Short Transparencies in Watercolor by David Mark Townsend at The Artist Within

"Short Transparencies in Watercolor", paintings by local artist David Mark Townsend, will be the featured exhibit for February at the Artist Within.

An opening reception for the artist will be held from 5-8pm on Thursday, February 4th; the reception is free and open to the public.

Mark's fascination with light and transparency is evident in his work. He received his BFA from the University of Tulsa, Tulsa Oklahoma in 1977 with a concentration in commercial art. He has worked and traveled throughout the Midwest and into Oregon and has actively participated in Baha'i pilgrimages and musical teaching trips to Israel, the Caribbean, and the Soviet Union. This artist also works in acrylics and tempera and enjoys animation and doing calligraphy. He is currently doing screen-printing with Outfitter Apparel and lives in Dunkirk with his wife Nancy, a native of Parker City.


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Heart of the City Meets Wednesday in New Location!

The Heart of the City (formerly Muncie Downtown Business Council) begins the new year in a new meeting location! The group will have its monthly meeting Wednesday, January 27, at 3 p.m. in the ballroom of the Patterson Building.

Please note this is a change of venue from the conference room in the Fisher Building (Star Press building), where the group has met for the past five years. Please pass it on to your friends and peers, and anyone who may not be aware of the venue change.

Immediately following the Heart of the City meeting, the Muncie Arts and Culture Council will meet in the same room to discuss our pursuits of state cultural district designation. Anyone is welcome to stay for that meeting as well.

Along with the change of venue, Heart of the City members can expect a change in the format of the monthly meetings, held on the last Wednesday of every month. Meetings in the coming months will feature speakers and workshops and new business spotlights. In addition to the usual downtown news and events updates, attendees will be encouraged to offer feedback and discussion on current and relevant issues in Downtown Muncie.

Anyone with an interest in Downtown Muncie is encouraged to attend any and all public meetings concerning improvement of our city and the downtown district. Take pride in your community, and get involved as we enter the next stage of redevelopment!

The Heart of the City meets on the LAST Wednesday of every month at 3pm in the Patterson Building ballroom.

For more information visit munciedowntown.com.

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Muncie Gras 2010 Advanced Ticket Locations Announced!

The hottest ticket in town goes on sale January 25th, 2010 at various locations in and around Muncie.

Advanced tickets to Muncie Gras 2010 are $10 ($15 at the gate). Buy your tickets online at www.wlbc.com or www.maxrocks.com, or at the following locations:


After Dark
Look for their Special Coupon on your Ticket!
3 locations! In Muncie, Marion & Anderson

Party Wizards
corner of McGalliard & Reserve across from Starbucks

JR's Tropical Tan
at the corner of Streeter and Granville in Muncie

Low Bob's Discount Tobacco
all 4 Muncie locations -
on Memorial Dr., Tillotson Ave. East Main St. & Walnut St.

Wine-N-Vine
1524 W. McGalliard in Muncie

Pita Pit
across from Jimmy John's in the Ball State Village

Toys Forever
on Walnut Street in Downtown Muncie

Cirilla's
on McGalliard in Muncie

Victor's Gyros & Pancake House
on S. Tillotson next to Island Tan in Muncie

Mobile Plus - T Mobile
in the Muncie Mall & on Scatterfield Rd. in front of Walmart in Anderson

For more information on Muncie Mardi Gras, visit munciedowntown.com/munciegras. For up-to-the-minute details and announcements, become a fan on Facebook or follow Muncie Gras on twitter @munciegras.

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Muncie Gras Returns to the Streets of Downtown Muncie!!

The largest party of the year returns to the streets of downtown Muncie! The legendary Muncie Gras will be held February 20, 2010 from 7pm-2am along South Walnut Street in Downtown Muncie, Indiana.

