E.B. and Bertha C. Ball Center

E.B. and Bertha C. Ball Center

Tuesday, September 2, 6-7:30 p.m.
Held at the E.B. and Bertha C. Ball Center
No Charge—Reservations Required
Please register online at: https://commerce.cashnet.com/BALL_EMS057   (under “History”)

When Bracken Library opened on September 9, 1975, the move of thousands of books, periodicals, and microfilm from the library in North Quad was organized by Phyllis Harland, head of the Division of General Collections for Ball State University Libraries.

In its 50-year history, scores of other notable women have worked behind the scenes to make Bracken Library the research and learning center of campus. This program will highlight stories of some of its librarians, archivists, catalogers, and other staff and some of the unique collections and resources they curated and preserved. 

Presenter: Melissa Gentry, Supervisor, Map Collection, Ball State University Libraries

E.B. and Bertha C. Ball Center

Wednesday, October 1, 2-3 p.m.
Held at the E.B. and Bertha C. Ball Center
No Charge---Reservations Required
Please register online at: https://commerce.cashnet.com/BALL_EMS057   (under “History”)

Discover the rich, 150-year story of Muncie Public Library — a legacy shaped as much by the people of Muncie as by the books on its shelves. From its founding in 1875, Muncie Public Library has been shaped by the vision, advocacy, and support of the Muncie-Center Township community. Residents pushed for the creation of a public library and later championed the development of neighborhood branches and forward-thinking initiatives. This program explores how the library has grown in response to the community’s evolving needs — from literacy and learning to access to technology and enrichment opportunities. At every step, MPL has reflected the values and voices of Muncie, continually adapting to serve as a dynamic hub for information, innovation, and inclusion. Come hear the inspiring story of how a community built its library — and how that library, in turn, helped build a stronger community.

Presenter: Sara McKinley, Carnegie Library Manager and Archivist, Muncie Public Library

E.B. and Bertha C. Ball Center

Wednesday, October 15, 6 - 7:30 p.m.
Held at the E.B. and Bertha C. Ball Center
No Charge—Reservations Required
Please register online at: https://commerce.cashnet.com/BALL_EMS057   (under “History”)

In early 1900s Indiana, John Terrell was the wealthiest man in Wells County, thanks to oil discovered on his farm. But when his youngest daughter, Lucy, became pregnant and was forced into marriage with the abusive Melvin Wolfe, Terrell’s life and fortune began to unravel in a tumultuous spiral of murder, a dramatic trial, and madness.

On a summer Sunday afternoon in 1903, Terrell ambushed Wolfe along a roadside. He then followed the wounded man to a doctor’s office, broke into the operating room, placed a shotgun to Wolfe’s head, and pulled the trigger. The next day, the murder made headlines in hundreds of newspapers across the country, including the front page of The New York Times.

But the murder was only the beginning. Over the next decade, the case divided a community and drew in five judges, two Indiana governors, a prominent priest, and the Indiana Supreme Court.

Presenter: Stephen Terrell is a retired Indianapolis lawyer and Muncie native who now lives and writes in his hometown. A graduate of Muncie Central and Ball State University, he is the author of The Madness of John Terrell: Revenge and Insanity on Trial in the Heartland (Kent State University Press, 2024), as well as three novels, including two legal thrillers and Last Train to Stratton, an excerpt of which will appear in the 2025 edition of So It Goes, the Kurt Vonnegut Library’s literary journal.

Stephen’s short stories appear regularly in Speed City Sisters in Crime anthologies. His work has earned honors including a place on the Best Mystery Stories of the Year Honor Roll, the Manny Award for short fiction, and induction into the Indiana State Bar’s General Practice Hall of Fame. He also writes the column On Second Thought for the ABA’s Experience Magazine.

Ball State Alumni Center

Wednesday, December 3, 6 p.m.
Held at the Ball State Alumni Center
No Charge—Reservations Required
Please reserve your space at https://commerce.cashnet.com/BALL_EMS057
Refreshments served after presentation

For generations, holiday shopping in Muncie was more than a seasonal task—it was an experience filled with tradition, excitement, and community spirit. Downtown once sparkled with festive lights, and families crowded the sidewalks to admire elaborate window displays at Ball Stores and other local retail establishments. This program explores the history and experiences of holiday shopping in the “Magic City” through the combined resources of the Ball State University Libraries, Delaware County Historical Society, and the Muncie Public Library.

