such as fall colors, wildlife, lakes & streams, sunrises & sunsets; even the moon. 

Several of Earl’s photos reflect his explorations around Muncie and the surrounding area, showing us things we’ve missed or taken for granted in our home town.  He continues to learn about different techniques to improve his work, which is ever evolving. 

Earl and Penny moved to Muncie in 2006 to be close to their son who married a gal from Fort Wayne.  They have 2 grandchildren and have enjoyed watching them grow through his pictures.  Penny is a registered dietitian who worked at Ball Memorial Hospital and retired from the renal dialysis clinics.

Earl hopes to share his passion for memories through his photography exhibit during December’s First Thursday and will be offering framed and unframed (matted) pictures for sale.  Refreshments will be served from 5:00 to 8:00pm.  Please join us.

On the second Wednesday of every month, The Artist Within and the Full Circle Arts Co-op host a roundtable meeting for Muncie's arts community from 7pm to 8pm. All are invited to join and discuss community projects and the promotion and development of the local arts.

The meeting will be immediately followed by Full Circle's monthly public board meeting.

111 Arts Gallery
111 E Main

(tattoo flash) art of tattooing, tattoo designs done I. Watercolor mixed media, raw, and refined in distinct and traditional styles, multiple artist, 5-9 refreshments artist meet n greet

Additional NSFW images: 1, 2

The Artist Within
313 S Walnut

February at the Artist Within will feature "Each Face is Unique", the photography of Rachel Rector.  An opening reception will be held First Thursday, February 7th from 5-8pm.  The reception is free and open to the public with light refreshments, live music by Ric Dwenger and an opportunity to meet the artist to learn more about her inspiration for this moving exhibit.

Rachel is currently a sophomore at Indiana University studying Elementary Education.  This young artist bought her first camera when she was a freshman in high school and started shooting immediately. Miss Rector reminisces about how she worked the entire summer to save up and buy her very own digital SLR camera and proudly claims, "I still shoot with it today." She started taking pictures because she felt she had a terrible memory and wanted to remember the good and bad times. This small way to remember things turned into a hobby and soon she began to love the impact a picture could have on both her life and others. Encouragement came as people began to compliment her on her talent. This gave her the confidence to put herself out there for new experiences like senior portraits, family shots, and candid photos. Rachel readily admits that the most exciting experience she has had behind the lens came from the hundreds of photographs she took while on a mission trip in Haiti. This talented photographer admits that the experience cannot be put into words, but only through her photos. She feels that she was able to capture the very real and true lives of many of the Haitian children living in Port-au-Prince.

A brief background on the mission trip:

In the summer of 2011 about 15 people, including myself, from the Bridge Community Church traveled 1500 plus miles to Port-au-Prince Haiti to work at the local organization called Mission of Hope. On this mission trip we were able to do service work with the orphanage and VBS that the Mission of Hope sponsored. We traveled to another local orphanage to spend the day with the children as well as visit the ground for a soon to be school near the coast. We were also able to travel to the land where small one room houses were being built and painted for families to be sheltered in that lost their homes during the 2010 earthquake. The countless hands I held and smiles I received will forever be in my heart. The simplicity of these children's life is what I will take away most from my trip and I hope that through my photographs you too will be able to see Gods love and grace in the lives of the Haitian children.

Gordy Fine Art & Framing Co.
224 E Main

BSU Annual Print Show + Introducing Amelia Morris

In what has become an annual affair, Gordy Fine Art & Framing will exhibit the work of husband and wife duo, David and Sarojini Johnson, for the month of February 2013. Joining the Ball State art professors this year will be two of their students, Terre Keck and Brandon Beeson. The four artists will present works made using either the intaglio or relief process, typically used to create multiple copies of a “plate” that has been altered, via chemicals or gouging tools. In either case, ink is applied to the prepared plate, paper is laid on the inked surface, pressure applied, and the paper – now carrying an image – is pulled away to dry.  Printmaking is a demanding art, as each color represents either a different plate, or the original plate, re-altered. Either way, a challenging series of steps stands between the artist and the final works of art.

Only a few steps will stand between the exhibited works and patrons during the February print show. The main west wall will hold what appear to be calm, even happy, farm animals in glorious colors by David next to dream-like garden scenes by Sarojini. “Frog and Lily” depicts a blue textured frog and orange lilies, both buds and blooms, on yellow-green pads. The scene by Sarojini is quiet, yet boldly exotic. David’s “Animal Farm” beautifully demonstrates the printmaker’s skill of multiple images, perfectly aligned. The students’ works finish out the wall for the print exhibit, and several accordion print books will be displayed on tables. “Garden Flowers and Insects,” by Sarojini, unfolds to show colorful silhouettes of plants and insects, some reminiscent of silk fabric prints.

