Downtown News 5/7/2005

DOWNTOWN NEWS !!!!

Hats off to everyone that made last nights ArtsWalk a huge success. ...from the trolley cars, entertainers, Garfield street decorations, community turnout, clean streets and sidewalks, all the downtown merchants and the downtown development team. THANK YOU!!!!

Please mark your calendars for the next meeting of the Downtown Business Council:

WEDNESDAY, MAY 11th, 7:30 am
Star Press Conference Room

We'll meet for one hour and discuss:
-- the Artswalk
-- Christmas 2005
-- Flowers
--5 Things by 5/5/05
-- What's the Snow Removal Situation?!
--Fundraising Efforts
and anything else you think we need to discuss. Come and share your voice and vision with your downtown neighbors as we continue to build back our downtown marketplace!

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We have started to plan the Gala Downtown Christmas extravaganza and the big kickoff will be Dec 1. Anyone wishing to be a part of the committee should contact Tom Steiner of Blue Bottle at tom@bluebottlecoffee.com Planning meetings are held the the 4th Monday of every month.

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May Market at Minnetrista
Each Saturday in May, 7-11 a.m.
Join us each Saturday for a special May Market at Minnetrista. Get a jump on your garden and select from a great variety of bedding plants, shrubs, trees, hanging baskets and planters. Early-season produce and baked goods will also be available. For more information, call (765) 213-3540, ext. 145.

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Downtown website update: www.munciedowntown.com website has been re-designed. All the local merchants and organizations are asked to please check your listings on the website, and email any changes or corrections to info@munciedowntown.com. There are website links, in addition to address and phone listings in the business directory, that should be double-checked. Additionally, some businesses have listings in more than one directory (such as restaurants that also feature art exhibits). We want to make sure all the directory information is current, since we have so many visitors coming to the site for information about downtown businesses. Also, take a look at the visitor's poll - we're almost 50/50 for locals and potential tourists! Merchants and groups are also encouraged to submit their events to the calendar on munciedowntown.com. Users will be able to submit their own events to the calendar, without approval from the webmaster.

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

MAY

1-29 the Artist Within: exhibits by Stephen Hartley/Catherine Hall "TEXTture

4th - 31st Mitchell Place Gallery, 301 S. Walnut, presents three concurrent exhibits in May with an opening reception for the public on May 5 from 5-8pm. Two exhibits "Experimentations in Painting and Metal" is the combined work of five Ball State seniors as they explore and develop individual styles and themes. The painters are Kyle Harrington, Elizabeth Berlin and John Muyl le and the Metal artists are Stacey Weber and Andrea Miller. The third exhibit is an exhibit of fashion design that features the work of Ball State students as well. It is coordinated by Valerie Birk, their mentor and instructor. The exhibits will run from May 4-May 31. The exhibits will be a part of the downtown event ARTWALK 2005 that goes from 5-9pm on May 5. The downtown trolley will take event goers from one gallery to the next.

5th-7th MUNCIE CIVIC THEATRE, will present HONK! by George Stiles and Anthony. Reservations and ticket sales are available by calling 765-288-PLAY or at the Box Office.

5th - 31st David Dale Designs Fine Art Gallery will host an exhibit of works on canvas and paper by Indiana artists David Dale, Muncie, Mary Ann Davis, Indianapolis, and Carol Strock Wasson, Union City. Known for their landscapes, the artists will give painting demonstrations at their show opening and reception, 5:30 to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, May 5th.

5th - fall Organic Farmers Market: ECI Natural Heritage Farmer's Market, will return to downtown Muncie; Thursday evenings from 4pm to 7pm in the green space on the corner of Walnut and Charles Streets; The Ring Family Farm (Dave and Sara) expects to expand in many areas; you will see more strawberries, greens, specialty salad mixes, heirloom vegetables including tomatoes, and cut herbs. : www.ringfamilyfarm.com

6th Minnestrista Special Vera Bradley Event at Minnetrista 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Join us in the Indiana Room at Minnetrista for a special Vera Bradley sale. Shop and save 20% off all in stock and special order items. Check out all of the new Vera Bradley styles and patterns for spring and summer. Door prizes will be given away! Pre-sales and phone orders are accepted. Don't forget that Minnetrista member discounts also apply! For more information, call (765) 213-3540, ext. 102.

6th Muncie Visitors Bureau You're invited to the Muncie Visitors Bureau FREE Pork Cookout - Friday May 6, 11-2, at the Muncie Visitors Bureau in the High St. Square, (across from City Hall) Exhibits, drawings, award presentation at 12:10.

6th Muncie Children's Museum: Teacher--Apple printing

7th FB Fogg: Saturday Salon day free and open to the public 10am-4pm. Featuring Linda Morton and Judy Craig presenting beyond pottery. Michael Hoots woodworking and Margie Prim's paintings. Along with Laura Villanji showing her exquisite lampwork beads.