Presenters:
Melissa Gentry, Supervisor, Map Collection, Ball State University Libraries
Cody Sprunger, Archivist for Architectural and Design Records, Ball State Estopinal College of Architecture and Planning
Sara McKinley, Carnegie Library Manager and the Archivist for Muncie Public Library
Karen Vincent, Executive Director, Delaware County Historical Society and Delaware County Historian
Susan Smith, Archivist, Minnetrista Museum & Gardens

E.B. and Bertha C. Ball Center

Tuesday, February 24, 1-4 p.m.
Cost: $55
Limited to 10 students
Registration required
Please register online at: https://commerce.cashnet.com/BALL_EMS057

Apply lessons learned from painting marbles to a glass still life painting and create the illusion of transparent glass. You’ll use layering, overlay, and reflection techniques to give your masterpiece a marble glass sparkle and shine.

Instructor: Ann Johnson, local artist and former owner of F.B. Fog

E.B. and Bertha C. Ball Center

Tuesday, March 3, 1-4 p.m.
Cost: $55
Limited to 10 students
Registration required
Please register online at: https://commerce.cashnet.com/BALL_EMS057

Ann guides artists in crafting a truly unique world of creative expression. You’ll explore a blend of drawing, painting, stamp-making, printing, and collage to create imaginative and refined portraits. Your artwork will show off your creativity.

Instructor: Ann Johnson, local artist and former owner of F.B. Fogg

E.B. and Bertha C. Ball Center

Three Tuesdays, March 10, 17, and 24; 2:30–4 p.m.
Cost: $55
Limited to 12 students
Registration required
Please register online at: https://commerce.cashnet.com/BALL_EMS057

This class is for anyone looking to preserve their memories—whether for personal reflection, to share with loved ones, or to publish. It’s best suited for beginning and intermediate writers and is designed to be repeatable, with new prompts and insights each time.

Three separate sessions of this class will be offered during the Spring Semester. Each session is independent; you may register for any one, two, or all three.

Instructor: Lylanne Musselman, award-winning poet, playwright, and visual artist

E.B. and Bertha C. Ball Center

Three Tuesdays, March 10, 17, and 24; 2:30–4 p.m.
Cost: $55
Limited to 12 students
Registration required
Please register online at: https://commerce.cashnet.com/BALL_EMS057

This class is for anyone looking to preserve their memories—whether for personal reflection, to share with loved ones, or to publish. It’s best suited for beginning and intermediate writers and is designed to be repeatable, with new prompts and insights each time.

Three separate sessions of this class will be offered during the Spring Semester. Each session is independent; you may register for any one, two, or all three.

Instructor: Lylanne Musselman, award-winning poet, playwright, and visual artist

E.B. and Bertha C. Ball Center

Three Tuesdays, March 10, 17, and 24; 2:30–4 p.m.
Cost: $55
Limited to 12 students
Registration required
Please register online at: https://commerce.cashnet.com/BALL_EMS057

This class is for anyone looking to preserve their memories—whether for personal reflection, to share with loved ones, or to publish. It’s best suited for beginning and intermediate writers and is designed to be repeatable, with new prompts and insights each time.

Three separate sessions of this class will be offered during the Spring Semester. Each session is independent; you may register for any one, two, or all three.

Instructor: Lylanne Musselman, award-winning poet, playwright, and visual artist

E.B. and Bertha C. Ball Center

Friday, March 27, 2-3:30 p.m.
Cost: $10
Limited to 40 guests
Registration required
Please register online at: https://commerce.cashnet.com/BALL_EMS057

We'll start our afternoon on the third floor with a talk on how needlepoint cozy mysteries are becoming an increasingly popular genre. Then we'll head down to the first floor to enjoy a delightful afternoon tea in the elegant Ball Family mansion.

E.B. and Bertha C. Ball Center

Friday, April 3, 2026; 2-4 p.m.
Cost: $25; Includes supplies for making five cards/envelopes
Limited to 12 students
Registration required
Please register online at: https://commerce.cashnet.com/BALL_EMS057

Join us for this special occasion card-making class featuring different styles of stamps and a variety of supplies. In addition to learning helpful tips and tricks for making your cards stunning, you’ll also receive all the supplies you need to make five one-of-a-kind cards for your family and friends during class.

Instructor: Krista Flynn, Program Coordinator, Office of Community Engagement, Ball State University

E.B. and Bertha C. Ball Center

Wednesday, April 15, 1-3 p.m.
Cost: $45
Limited to 10 students
Reservations required
Please register online at: https://commerce.cashnet.com/BALL_EMS057

Learn how using opposites or complementary elements can make your painting more dramatic and complete. In this class, you’ll explore contrast while using a goose—or a gaggle of geese—as your subject. Discover how to effectively handle a strong foreground subject when you’re unsure what to do with the background, and uncover your own “golden egg” for successful painting.

