Celebrate the arts in Downtown Muncie this First Thursday, July 3rd, from 5 to 8pm. Our many art galleries launch their monthly exhibits on the first Thursday evenings of every month, with meet-the-artist receptions.
The following exhibits will be opening (in alphabetical order by gallery) at the next First Thursday:
The Artist Within ~ 313 S Walnut Street ~ 765-289-7895
The Artist Within presents the photography of Brad Ayers in an encore exhibit opening First Thursday, July 3, and continuing through July. In the exhibit "Pushing Reality", Ayers combines his lifelong love of art and photograph by using the techniques of digital photography to blur the boundaries between the two.
A former middle-school teacher, who splits his time between Muncie and Florida, Ayers has exhibited in Muncie and in juried exhibitions in Florida at the Art Center Manatee and at Selby Gardens. Growing up surrounded by the architecture of his hometown Columbus, Indiana, and the paintings of his grandmother, a Brown County artist, he developed an interest and appreciation for art. The well-traveled Ayers shoots a wide range of subjects and is drawn to the colors, patterns, and images in both natural and urban scapes. His interests extend from vibrant colors to classic black and white.
Digital photography allows him to alter images similarly to the way film photographers do in photo labs. He enjoys pushing the reality of photography into the realm of fine art by enhancing digital images, extending them further from reality into impressionism and abstraction. His goal is to inspire the viewer to appreciate and to display photography as another form of fine art and to enjoy the experience.
Artworks ~ 301 South Walnut Street ~ 765-288-2221
"Woman As Vessel," a new exhibition by artist Kimberly Anderson, will be on display at Artworks through July 31st. An opening reception will be from 5 to 8pm during First Thursday July 3rd.
Kimberly Anderson was born in Evanston, IL and is now a resident of Hartford City, IN. Her mother is a therapist/social worker and her father is a college professor of science, which forged her fascination with science and the human psyche. These influences helped foster her sense of wonder which influenced artistic interests. Early in life, her parents moved to a 96 acre farm nestled in heavily wooded hills in rural Pennsylvania where she was to enjoy nature. They raised a menagerie that included horses, cows, pigs, ducks, rabbits, chickens, opossums, cats and dogs. These experiences with nature and animals are an important aspect of her personality and work.
Anderson holds three degrees focusing on ceramics and spent eight years in management. Her struggle to balance work and art left her unfulfilled. She decided to pursue her passion for art full-time. She began doing shows in 2001 and in April 2002 Milkweed Ceramics became her full-time career.
"Upon graduation I married my husband, Scott, who is also an artist". They relocated to Indiana and Scott accepted a position as assistant professor of art at Ball State University in Muncie, IN. Anderson is still teaching in addition to participating in juried shows, solo exhibitions and traveling to art shows across the country to promote Milkweed Ceramics. The technical aspects of her work explore both functional and sculptural elements, using both high and low-fire materials.
Anderson states: "Human life unfolds in the fabric of time and history. My sculptures and functional ware are based on issues that surround the mysteries of existence and human origin. In my work I am addressing ideas that evoke a since of memory and human relations to and about the land. The work considers both personal and historical relationships to the environment. My sculptures and figurative vessels reference archeological excavations, feminine roles, cycles of renewal and decay, evolution vs. mythic beliefs, and relate to events in my personal history. I am exploring views and ideas that revel in life's mysteries and stir thoughts of becoming and being. I am influenced by two spheres of thought: the physical sciences and the human psyche. Science provides the facts and the psyche reveals mystery".
"My thrown and altered pottery is an ongoing investigation about woman as vessel. The fertility vessels quote Neolithic sources. I use a variety of firings to enhance interpretation. The ideas I am exploring are open ended. I am not searching for truth or exposure, but for a secret".
ARWORKS GALLERY'S MISSION: As a non-profit cooperative artist gallery, our mission is to serve the Muncie community and provide local artists a facility to exhibit their art and to provide educational opportunities and affordable art to our community.
ONGOING ARTWORKS EXHIBITS: Watercolors: Jeanette G Pottery: Barbara Swain
Blue Bottle ~ 206 South Walnut Street ~ 765-284-3630
Artwork by Eric Ernstberger will be on exhibit at Blue Bottle Coffee Shop in July.
If you have artwork you'd like to be displayed at Blue Bottle, please contact Lelly at 284-3630.
Gallery 308 ~ 308 E. Main Street ~ 765-289-8575
Gallery 308 will have its annual Members' Show in July, with an opening reception during First Thursday downtown, July 3rd.
Each July the nonprofit gallery has a celebratory exhibit in recognition of its members. Individuals who support the Gallery as "members" are invited to participate in the show by contributing as many as three pieces to be exhibited. The work shown is always representative of the many talented artists in our community who support the Gallery's mission.
The opening reception is from 5 to 7 p.m. Admission is free and refreshments are provided. The 2008 Members' Show will be on view through the end of July.
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. Contributions to Gallery 308 are tax-deductible. For more information about gallery hours, volunteer and donor opportunities, please call 765-289-8575.
Gordy Fine Art & Framing ~ 224 E Main Street ~ 765-284-8422
Indiana Plein Air Painters Association exhibit continues through July at Gordy Fine Art & Framing.
The two-month exhibit features a dozen artists from across the state (and Kentucky!) who paint outside, on site. They are all part of the Indiana Plein Air Painters Association. Paintings range from farm scenes to woods, waterways and gardens, displayed in all seasons. The award-winning artists include two from east central Indiana - Carol Strock Wasson and Robert Farlow. Visitors may view the show during normal business hours, Mon - Friday, 9 AM to 5:30, and Sat., 9 to 3. For information call 284-8422 or visit www.gordyframing.com.
Mitchell Place Studio ~ 301 S Walnut
Institute for Digital Intermedia Arts & Animation Student Art & Research ShowcaseThursday April 3rd, 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.
Vera Mae's Bistro ~ 207-209 South Walnut Street ~ 765-747-4941
You are invited to attend a special viewing of the paintings by artist Phoebe Wantz on First Thursday, from 5 to 7pm in Vera Mae's Ballaird Hall. This viewing is in conjunction with First Thursday downtown.
Phoebe, a Muncie native, majored in art at Ball State University, but is better known locally for her work in community theatre. She currently serves on two Board of Directors - Middletown Arts Project and Heartland Stage Company. We saw her on stage last year in the MAP production of "Shedtown." Last year she directed "Death in Them Thar Hills" at Vera Mae's as a fundraiser for the Heartland Stage Company. She was awarded "Best Actress" at Muncie Civic Theatre for her performance in "Alone Together."
She is currently turning her focus towards her artisitic talent and has established a new venture, "Art and Soul by Phoebe" and has approximately 80 canvases on display. These cover a variety of themes from Southwestern art to nudes done in acrylic. You can tell by her work that the "muse" has really taken her by storm, because she has accomplished all of these paintings since March 2008!
Other downtown Muncie businesses may have art exhibits or special events during First Thursdays include:
~ Cortex Hair Center, 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.
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