8th The Muncie Children's Museum will be closed on Sunday, May 8 for Mother's Day. The Museum will reopen at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, May 10.

10TH The Muncie Children's Museum Paleontologist - Finding Fossils

11TH The Muncie Children's Museum Interior Designer: Your Own Room

12TH The Muncie Children's Museum Fire Fighter - Put Out the Fire

13th - 15th Muncie Civic Theater "Hot" jazzy Marilyn Monroe comedy May 13, 14 & 15. Movie will be shown at 7:00 on Fridays, 1:00 & 7:00 on Saturdays and 4:00 on Sunday. Tickets are $5 for adults, $2 for children 12 and under. At the Saturday 1:00 matinee, children 12 and under are admitted for the price of a ticket the year the movie was originally released. All seating will be general admission, tickets may be purchased at the door beginning 30 minutes prior to each screening.

13th-20th ArtWorks Occupational Hazard exhibit sponsored by Old National Trust--30 guest artist: real people with real jobs who utilize art to help relieve the stress and pressure of a career and home. 301 S. Walnut St. Hours 11:30-5:30 M-S.

13th Minnestrista Edible Gardens Program for Families 4-5 p.m.
It's that time again! Time to get the garden planted. Children can be a huge help in the garden by weeding, watering and watching for bugs. We will design and plant a small edible garden plot. You'll learn about the basics of garden care and plant needs, which are the tools you need to get started at home.
Price: Members, free; non-members, $5 per person. Call (765) 213-3549 to register.

13th Minnestrista Indiana Night Life Hike for Families Session I: 7-9 p.m.
Session II: Saturday, May 14, 7-9 p.m.
Enjoy a campfire dinner of hot dogs and s'mores and then learn about some of Indiana's nocturnal animals and how they adapt to life at night.
Price: Members, $2 per person; non-members, $5 per person. Call (765) 213-3549 to register.

13TH The Muncie Children's Museum Pilot - Paper Airplanes

14th Minnestrista Indiana Night Life Hike for Families Session II: 7-9 p.m.
Enjoy a campfire dinner of hot dogs and s'mores and then learn about some of Indiana's nocturnal animals and how they adapt to life at night.
Price: Members, $2 per person; non-members, $5 per person. Call (765) 213-3549 to register.

14TH The Muncie Children's Museum Politician - Campaign Buttons

14th Muncie Civic Theater Grand Opening of THE STAGE DOOR BOUTIQUE, a fundraising effort featuring Vintage Clothing and Costumes from the 74-year history of the Muncie Civic Costume Shop. The Grand Opening will be Saturday, May 14 and will feature free popcorn and Trivia Contests for free or discounted merchandise. Regular store hours will continue each Saturday from 10am-6pm and select hours prior to theatre performances. The Boutique is located at 220 E. Main Street in the former offices of Congressman Mike Pence between the Mainstage and Studio Theatres at Muncie Civic. Items offered for sale at the boutique include dresses, suits, shoes, coats, handbags, separates and accessories from time periods ranging from the 1920's-1980's. The stock of items offered for sale will completely change each week.

15TH The Muncie Children's Museum Scientist - Magnets and Microscopes

17TH The Muncie Children's Museum Accountant - Making Cents of Money

18TH The Muncie Children's Museum Zoologist - A New Animal

20th - 22nd Muncie Civic Theater "Flighty" Hitchock thriller May 20, 21 & 22. Movie will be shown at 7:00 on Fridays, 1:00 & 7:00 on Saturdays and 4:00 on Sunday. Tickets are $5 for adults, $2 for children 12 and under. At the Saturday 1:00 matinee, children 12 and under are admitted for the price of a ticket the year the movie was originally released. All seating will be general admission, tickets may be purchased at the door beginning 30 minutes prior to each screening.

20th Minnestrista Graveyard History Homeschool Family Workshop 1-3 p.m.
During this workshop, we will visit a local cemetery to engage our curiosity about people of the past. Each family will select a person from the past to investigate. Then, we will visit the archival collections at Minnetrista to search for more information to help solve your mystery. Price: Members, $2.50 per person; non-members, $5 per person. Call (765) 213-3549 to register.

21st Minnestrista Can You Canoe? Minnetrista Minne-Trip 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
Begin your day with a leisurely trip down the scenic White River. We will explore the wildlife that call the river home. We will end our trip at Mounds State Park where we will explore the grounds and their Interpretive Center. Please bring a sack lunch. Price: Members, $10 per person; non-members, $25 per person.
Call (765) 213-3549 to register.

22nd Minnestrista Spicy Pickled Beets Canning Workshop 1-4 p.m.
. We will look at a recipe that is bound to improve the image of this misunderstood root vegetable. Each participant will can one pint of beets that can be picked up the following day. Price: Members, $5 per person; non-members, $10 per person. Call (765) 213-3549 to register.