Huge heated tents will house all of your favorite bars and some of our favorite active entertainment. The weather is not an obstacle this year; there will be tons of places to get out of the cold and grab a cold one! The mechanical bull is back, the go-go cage, dance party tent, FM Music outdoor stage, Bessie the beer giving cow, belly dancers, drag show, lingerie show, sizzling hot male revue, and tons of live entertainment indoors and out to keep you in the party mood throughout the evening!

Get started on your costume NOW! Costumed revelers can compete two ways this year: first for the best Mardi Gras costume, mask or headpiece and a second contest for the most eco-friendly costume! This one will be judged on most stylish use for recycled materials. $100 first prize and fabulous goodies!

MITS Trolley will provide a safe ride home, running from 7pm-3am to campus and Lyndenbrook hotels. This is a 21 and up event. Tickets go on sale February 1 and are $10 in advance at various locations around town (TBA), or $15 at the gate. Tickets are also available on line at www.wlbc.com or www.maxrocks.com.

Check munciedowntown.com/munciegras often for entertainment updates, pre-sale ticket locations and MITS Trolley route. Or follow us on twitter @munciegras.

See photos from past Muncie Mardi Gras events here.

Produced by: Muncie Downtown Development

Sponsored by: MSD Recycling and Education Initiative and Bud Light

Brought to you by: WLBC, WERK and MAX and All Access

Vendors who would like to be a part of this year's event should contact Cheryl Crowder @ chercrowder@gmail.com or 765 282-7897

Laissez le bon roulement de périodes ! (Let the good times roll !)


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Cornerstone Center for the Arts Opens Registration for Spring Classes

The Cornerstone Arts Program is excited to introduce its next series of twelve week classes in dance, fitness, visual arts, music, & theatre! Classes start the week of January 25 and continue until April 22. The Arts Program offers classes for youth and adults and payment plans and financial aid are available. Register online at www.cornerstonearts.org.

Youth Classes are offered for children of all ages from infant through 8th grade and include: Hip Hop, Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Kindermusik, Group Piano, Youth Drama, Early Art, Youth Art, Art Exploration, and Youth Ceramics. There's something to spark the creativity in every child!

Adult classes for 9th grade and older include: Hip Hop, Ballet, Progressions & Technique, Belly Dance, Tap, Line Dancing, Swing, Indian & Bollywood, Contemporary & Jazz, Pilates, Yoga, Cardio Movement, Acting, Drawing, Fiber Art, Digital Photography, Painting, and Ceramics. These classes are great opportunities for adults to relax and have fun!

In addition, the Cornerstone Arts Program offers private instruction for all ages in the following areas: Drums, Guitar, Piano, Voice, Strings, Trumpet, and Saxophone.

Register at www.cornerstonearts.org or pick up a brochure in the building for class details. Call Cornerstone Center for the Arts at 765.281.9503 ext. 15 to receive a brochure in the mail or for additional information.


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Join Your Friends in Downtown Muncie for First Thursday Gallery Walk

So what if it's snowing outside, it's warm indoors at all of Downtown Muncie's art galleries! Meet your friends downtown tonight for the monthly First Thursday gallery walk, January 7, 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:

Art and Soul by Phoebe ~ 409 South Walnut Street ~ 765-288-0005
The public is invited to the opening reception for a new show at Art & Soul by Phoebe, "Explosion of Art and Fashion," which will take place during First Thursday, January 7, from 5pm to 9pm.

The featured artist this month is Jean McCauley, a well known local artist and member of The Muncie Artist Guild. She is showing her vast array of oils, pastels and photography.

In addition, the gallery is featuring the original designs in fashion of Ann Johnson. These delights in color and design are featured throughout the Gallery, and will be spotlighted in a Fashion Show on January 16th, 1-4pm at the Gallery. At this time, Ann's designs will be joined with the fashions of Town Boutique for a great afternoon of fashion to be modeled by local personalities. Read more...

