Last Call for ArtsWalk Information!

The deadline for submitting information for any and all ArtsWalk events and activities is Monday, September 1st to be included in the Star Press special pull-out section.

Galleries, entertainment, special events and anyone participating in the annual ArtsWalk event on Thursday, September 24th, needs to contact Cheryl Crowder by phone at (765) 282-7897 or email chercrowder [AT] gmail [DOT] com.

Information may also be dropped off at the Downtown Development office, at the corner of Adams and Walnut streets in downtown Muncie.

This year's ArtsWalk is being held early as part of the Governor's Arts Awards celebration.

For more information on Governor's Arts Awards events, see cornerstonearts.org.

For more information on ArtsWalk, stay tuned to munciedowntown.com


Find Downtown Muncie on myspace and facebook and follow us on twitter.

1968 in America exhibit opens at Minnetrista

Do you remember the assassinations of Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert Kennedy, the 1968 presidential campaign and the Vietnam War, or Jimi Hendrix playing at the Muncie Fairgrounds? The exhibit 1968 in America opens Saturday, September 5, at Minnetrista. This exhibition traces the tumultuous events of 1968—a year that rocked the foundations of American society. The exhibition engages visitors by showing how the extraordinary events of 1968 were experienced nationally and locally.

1968 in America features artifacts from the Vietnam War, social protests, presidential campaigns, music and television shows from 1968. Visitors to Minnetrista will experience a variety of artifacts including photographs, magazine covers, political memorabilia, textiles, record albums, and other objects as they explore this pivotal moment in American history.

"The 1968 in America exhibit documents a pivotal year in American history," says Rebecca Holmquist, vice president of visitor experience at Minnetrista. "It’s much more than a history lesson. It’s a message about how society, politics and culture of 1968 made fundamental changes in our nation and in our local communities."

Muncie and surrounding community residents are invited to share their recollections, thoughts and stories of 1968, particularly local events, through an online forum. Visitors to the online forum will also be able to read other’s 1968 stories. The forum is available at www.minnetrista.net/1968.

The exhibition is organized and toured by ExhibitsUSA, a national program of Mid-America Arts Alliance, but many of the artifacts visitors will see have been added from Minnetrista’s extensive collections and from the Museum of the Soldier.

For more information about Minnetrista, visit www.minnetrista.net or call 282-4848.

Located along historic White River, Minnetrista includes 40 acres of beautiful gardens and grounds, a modern museum facility, an historic home, Nature Area, numerous sculptures, and a portion of the Cardinal Greenway. Minnetrista serves East Central Indiana with dynamic community activities and exhibits that honor and reflect its natural and cultural heritage. For more information about Minnetrista, visit www.minnetrista.net.


Find Downtown Muncie on myspace and facebook and follow us on twitter.

New Store Hours at FB Fogg in Downtown Muncie

From the owners of FB Fogg:

I feel like I've been traveling to trade shows all summer and hardly ever home. Our wholesale trade shows have been our priority this year and unfortunately the business has been very slow. It means we're having to make a number of changes starting with the Fogg Store/Gallery.

Effective immediately, our store hours are moving to just Friday and Saturday from 10-5pm. Our studio production hours are Tuesday through Friday from 9-4pm, and our Mondays are completely closed. Appointments and groups are welcomed. Extended Holiday Hours are likely. Deliveries and inquires are encouraged Tues-Sat. If the door is locked just ring the door bell.

We'll also be open each First Thursday Gallery Walk night from 5-8PM.

Sorry for the inconvenience. To survive in this tough economic environment we continue to make some changes.

Thanks!
Steve


Find Downtown Muncie on myspace and facebook and follow us on twitter.

August Events at Muncie Children's Museum

August 29- Muncie Children's Museum - Free Saturday/Stoops Brickyard at
the Muncie Children's Museum. Decorate a race car, race against other
MCM visitors for a chance to win a prize, get a free t-shirt and receive
a free scoop of ice cream from Baskin Robbins! Free admission from
10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Visitors receive free admission to the MCM all
day thanks to a generous grant from the Community Foundation of Muncie &
Delaware County.