Instructor: Ann Johnson, local artist and former owner of F.B. Fogg

E.B. and Bertha C. Ball Center

Tuesday, April 21, 2:30-4:30 p.m.
Cost: $30
Limited to 15 students
Registration required
Please register online at:
https://commerce.cashnet.com/BALL_EMS057

Ready to send your manuscript, poems, or stories into the world but not sure where to start? In this two-hour workshop, we’ll explore publishing options—from big houses and small presses to journals and self-publishing—answer your questions, and give you practical tools and inspiration to get your work published. Taught by Lylanne Musselman, award-winning poet, playwright, and visual artist.

Instructor: Lylanne Musselman, award-winning poet, playwright, and visual artist

E.B. and Bertha C. Ball Center

Friday, April 24, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Cost: $30 (Includes project)
Limited to 15 students
Registration required
Please register online at:
https://commerce.cashnet.com/BALL_EMS057

Looking for a creative, hands-on hobby with a modern twist? Try needlepointing! This isn’t your grandmother’s needlepoint. Today’s version is vibrant, customizable, and full of personality.

In each class, you'll design a one-of-a-kind piece by choosing your own thread colors and selecting from a variety of stitches using a helpful stitch guide. Every session features a new project, so there's always something fresh and inspiring to create.

Whether you're just starting out or have years of stitching under your belt, this class welcomes all skill levels—beginner, intermediate, or advanced.

Instructor: Linda Burkhardt, owner or Elegant Needleworks, Inc.

E.B. and Bertha C. Ball Center

Three Tuesdays, May 12, 19, and 26; 2:30–4 p.m.
Cost: $55
Limited to 12 students
Registration required
Please register online at: https://commerce.cashnet.com/BALL_EMS057

This class is for anyone looking to preserve their memories—whether for personal reflection, to share with loved ones, or to publish. It’s best suited for beginning and intermediate writers and is designed to be repeatable, with new prompts and insights each time.

Three separate sessions of this class will be offered during the Spring Semester. Each session is independent; you may register for any one, two, or all three.

Instructor: Lylanne Musselman, award-winning poet, playwright, and visual artist

E.B. and Bertha C. Ball Center

Three Tuesdays, May 12, 19, and 26; 2:30–4 p.m.
Cost: $55
Limited to 12 students
Registration required
Please register online at: https://commerce.cashnet.com/BALL_EMS057

This class is for anyone looking to preserve their memories—whether for personal reflection, to share with loved ones, or to publish. It’s best suited for beginning and intermediate writers and is designed to be repeatable, with new prompts and insights each time.

Three separate sessions of this class will be offered during the Spring Semester. Each session is independent; you may register for any one, two, or all three.

Instructor: Lylanne Musselman, award-winning poet, playwright, and visual artist

E.B. and Bertha C. Ball Center

Three Tuesdays, May 12, 19, and 26; 2:30–4 p.m.
Cost: $55
Limited to 12 students
Registration required
Please register online at: https://commerce.cashnet.com/BALL_EMS057

This class is for anyone looking to preserve their memories—whether for personal reflection, to share with loved ones, or to publish. It’s best suited for beginning and intermediate writers and is designed to be repeatable, with new prompts and insights each time.

Three separate sessions of this class will be offered during the Spring Semester. Each session is independent; you may register for any one, two, or all three.

Instructor: Lylanne Musselman, award-winning poet, playwright, and visual artist

E.B. and Bertha C. Ball Center

Friday, June 5, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Cost: $30 (Includes project)
Limited to 15 students
Registration required
Please register online at: https://commerce.cashnet.com/BALL_EMS057

Looking for a creative, hands-on hobby with a modern twist? Try needlepointing! This isn’t your grandmother’s needlepoint. Today’s version is vibrant, customizable, and full of personality.

In each class, you'll design a one-of-a-kind piece by choosing your own thread colors and selecting from a variety of stitches using a helpful stitch guide. Every session features a new project, so there's always something fresh and inspiring to create.

Whether you're just starting out or have years of stitching under your belt, this class welcomes all skill levels—beginner, intermediate, or advanced.

Instructor: Linda Burkhardt, owner or Elegant Needleworks, Inc.

E.B. and Bertha C. Ball Center

Wednesday, June 17, 6-7:30 p.m.
No Charge - Reservations Required
Please register online at: https://commerce.cashnet.com/BALL_EMS057

Enjoy an inspiring evening featuring the work of Lylanne Musselman, writing instructor at the center, and a selection of readings by a few of her students. Following the program, we’ll host a reception with a delicious array of hors d’oeuvres.