On the other side of the gallery space, Amelia Morris will kick off Gordy’s “Small Exhibit Series” with, An Honest Assessment: Recent Efforts from Amelia Morris. A 2008 graduate of Ball State University, Morris earned her BFA, magna cum laude, in art and photography. Her images make up a photo diary of her days, post college. “I like to think of the work as a series of public and private confessions,” offers Morris, “my post-grad blues.”

A reception for the artists will be held First Thursday, February 7th , 2013, from 5 to 8 PM at the downtown gallery. A short talk about the print exhibit will take place at 6 PM, followed by another talk about the photo exhibit at 6:30.The public is encouraged to attend, and light refreshments will be served. The other downtown galleries will also be hosting exhibits, and there is no charge to attend.

Gordy Fine Art & Framing Co. is located at 224 E. Main Street, next door to Muncie Civic Theatre.  For more information, call 765-284-8422 or visit www.gordyframing.com.

Rose Court
125 E Charles

Rose Court is pleased to host artist Jerry Dreesen for the February 7th Gallery Walk.

Jerry Dreesen is a painter poet. He writes and publishes haiku and other short form Japanese poetry on-line and in paper journals . He is self-taught artist, who loves to challenge himself in a variety of mediums and styles including acrylic, watercolor, pastel and linocut printing. He also experiments on occasion with clay sculpture. He has exhibited his art in various local art shows and exhibitions and has sold work including several commissions throughout the United States, Canada, Great Britain, Europe and Japan.  http://dreesenartgallery.blogspot.com/     OR   facebook/jerry dreesen

The Artist Within
313 S Walnut

During the month of March, the Artist Within will feature the work of Ball State University Advanced Drawing students.  The upper level and main floor galleries will exhibit drawings done in a variety of mediums, "Selections from Ball State Advanced Drawing Classes" will remain on exhibit through March 30th.  There will be an artists opening reception First Thursday, March 7th from 5-8pm with light refreshments.  The opening is free and open to the public. Ball State University will be on Spring Break during First Thursday so a second reception, "Meet the Artists" will be held on Friday March 15th from 5-7pm.  Please make plans to attend one or both of the receptions.

Gallery 308
308 E Main

A passion for the arts often begins at an early age, and the talents and imagination of more than 80 young artists will be showcased in a countywide exhibit when Gallery 308 opens its 9th annual K-12 Juried Student Art Show next week. The public is invited to stop by and see what our young local artists are doing. There’s a free reception for the show’s opening on March 7, the First Thursday of the month.

The nonprofit community art gallery provides a juried show each year for Delaware County students in grades K through 12. Because it’s a juried show, awards will be presented. The presentation will be at Muncie Civic Theatre, 216 East Main Street at 6:30p.m. The exhibit and refreshments will be offered at the Gallery, located at 308 East Main Street, from 5 to 8 p.m. The artists’ families and friends are welcome.

Students from 12 city and county schools are involved in the show. About 87 entries were accepted into the juried process. The students’ artwork will be displayed at the Gallery through the end of March.  Karen Fisher, Gallery 308 Board member and member of the committee that organized this year’s show, said, “This is one of the strongest shows we have ever mounted, the quality of the work is outstanding. It’s a thrilling experience for young artists to see their art professionally framed and hanging in gallery.”

In addition to announcing the prize winners at the opening, the Gallery will announce the name of the school that has won the 2013 Y.B. Williams Art Supply Award. The $500 cash award is given to the school whose students earned the most points for their arts involvement. Fisher explained that students earn points for their school by attending art gallery openings, visiting museums and other art venues. “The school with the most points wins the $500 award which is to be used by the school to purchase art supplies,” she said. The name of the winning school will be announced at the opening reception. Delta Middle School was last year’s winner.

Judges for the juried show were Lynette Whitesell, (primary school artists) and Bob Hartley (secondary school artists).

Artwork for this show was framed at framing workshops offered by the Gallery in February.

The exhibit is made possible by major funding from Trim Masters Charitable Foundation. Other sponsors include: Indiana Public Radio; Department of Art, Ball State University; Muncie Civic Theatre (providing space for the awards presentation); The Artist Within and Art Mart.

Gallery 308’s exhibitions committee consists of David Franklin, Chris Satory Jan Wright, and Karen Fisher.

The gallery is open Wednesdays through Saturday from 12:30 – 5:00pm.  Admission is free. The show continues through March 28.