August Ongoing - Muncie Children's Museum - Make 'n Take. Included with
admission. Come to the MCM every Tuesday, at 3:30 p.m., to take part in
innovative and fun crafts in the Museum's Make 'n Take! Pre-registration
is not required.

August Ongoing - Muncie Children's Museum - Weekly Summer Programming.
Included with admission. 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Wildlife Wednesdays
Every Wednesday will focus on a different animal living at the Muncie
Children's Museum. The day's activities will include a "Meet the Animal"
program, in which, visitors will be able to learn about the animal and
what animal family they are a part of, feel the animal and ask any
questions that they may have. Visitors will also get to participate in
animal-related story time and an animal related craft.

Thrifty Thursdays
Every Thursday will feature craft time that focus on recycling old
"trash" items into new usable items. These activities aim to teach
children the importance of reusing, recycling and conservation. Thrifty
Thursday will help prepare visitors for the arrival of our 2010
travelling exhibit, "Conservation Quest".

Fun Game Fridays
Every Friday will get the chance to learn about fun and easy games that
they can play with their friends at home. Fun Game Fridays will be
focused on both new and traditional games, such as hopscotch, four
square, jump rope, etc., with the hope that we can teach children that
there are fun things they can do at home or outside that do not involve
televisions or computers.



Find Downtown Muncie on myspace and facebook and follow us on twitter.

Celebrate the Arts in Downtown Muncie Every First Thursday!

Explore Downtown Muncie's many galleries at our monthly First Thursday gallery walk, August 6, from 5 to 8pm. The galleries simultaneously launch their monthly exhibits on the first Thursday evenings of every month, with meet-the-artist receptions and extended hours, live music and light refreshments.

This month's exhibits will be opening at the following galleries (in alphabetical order by gallery) during First Thursday:

The Artist Within ~ 313 S Walnut Street ~ 765-289-7895
Central Indiana native Mike Altman is the featured artist for August at The Artist Within. His work will be exhibited in both the upstairs and main floor galleries. An opening receptioin will be held during First Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m.
READ MORE...

Artworks ~ 301 South Walnut Street ~ 765-288-2221
ArtWorks Gallery will be featuring Kyle Rees, Maggie and Sharon LaRue for month of August. A reception for the artists will be during the regularly scheduled First Thursday Gallery Walk in Muncie Downtown Aug. 6 from 5 to 8 p.m.
READ MORE...

Blue Bottle ~ 206 South Walnut Street ~ 765-284-3630
Every First Thursday is Redtail Day at Blue Bottle Coffee Shop. Stop in anytime during the day, or during First Thursday in the evening, and help support Redtail Conservancy. You can also make donations online at fortheland.org.

Cornerstone Gallery ~ 520 East Main Street ~ 765-281-9503, ext. 15
Cornerstone Center for the Arts will display the photographic artwork of Kenton Waltz through August 21 in an exhibit titled "Eyes on You." A reception will be held August 6 from 5-8 pm where patrons are welcome to enjoy the exhibit and discuss the pieces with the artist.
READ MORE...

Downtown Farm Stand ~ 125 East Main Street ~ 765-288-3775
Downtown Farm Stand organic market at the corner of Main and Mulberry streets now carries Sue Beach's functional pottery. The Downtown Farm Stand is open during First Thursday, and offers a seasonal selection of meat, dairy, eggs, produce, bulk foods and canned goods from Indiana's finest farms and regional producers. Visit www.downtownfarmstand.com for info.

FB Fogg ~ 418 East Main Street ~ 765-289-7464
Don't forget to stop into FB Fogg, gallery of world renowned paper sculptures, handmade papercrafts, unique gifts, apparel and otherworldly treasures. Visit the FB Fogg website for more info.

