Celebrate the Arts at First Thursday Downtown

Meet the Artists and Vote for the Best Decorated Windows at First Thursday in Downtown Muncie
Celebrate the arts in Downtown Muncie for extended hours this First Thursday, December 6th, from 5 to 9pm. Our many art galleries spotlight their exhibit openings on the first Thursday evenings of every month, with meet-the-artist receptions.

The Muncie Downtown Business Council (MDBC) is sponsoring a contest to select downtown storefronts that best demonstrate the Holiday spirit by way of decorations. Visitors to Downtown Muncie during First Thursday may vote for their favorite storefronts in three categories:

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Most traditionally appointed storefront (i.e. a storefront that is grounded in traditional themes using traditional decorations)
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Most artistic and creative designed storefront (i.e. a storefront that stretches the boundary of traditional decorations and that expresses businesses offerings in a very creative and artistic way)
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Most well-lit and/or media focused storefront (i.e. a storefront designed with lights or other media, such as electronics))

Ballots may be picked up or dropped off at any participating business that will be open during First Thursday. Prizes will be awarded to the top business in each category. Bring the family Downtown on this evening for a free and festive event. Visit www.munciedowntown.com for details.

Some of the gallery events (in alphabetical order by gallery) at the next First Thursday:


The Artist Within ~ 313 S Walnut Street ~ 765-289-7895

In December, The Artist Within will feature local print- and bookmaker, Emily Leiserson, in a show entitled Social Dimensions: Identity, Location, and Narrative. There will be an opening reception from 5-8 pm on Thursday, December 6, 2007. The public is invited.

Social Dimensions: Identity, Location, and Narrative: The prints and books in this show can be grouped into three vectors: 1.) Self-portrait, representing identity or self-image; 2.) Landscape, representing relative and specific location, and 3.) Cultural narrative - including mythology, religion, and folk and fairy tales - representing society and culture. Each of the pieces in this show is based essentially on drawing, rather than computer images or photography. It is made up primarily of woodcut prints and books.

Handmade gifts from Beyond I Can will be on display and for sale during the First Thursday Holiday festivities.



MSO Chili Dinner at Artworks

Artworks will host the 2007 MSO Chili Dinner during First Thursday, December 6, from 5-8pm.

Chili provided by Ivy Tech and Westminster Village.

Presented by Muncie Symphony League in support of Muncie Symphony Orchestra.

Tickets $5, available by calling 765-285-5531.



Artworks ~ 301 South Walnut Street

"The Painters of Life and Light" continues at Artworks Gallery through December 31, 2007.

Mary Ann Rahe's exhibit "Inspired by Nature" will be featured December 1, 2007 through January 1, 2008, with an Opening Reception at First Thursday, December 6, 2007, from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm with light refreshments.

Mary Ann Rahe was born in Muncie, Indiana. She attended St. Louis University and earned B.A. and M.A. degrees in ceramics from Ball State University. During the nineteen-eighties, she was resident potter at Sinclair Shops, Hartford City, Indiana. She taught ceramics at Yorktown High School during most of the nineties. She is currently an instructor for the Art Department and School of Extended Education at Ball State University. Her artwork consists of ceramics and works on paper and is frequently inspired by relationships found in nature.

Artworks is an artist owned and operated sales gallery, featuring original works for sale by outstanding Indiana artists. Regular gallery hours are from 11:30 am to 5:30 pm.



Blue Bottle ~ 206 S. Walnut ~

Blue Bottle will exhibit the artwork of Jessica Maxwell during December.
Jessica Maxwell is a Muncie native, born and raised. Jessica grew up in a bi-racial family, the youngest of five children, she felt very fortunate to be raised by both her mother and father. Jessica, home schooled by her mother, was exposed to different cultures, and many forms of art.

"I found my love of art at the age of six, when my oldest brother (now deceased) and I, would draw Garfield cartoon characters. From those days, I have dedicated myself to perfecting my skill as a realism pencil artist. I have spent many years perfecting my own style, including at the age of 16 enrolling in the Art Instruction School of Minneapolis, Minnesota, where I later earned my degree, and finally adopted the style I have today."

"Most recently I have developed a love for photography as well as writing. I hope one day to own my own business offering custom portraits, custom designs, personal stylist, and interior design. Through all of this, my passion for art will forever remain in the forefront."



Gallery 308 ~ 308 E. Main Street ~ 765-289-8575



The nonprofit community art gallery is located at 308 East Main Street in downtown Muncie.

Gordy Fine Art & Framing ~ 224 E Main Street ~ 765-284-8422

Twenty area artists will exhibit new prints at Gordy Fine Art & Framing in downtown Muncie. Professional and student printmakers from Ball State University will be joined by artists from Anderson University, along with professional and amateur artists from the community. The print show will include the traditional woodcuts, intaglio prints, lithographs and serigraphs, along with photos and giclees. Selections will include many sizes, subjects and price ranges, with all works available for purchase.

The print show is the largest exhibit of the year at Gordy's, with works hung "salon style" - on top of each other rather than a single string of works hung at the same level. Prints may be removed from the exhibit at the time of purchase. An opening night reception will be held on First Thursday, December 6th from 5 to 8 pm. Refreshments will be served and several artists will be on hand to talk about their work.

The Annual Print Show will continue through January and residents are encouraged to bring visitors during normal business hours, Monday through Friday, 9 to 5:30, Saturday, 9 to 3, or by appointment. Gordy Fine Art & Framing Co. is located at 224 East Main Street, next door to Civic Theatre.

Gordy Fine Art and Framing is located at 224 East Main Street, next door to Civic Theatre. For more information call 765.284.8422 or visit www.gordyframing.com.





Mitchell Place Studio ~ 301 S Walnut

Institute for Digital Intermedia Arts & Animation Student Art & Research Showcase
Thursday December 6th, 5 p.m.

See monthly showcase of recent, supported student art and research projects in association with First Thursdays downtown. For more information on this and other IDIAA programs visit www.bsu.edu/cmd/mps.

Other downtown Muncie businesses may have art exhibits or special events during First Thursdays include:

~ Cortex Hair Salon, 112 W Jackson Street - 765-288-6685
~ David Dale Designs, Interior Designs & Fine Art Gallery, 421 S Walnut Street - 765-284-4987
~ FB Fogg, 418 E Main Street - 765-289-7464
~ Glitterati in the Rose Court on Charles Street
~ Minnetrista, 1200 N. Minnetrista Parkway - 765-282-4848

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.

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