The Artist Within ~ 313 S Walnut Street ~ 765-289-7895
The Artist Within in Downtown Muncie will feature a "Consignment Artists Salon" in January. The artists who have work on consignment will be featured on the "gallery wall" through January 30th at the studio, located at 313 S. Walnut Street.

There will be a "First Thursday" opening from 5-8 pm January 7th. Come support local artists with The Artist Within's "buy it-take it" format and "special pricing". 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.

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.

Gallery 308 ~ 308 E. Main Street ~ 765-289-857
Gallery 308 announces a new exhibition entitled "Faces and Places of Muncie," works by local artist Pamela de Marris, will open with a public reception on January's First Thursday, January 7, from 5 to 8 p.m. The opening of this exhibition marks the Gallery's 10th anniversary year. Read more...

Gordy Fine Art & Framing ~ 224 E Main Street ~ 765-284-8422
The annual printmaking exhibit will be hung for the month of January at Gordy Fine Art and Framing in downtown Muncie. Wood, Metal, Paper and Ink was curated by BSU printmaking professors, Sarojini and David Johnson.

An opening reception will be held during the First Thursday monthly event, January 7, 2010, from 5 to 8 PM. Light refreshments will be served and the public is invited to attend. Parking is available on the street and in the Merchants Bank lot across the street. 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. All events and exhibits are subject to change.

Please help keep us informed of any upcoming events or exhibits in Downtown Muncie. If an exhibit or opening is not listed here, is because no information was sent to munciedowntown.com about the event. Please email details to info [at] munciedowntown.com, or fill out the contact form on the website.



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Free Framing & Matting Workshops at Gallery 308 in January

Will you put off framing that nice giclee print you got for Christmas? What about the precious wedding photo that still hasn't been framed? What's your excuse?

If cost is holding you back (i.e. the cost of framing and matting), Gallery 308 has a wonderful offer for you! FREE, hands-on matting & framing workshops will be held at the Gallery throughout January, weekday afternoons from 4:00 to 5:30, and Saturday mornings from 10:30 to noon.

In exchange for learning how to do your own framing (it's easier than you may think!), you will be helping the gallery to frame the student art for the February juried student art exhibit for grades K through 12.

Your attendance at the Gallery 308 framing workshops can also earn points for a Delaware County school as the schools compete for the 2010 Art Education Award. The school with the most points will use the $500 award to purchase art materials. The winner will be announced in February.

Help to promote art education in our schools and learn a useful money-saving skill at the same time! To register for a Gallery 308 framing workshop, call Karen Fisher at the Art Mart, 284-2919.

The workshops will take place at Gallery 308, in the Founders Gallery. Gallery 308 is located at 308 East Main Street in downtown Muncie.

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 every First Thursday. Contributions to Gallery 308 are tax-deductible. For more information about gallery hours, volunteer and donor opportunities, please call 765-289-8575.


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Explosion of Art and Fashion Exhibit at Art & Soul by Phoebe

The public is invited to the opening reception for a new show at Art & Soul by Phoebe, "Explosion of Art and Fashion," which will take place during First Thursday, January 7, from 5pm to 9pm.

The featured artist this month is Jean McCauley, a well known local artist and member of The Muncie Artist Guild. She is showing her vast array of oils, pastels and photography.

In addition, the gallery is featuring the original designs in fashion of Ann Johnson. These delights in color and design are featured throughout the Gallery, and will be spotlighted in a Fashion Show on January 16th, 1-4pm at the Gallery. At this time, Ann's designs will be joined with the fashions of Town Boutique for a great afternoon of fashion to be modeled by local personalities.

The Gallery features the art of 31 additional artists this month - local, as well as from out of state. Tanglevine Crossing has added beautiful pieces to be displayed. Also there is a vast collection of vintage jewelry, hats and purses for sale.

Vera Mae's Bistro will be catering the First Thursday reception.

Art & Soul by Phoebe is located at 409 S. Walnut Street in Downtown Muncie, Indiana.