Gallery 308 ~ 308 E. Main Street ~ 765-289-8575
Art Mart and The Artist Within have teamed up again to sponsor ArtCamp, a series of four summer camps for young artists between the ages of 6 and 12. These artists will display their artwork made from recycled objects at an ArtCamp Show at Gallery 308 August 6, 7 and 8. The ArtCamp artists are proud of their work, so please plan to join them at the opening reception on August 6 at Gallery 308, located at 308 East Main in downtown Muncie. Admission is free.
READ MORE...

Gordy Fine Art & Framing ~ 224 E Main Street ~ 765-284-8422
Celebrate Gordy's 20th anniversary this First Thursday! Brian Gordy's turtle exhibit will be the featured show for the Gordy anniversary month, starting with a public reception during the First Thursday art event on August 6th from 5 to 8 PM. A tour of the production areas will be given by Braydee Euliss, Production Manager, at 6 PM. Cake and sparkling refreshments will be served and participants will be given the opportunity to receive product and service gifts throughout the evening.
READ MORE...

Toys Forever Models & Hobbies ~ 311 South Walnut Street ~ 765-288-6505
On First Thursdays, Toys Forever Models & Hobbies hosts a meeting of modelers who build and detail plastic models of cars, trucks, aircraft, ships, sci-fi and other subjects. The meeting is held from 6:00PM to 8:00PM. Come see finished models on display, models in the process of being built and talk to the modelers about tips and techniques. Any person interested is welcome to join and participate in the display and discussion. For more information, contact Brandon Mundell at Toys Forever Models & Hobbies (765) 288-6505. In addition, Toys Forever Models & Hobbies will be open to the public extended hours until 8:00 PM First Thursday. Come meet our knowledgeable and friendly staff while exploring East Central Indiana's premier selection of model and hobby supplies.


Please visit all our other downtown Muncie businesses, many have extended hours or special events during First Thursdays. Additionally, all of Downtown's independently owned bars and restaurants will be open and ready to serve you. For more information, visit www.munciedowntown.com.

Click Here for More Downtown Muncie Events.

Please help keep us informed of any upcoming events or exhibits in Downtown Muncie. Email details to info [at] munciedowntown.com.



Find Downtown Muncie on myspace and facebook and follow us on twitter.

MCM Friends and Family Fun Night: Fun the Old Fashioned Way

Friends and Family Fun Night at the Muncie Children's Museum in August will be filled with family fun and backyard games on August 7, 2009, from 3 - 7 p.m.! Admission is free.

Attend the MCM's Friends & Family Fun Night on August 7, to take part in a scavenger hunt, water balloon toss, 4-square, Hula-Hoop contests, hopscotch and family-related crafts!

Underwriting for Friends and Family Fun Night is provided by the Edmund F. & Virginia B. Ball Foundation.

For more information on March's Friends and Family Fun Night, call (765) 286-1660 or visit www.munciechildrensmuseum.com.

The Muncie Children's Museum provides hands-on, educational and innovative learning. The Museum is located at 515 S. High St. Museum hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays and 1-5 p.m. Sundays. Admission is $6 a person ages 1-100.


Find Downtown Muncie on myspace and facebook and follow us on twitter.





Find Downtown Muncie on myspace and facebook and follow us on twitter.

Young ArtCamp Artists Exhibit Works at Gallery 308

Most artists are savers or pack rats--and for good reason! Artists use and throw away so many items that can be--and should be--reused or re-purposed. What better way to make use of discarded items than to make new art with them?!

Art Mart and The Artist Within have teamed up again to sponsor ArtCamp, a series of four summer camps for young artists between the ages of 6 and 12. These artists will display their artwork made from recycled objects at an ArtCamp Show this August at Gallery 308.

The ArtCamp Show opens on First Thursday, August 6, and runs through August 8. ArtCampers will create art from objects normally thrown away. Imagination abounds when these artists are asked to create something new.