22nd Minnestrista Garden Heritage Tour - South Campus 2-3:30 p.m.
Follow Cassie Banning, Minnetrista's horticulturalist, on a guided tour through the gardens on the south side of our campus. The tour will include Oakhurst Gardens and the Children's Garden. During your stroll, you will learn about the individual plantings at Minnetrista for general knowledge and home garden use. Cassie will also share the history of the gardens and future development plans for these areas. Price: Members, free; non-members, $5 per person. Call (765) 213-3549 to register.

26th , Mitchell Place Gallery: Living Art program will be "Drawing Some Conclusions" by artist and BSU art professor John Paul Gee. This will be a talk (with projected works) about Gee's work followed by dialogue with the artist.

28th Muncie Civic Theater For those who have always wanted to audition for a play but don't know how to start, or for those wishing to brush up on auditioning skills by working with professional actors and directors, Muncie Civic Theatre will be holding an Audition Workshop on May 28 2:00pm. There is no charge and the workshop is open to the public. Topics covered will include: choosing good material, making a good first impression, calming your nerves, the basics of a good resume, the importance of a good headshot, coping with rejection and how to choose which auditions are right for you.

JUNE

2nd-30th Artworks Gallery featuring Altered Art. Our artist have been busy finding things that are not art and turning them into a wonderful art piece. Example: wires, twist ties, pop tops etc., weaving into an amazing quilt.

5th-7th Muncie Civic Theater Auditions for the 2005-2006 Mainstage Season as well as for the Studio Theatre Cabaret and Alternative Programming Series. Auditions for the 14-show series, "The 75th Diamond Anniversary Season", are open to all ages and levels of experience. Auditions will be at 6:30pm on the main stage at Muncie Civic Theatre, 216 East Main Street, Muncie, Indiana.

Muncie Children's Museum Summer Passes Now Available
Spend the whole summer at the Muncie Children's Museum when you purchase a summer pass. Summer passes are $40.00 and are valid June through August. Sensational summer activities begin June 1: Don't miss Tasty Tuesday, Wacky Wednesday, Think Fast Thursday or Fun Time Friday. This summer will also be full of exciting weekend activities and new exhibit openings. Summer passes apply to Museum admission only; no other membership benefits apply.
To learn more, call the Muncie Children's Museum at (765) 286-1660 or visit www.munciechildrensmuseum.com.

Artcamp 2005 will be offered at two locations this summer in downtown Muncie. Gordy Fine Art & Framing, 224 E. Main St., will be the site for Preschool Camp, June 13 - 17, and Cultures Camp, June 20-24. The Artist Within, at 313 S. Walnut, will offer Clay Camp July 27-July 1.
Brochures & registration forms are also available at www.gordyframing.com.

National Trails Day is June 4! This year's theme is "take the path to a healthier you". Delaware Greenways is celebrating NTD with a day hike on the earthen trails of Cardinal Greenway and Prairie Creek Reservoir. For more information call 765-287-0399, email shonda@delgreenways.org

Muncie Children's Museum New Exhibit to Make a Splash in June
A new exhibit will be making a splash at the Muncie Children's Museum. The grand opening of the new Water Works exhibit will be Friday, June 24 and Saturday, June 25. The 12-foot exhibit encourages visitors to splash into a whole new world of water exploration.
Aim squirt guns at spinning targets
Play at the "build a pipe" activity
Check out the dump bucket water tower
For the opening, the Museum will offer half off admission to all visitors both days along with special programs and activities. For the first 50 children who visit each day, a special promotional gift will be given so come early and enjoy the totally new Water Works exhibit.

JULY

Muncie Children's Museum summer camps: Space is limited so sign up today. Each camp is $100.00 per week for Museum members and $125.00 per week for non-Museum members. Registration deadline is June 20. For more information or to register, contact the Muncie Children's Museum at (765) 286-1660 or visit us online at www.munciechildrensmuseum.com

Wacky Art Camp - July 11-15, 2005
Experiment with several mediums of art, make wacky projects and prepare an art show.

Building Fun & Games Camp - July 18-22, 2005
Use craft and building materials to create fun games and projects to plan and/or destroy.

Around the World Camp - July 25-29, 2005
Experience different food, games, clothing, art, music and other costumes from all over the world - in just five days!

AUGUST

Muncie Children's Museum summer camps: Space is limited so sign up today. Each camp is $100.00 per week for Museum members and $125.00 per week for non-Museum members. Registration deadline is June 20. For more information or to register, contact the Muncie Children's Museum at (765) 286-1660 or visit us online at www.munciechildrensmuseum.com
Acting Up Camp - August 1-5, 2005
Perform every day, learn through improvisation, Karaoke, fundamental games and put on a final performance.

Space is limited so sign up today. Each camp is $100.00 per week for Museum members and $125.00 per week for non-Museum members. Registration deadline is June 20.

For more information or to register, contact the Muncie Children's Museum at (765) 286-1660 or visit us online at www.munciechildrensmuseum.com.