Gordy Fine Art & Framing Co.
224 E Main

Margie Prim began painting in the 1960’s. She took classes and occasionally painted with small groups of painters.  It was a doctor’s remark in 2009, however, that kicked the quiet artist into high gear. Reporting that she had some arthritis, the doctor mentioned that it can affect eyesight. Prim decided at that moment to spend as much time painting as she possibly could. She began going along with groups of plein air painters in the region, tromping through fields to paint in every type of weather Indiana can dish out. Between trips, Prim would hone her skills with romantic still life scenes – flower arrangements, a special vase, pears – in the comfort of home. She is now known for both plein air landscapes and still life paintings, quiet of subject and wild with impasto – that is, thick application of paint where brushstrokes are visible and become part of the image. Over a dozen new paintings will be displayed through March on the main gallery wall at Gordy Fine Art and Framing in downtown Muncie.

“Inspiration comes to me by what I see, whether it be plein air or still life,” the quiet artist explains. “Using colors from grays to brights is an adventure for me.”  A short talk about Prim’s work will be given by gallery owner, Genny Gordy, at 6 PM during the opening reception on Thursday, March 7, 2013. The opening hours are 5 to 8 PM.

 Another artist, David Cuatlacuatl, will speak at 6:30 PM about the work he will display in the new “Nook”, a smaller exhibit space on the west side of Gordy’s main gallery. A recent Ball State University graduate, the award-winning artist creates brightly-colored mixed media and collage pieces. A citizen of Cholula, Puebla, Mexico, Cuatlacuatl states, “Seeing the limited conditions of people native to my hometown and south of the border helped me develop a certain perspective, which I believe has a major influence on me and on my work today.” 

The public is invited to the opening reception, and light refreshments will be served. Gordy Fine Art & Framing is located at 224 East Main Street, next to Civic Theatre. Both exhibits will remain on display through March 30th and may also be viewed during normal business hours at the gallery/frame shop:  Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5:30 PM, Saturday, 9 to 3, or by appointment.  For more information, call 765-284-8422 or visit www.gordyframing.com.

Rose Court
125 E Charles

"This month Rose Court is pleased to be displaying the award winning photography of Grace Hollars.  Grace was recently one of the Regional Scholastic Art & Writing Award Winners.

"March is Craft Month and National Kids Craft Month.  Rose Court is also pleased to be hosting the Creativity Network and their participants for First Thursday.  Several Non-Profit organizations will be having tables throughout the building featuring crafts and fun items.  Come visit the following participants:

Creativity Network - A Nonprofit Org. that welcomes creatives with disabilities, emerging & established artists & crafters in all creative disciplines. Creativity Network members will be celebrating National Craft Month with special contests and a membership drive.

Team Artist Within WalkMS will kick off their 2013 fundraising campaign with a booth offering a "Create a Coupon" coloring sheet to those who stop by and make at least a $1 donation.  The coupon will give the donor 10% off a piece of paint your own pottery at the Artist Within during the month of March.  Information about joining Team Artist Within for the March 23rd WalkMS 2013 at BSU's Worthen Arena will also be available.  So come donate to Team Artist Within Walk MS, have fun coloring your own coupon and then redeem it at Artist Within during the month of March.

Free to Read, A nonprofit that collects books for teachers, local nonprofits, families in need and Servicemen over seas. They will be making bookmarks for First Thursday and collecting gently used children's books. Please help bring a smile to a child's face by donating to this worthwhile cause.

OWENA Old West End Neighborhood Association, A group of neighbors come together to clean up their historic neighborhood and make a difference. Now a nonprofit they have done amazing things in the Old West End. Come see photos of the beautiful homes and learn about their plans to continue their growth as one of our cities most determined neighborhoods shows their spirit and culture.

MACC, Muncie Arts and Cultural Council, is a local organization that promotes the arts in Delaware County. Information relating to MACC will be part of a display at Rose Court during March First Thursday activities March 7th from 5-8pm.

It’s Spring Break Time!

Fun all week! Tuesday, March 26^th – Saturday, March 30^th

MUNCIE, Ind. – Staying in Muncie for spring break? The MCM is offering several activities and workshops the week of Delaware County’s spring break. Create bird and bat houses while you interact with live reptiles, birds, and insects. Learn about their habitat and what to do if you see an animal in the wild. It’s fun for the whole family!

Activities and workshops begin Tuesday, March 26^th and ends Friday, March 30^th. Activities are included with admission. Workshops are $7 or 2 for $10 members; $12 or 2 for $20 non-members plus admission. Registration is required. Parents must accompany children at all times.

Activities & Workshops

Wednesday, March 27^th (11 a.m. & 1 p.m.)

Snake Head Ed will amaze us with his many reptiles for these two shows.

Snack with Snakes Workshop - $7 mem/ $12 non (12 p.m. – 1 p.m.)

Create and enjoy different animal snacks with MCM’s famous Rat Snake, Lucy.

To learn more, call Jennifer Peters at 765-286-1660 ext. 213 or visit www.munciemuseum.com.

The Muncie Children’s Museum provides hands-on, educational and innovative learning experiences.  The Museum is located at 515 S. High St. Museum hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $6 per person ages 1-100.