The ArtCamp artists are proud of their work, so please plan to join them at the opening reception on August 6 at Gallery 308, located at 308 East Main in downtown Muncie. Admission is free.

Gallery 308 is a 501(c)(3) community art gallery which exists to provide exhibition space for artists, encourage innovative work and serve the community as a cultural and educational resource. The Gallery opens a new exhibit on First Thursdays. Contributions to Gallery 308 are tax-deductible. For more information about gallery hours, volunteer and donor opportunities, please call 765-289-8575.



Find Downtown Muncie on myspace and facebook and follow us on twitter.

Mike Altman is Featured Artist at The Artist Within

Central Indiana native Mike Altman is the featured artist for August at The Artist Within. An opening reception will be held during First Thursday, August 6th from 5-8pm.

According to the artist, "While growing up, Mike Altman never wanted to be anything but an artist... well, ok, maybe Batman for a while." Altman uses simple line work and bold colors to illustrate a sometimes complex message. Altman's work can be laced with symbolism, satire, spirituality, and double-meanings. And then sometimes he just paints a picture of a blue cow that is... a blue cow.

His paintings are intended to make "original artwork affordable" and he feels that collecting original work is a good thing. In addition to this, painting on re purposed cardboard is a "green thing". While cardboard is recyclable it does take energy to recycle it, by painting on it he is re purposing it for the consumer...straight from the dumpster to your living room.

"How disappointing is it to see the artwork on your wall hanging on your neighbors too?" asks Mike.

His work will be exhibited in both the upstairs and main floor galleries.


Young artists from Clay Camp will have their work on display at 308 Gallery the first two weeks of August. The exhibit will include work created by children in summer art camps at the Art Mart and the Artist Within. An opening reception to meet the young artists will be held Thursday August 6th from 5-8 pm. The work will remain on display through 3pm Sat. August 8th.



Find Downtown Muncie on myspace and facebook and follow us on twitter.

Disney's Aladdin Jr. at Muncie Civic Theatre

Muncie Civic Theatre presents Disney's Aladdin Jr. on the Mainstage Theatre as part of the Family Theatre Series, July 31st - August 2nd, and August 6th - 8th. Thursday through Saturday performances are at 7:30pm and the Sunday matinee on August 2nd is at 2:00pm. Tickets are $5 general admission for all ages. Directed by Marty Grubbs and musical direction by Matthew Hooper.

Welcome to Agrabah, City of Enchantment, where every beggar has a story and every camel has a tail! All of your favorite characters are here in this stage adaptation of the Disney hit, including Aladdin, Jasmine, and of course, the Genie. Filled with magic, mayhem, and flying carpet rides, audiences' spirits will soar with excitement. Most of all, the tuneful, Academy award-winning score with songs including "A Whole New World" and "Friend Like Me" will certainly make this musical a favorite for the whole family!

Call 288.PLAY to purchase your tickets over the phone or stop by the Box Office, Wednesday-Friday from Noon-6:00pm at 216 E. Main Street in Muncie. The Box Office opens one hour prior to each performance for walk-in sales.

Go online to www.munciecivic.org for complete season information.


Cast List:
Aladdin - Adam Alexander
Genie - Marty Grubbs
Iago - Kevin Kratz
Jafar - Vinny Walker
Princess Jasmine - Laura Schmidt
Sultan - Carter Jeurissen
Razoul - Kolton Northcutt
Narrator #1 - J.J. Kern
Narrator #2 - Katie Bitterman
Narrator #3 - Paige Cooper
Narrator #4 - Taylor Jeurissen
Narrator #5 - Lacy Ison

Attendants, Guards, Princes, Townspeople:
Katie Donahue
Lili Silvidi
Hannah Thomas
Chelsea Wardrop
Melanie Glaub
Katie McCord
Allison Haire
Lucy East
Stella East
Julia East
Paige Wilcoxin



Find Downtown Muncie on myspace and facebook and follow us on twitter.