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Consignment Artists Salon at The Artist Within in January

The Artist Within in Downtown Muncie will feature a "Consignment Artists Salon" in January. The artists who have work on consignment will be featured on the "gallery wall" through January 30th at the studio, located at 313 S. Walnut Street.

There will be a "First Thursday" opening from 5-8 pm January 7th. Come support local artists with The Artist Within's "buy it-take it" format and "special pricing".


The Artist Within is open Tuesday through Thursday from 11am - 6pm, Friday from 11am - 9pm, and Saturday from 11am - 7pm; closed Sunday and Monday.


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"Wood, Metal, Paper and Ink" Print Show on Exhibit at Gordy's

The annual printmaking exhibit will be hung for the month of January at Gordy Fine Art and Framing in downtown Muncie. Wood, Metal, Paper and Ink was curated by BSU printmaking professors, Sarojini and David Johnson.

"The works are all by Ball State printmakers," noted Sarojini, "including David and I, and our current and former students. Most of the works are woodcuts and etchings."

For those unfamiliar with printmaking techniques, an "etching" or "intaglio," uses a metal plate, which is "etched" with chemicals to produce the desired image. Widely used as a printmaking technique since the Renaissance, it is still a popular method of producing multiple images, often with great detail and color.

This will be the fourth annual print show hosted by the Gordy's at their downtown gallery. "Prints, especially straight from the university setting, are an excellent stepping on point for new or young art patrons," Brian Gordy said of the upcoming exhibit. "Often more reasonably priced than paintings, prints are highly collectible, and if they're properly framed, will last many lifetimes."

The prints in this exhibit also have the prestige of being hand selected by the renowned professors and will include print books as well as the traditional two-dimensional format.

An opening reception will be held during the First Thursday monthly event, January 7, 2010, from 5 to 8 PM. Light refreshments will be served and the public is invited to attend. Parking is available on the street and in the Merchants Bank lot across the street.

Gordy Fine Art and Framing is located at 224 East Main Street, next to Civic Theatre. In addition to the reception, this exhibit may be viewed during normal business hours, Monday - Friday, 9 AM to 5:30 PM, Saturday, 9 to 3, through January 30th, or by appointment. For more information, call 765-284-8422 or visit www.gordyframing.com.


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"Faces and Places of Muncie" by Pamela de Marris on Exhibit at Gallery 308

Gallery 308 announces a new exhibition entitled "Faces and Places of Muncie," works by local artist Pamela de Marris, will open with a public reception on January's First Thursday, January 7, from 5 to 8 p.m. The opening of this exhibition marks the Gallery's 10th anniversary year.

De Marris is one of the Gallery's original founding members. She has assembled an exhibit that highlights some of the facets of downtown Muncie--its people and places.

About the artist

Pamela de Marris did undergraduate and graduate studies in Photography, Video and Film at Rhode Island School of Design and receiving her M.F.A. in Photography from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, IL. She has taught and lectured about her work and varied photographic techniques at Maine Photographic Workshops, Rockport, ME, Rhode Island School of Design, Providence, RI, Universidad De Antioquia, Medellin, Colombia, American Museum Giverny, France and various universities, museums and organizations throughout the USA, South America, Canada, and Europe.

During the past thirty years de Marris has exhibited work at galleries and museums in the USA, Middle East, South America, Canada, Mexico and Europe.

Four Fellowships were granted to de Marris by the NEA and one Residency through the International Residency Program in Giverny, France, home of Claude Monet's Gardens.

De Marris has been featured in numerous magazine articles, books and various other publications. Her photo-based artworks are part of several museums and notable permanent collections.

Attendance at Gallery 308 is free. De Marris's exhibit will continue through January 29.

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 every First Thursday. Contributions to Gallery 308 are tax-deductible. For more information about gallery hours, volunteer and donor opportunities, please call 765-289-8575. The Gallery is located at 308 East Main Street, Muncie, Indiana.


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