Gordy Fine Art and Framing Celebrates 20 Years, Exhibits 20 Turtles

When Brian and Genny Gordy purchased the Art Mart in the summer of 1989, they had plans to make a few changes. Twenty years later, they are still in remodeling mode as they flip three production rooms to better accommodate the full-menu framing and gilding services that now drive their business.

Gone are the art supplies and old name. Gordy Fine Art and Framing Company is a micro-manufacturer of replica frames, hand gilding, frame restoration and traditional framing services. Growing beyond their initial space, the family of artisans wanted to stay in the downtown art scene. The first requirement for expansion was to use all the space allotted. New heating and cooling systems have recently been installed so, for the first time ever, their entire space will be in use.

"We have talked and dreamed about 'the perfect setup' for our manufacturing needs for probably a decade," confesses Genny, president of the art gallery/frame shop. "The old adage that you have to spend money to make money pinched us into action. It has been a challenge to maintain our current schedule with the old setup and we knew growth would be impossible. Opportunities have presented themselves and we feel we are now ready to capitalize on those."

One of the opportunities the Gordy team is counting on is their induction into the Indiana Artisan project. Brian Gordy was accepted in 2008 for both his watercolors and hand-gilded replica frames, and son, Ben, General Manager, was recently given the award for his own line of gilded frames for artists. They both look forward to the project's first trade show in February in Indianapolis. "To be identified as one of the State artisans is a tremendous honor, of course. But the real opportunity for new markets has far-reaching implications for our bottom line," offers the elder Gordy.

Exhibiting fine art from the Muncie area and beyond has also expanded the original shop's offerings. The last remodeling job in 2004 gained a fifty foot long gallery wall in the showroom upon which dozens of artists have displayed paintings, prints, photographs, drawings, sculptures and ceramics. The display

this month, however, will be the owner's work. Brian Gordy is known for his watercolor paintings, and his recent series of the turtles of White River. He has painted 20 new images in the past year, initially shown in a Bloomington gallery.

Returning to Muncie, the exhibit will be the featured show for the Gordy anniversary month, starting with a public reception during the First Thursday art event on August 6th from 5 to 8 PM. A tour of the production areas will be given by Braydee Euliss, Production Manager, at 6 PM. Cake and sparkling refreshments will be served and participants will be given the opportunity to receive product and service gifts throughout the evening.

The turtle exhibit may also be viewed during normal business hours through August 29th: Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5:30 PM, Saturday, 9 to 3, or by appointment.

Gordy Fine Art and Framing Company is located at 224 East Main Street in downtown Muncie, next door to Civic Theatre. For more information, call 765-284-8422 or visit www.gordyframing.com or www.TurtlePaintings.com.



Find Downtown Muncie on myspace and facebook and follow us on twitter.

Kyle Rees, Abigail Miller and Sharon LaRue Featured at ArtWorks

ArtWorks Gallery will be featuring Kyle Rees, Maggie and Sharon LaRue for month of August. A reception for the artists will be during the regularly scheduled First Thursday Gallery Walk in Muncie Downtown Aug. 6 from 5 to 8 p.m.

Kyle Rees - Ceramics
Kyle Rees graduated from Ball State University and teaching art in public school near Indianapolis. He is from and grew up in Daleville, IN. His work ranges from utilitarian vessels to sculptural objects. His goal is to portray movement. He achieves this by altering forms, and adorning surfaces in ways that show the movement of his hands and tools, or the movement of flames as it carries ashes and vapors through the wood and soda kiln.

Abigal Miller - Paintings
Abilgal is an artist from Illinois. Her paintings may range from surrealistic themes to realistic animal and people portraits.

Sharon LaRue - Insect Pins
Sharon LaRue creates colorful painted and beaded insect pins.

ArtsWorks Gallery is located at 301 S Walnut St in Downtown Muncie. For more information call 765-288-2221. Gallery Summer Hours are Tuesday to Saturday from 11:30 am - 5:30 pm.


Find Downtown Muncie on myspace and facebook and follow us on twitter.