Delaware County E911 is on Twitter

Delaware County, Indiana E911 is now on Twitter! Follow @delawareco911 or visit twitter.com/delawareco911 to receive critical updates for police, fire, ems, and weather emergencies.

We will update our status anytime during emergency situations such as street closings, accidents, severe weather, etc.

This is a great tool for the community to have mobile updates for. Please pass it on!


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Photographer Mary T. McVicker Featured at The Artist Within

Hartford City photographer Mary T. McVicker is the featured artist for July at the Artist Within, in an exhibit titled "Pleasant Sting." An opening reception will be held Thursday July 2nd from 5-8pm with live music by Peter Dragoo and Friends, and light refreshments.

Mary's work will remain on exhibit through July 31, 2009, though The Artist Within is closed for July 4th.

Mary says her photographs are just the way she sees the world. "Every time I step outside, my eyes become a lens - wanting to take that next photograph. For me, looking behind the lens, my environment is beautiful! I believe anything can be photographed, and be a piece of art work. I carry my camera with me everywhere, always looking for something out of the ordinary." explains this young artist.

Mary McVicker grew up in Hartford City, Indiana, always enjoying life, with a camera in her hand. She studied broadcasting in college, but life has brought her back to photography. Mary's passion for photography stirred her to start a local photography club that meets monthly in Hartford City. She enjoys sharing her passion with anyone that will listen!

McVicker's photographs were on exhibit in the Hartford City ART4HC Show and she recently had work in the "One Wine at a Time" wine and art event at Vera Mae's Bistro here in Muncie.



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Beat the Heat This Summer at Minnetrista

Minnetrista continues its commitment to East Central Indiana by reducing economic barriers to enjoying exhibits. "We recognize that these are challenging economic times for Muncie and surrounding communities," said Betty Brewer, president and CEO, "and we want as many as possible to experience the exciting and educational exhibits at Minnetrista."

The entire month of July, admission to Minnetrista is just $4 per person. Visitors will enjoy a cool trip though the “forest” and learn about Animal Secrets. They can discover their connections to the Ball jar in the Can It! exhibit. And then visitors can chill out and enjoy the glass art in Sand and Fire: A Juried Art Show.

"This wonderful array of experiences is great for the entire family," said Rebecca Holmquist, vice president of visitor experience. "It’s hot out, and we would love for people to come to Minnetrista to spend some time relaxing in our exhibit galleries. There are a lot of fun surprises in store for visitors."

In addition to discounted admission, Minnetrista has partnered with local libraries to provide complimentary performances from Minnetrista Theatre Preserves and free admission passes.

For more than 15 years Minnetrista has donated Family Passes for free admission to the Muncie Public Library. Library patrons can check out the passes like any other book or media and return the pass after use. More than 2,000 people have used these passes, bringing the resources of Minnetrista to the public in a more accessible and affordable way. The success of the program has prompted Minnetrista to extend the program to libraries across East Central Indiana. So far, more than 20 libraries have welcomed the opportunity to provide this program.

Minnetrista Theatre Preserves will be performing Hook and the Faerie’s Treasure at participating libraries throughout the summer at no charge!

Hook and the Faerie’s Treasure follows Cobblestone the Sprite on her journey through some of Indiana’s natural attractions to stop the infamous Captain Hook from destroying the environment. Her quest leads us through the White River, Wyandotte Cave, Hoosier National Forest, and the Indiana Sand Dunes. The show is 45 minutes in length followed by a question and answer session with the actors.

Upcoming Hook and the Faerie’s Treasure Performances
*Please contact your library for more details about the performance.

Monday, June 29
Gas City – Mill Twp Public Library
1 p.m.

Tuesday, June 30
Frankton Community Library
3 p.m.

Wednesday, July 1
Swayzee Public Library
3 p.m.

Monday, July 6
Jay County Public Library
11 a.m.

Wednesday, July 8
Kennedy Public Library
3 p.m.

Thursday, July 9
Farmland – performance held at Main Street Coffee Company 104 N. Main St., Farmland
3 p.m.

Friday, July 10
Barton Rees Pogue Memorial Public Library – performance held at 411 W. Washington St., Upland
10 a.m.

Monday, July 13
Alexandria-Monroe Public Library
10 a.m.

Thursday, July 16
Pendleton Community Public Library
2 p.m.

Monday
Winchester Community Public Library
2 p.m.

Tuesday, July 21 and Thursday, July 23
Yorktown-Mount Pleasant Public Library
10:30 a.m.

Tuesday, July 21
Maring Hunt Public Library
4 p.m.



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Attic Sale at ArtWorks This Saturday

The artists at Artworks are cleaning their studios again. ArtWorks will have an Attic Sale this Saturday, June 27th, frm 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at ArtWorks, on the corner of Adams and 301 S Walnut in Downtown Muncie.

One artist's clutter is another artist's art project! The sale will feature 2D and 3D Art, Art supplies, books, videos, crafts, beads, basket supplies, glass making torch (Hot Head torch and video).

For more information call 765-288-2221.


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The Vagina Monologues at Muncie Civic Theatre

Muncie Civic Theatre presents The Vagina Monologues by Eve Ensler in the Studio Theatre, June 26-28; July 2-3; 10-11. Thursday through Saturday performances are at 8:00pm and the Sunday matinee on June 28th is at 2:00pm. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students. This play is for mature audiences and no one under the age of 17 will be admitted. Directed by Bonnie Jordan.

The Vagina Monologues is a celebration of female sexuality in all its complexity and mystery. In this stunning phenomenon that has swept the nation, Eve Ensler gives us real women's stories of intimacy, vulnerability, and sexual self-discovery.

The Vagina Monologues has been performed in cities all across America and at hundreds of college campuses. It has inspired a dynamic grassroots movement--V-Day--to stop violence against women. Witty and irreverent, compassionate and wise, Eve Ensler's Obie Award-winning masterpiece gives voice to women's deepest fantasies and fears, guaranteeing that no one who experiences it will ever look at a woman's body, or think of sex, in quite the same way again.

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.

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

* What: The Vagina Monologues at Muncie Civic Theatre
* When: June 26-28; July 2-3; 10-11
* Where: Muncie Civic Theatre Studio, 222 E. Main St. Muncie, IN 47305
* Who: Open to the public.




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Indy Jazz Orchestra Kicks Off Summer Stage Fest at Minnetrista

It's time for Summer Stage Fest at Minnetrista! The Indianapolis Jazz Orchestra will kick-off the season Friday, June 19 at 7:30 p.m. A dance floor will be a part of the evening's festivities. Bring your picnic baskets, blankets, lawn chairs and dancing shoes to enjoy an evening with friends and family.

Summer Stage Fest line-up:

Friday, June 19, 7:30 p.m. - Indianapolis Jazz Orchestra

Saturday, July 4, 8:30 p.m. - America's Hometown Band

Friday and Saturday, August 7-8, 7:30 p.m. - Muncie Civic Theatre, sponsored by: Indiana Michigan Power.

Wednesday, August 26, 7:30 p.m. - Muncie Symphony Orchestra, sponsored by: National Endowment for the Arts.

Admission for each of the performances is free! Parking will be available at the Delaware County Fairgrounds.

For more information, visit www.minnetrista.net or call (765) 282-4848.


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Animal Mania at Muncie Children's Museum

The Muncie Children's Museum welcomes two new creatures to our family of animals: a chinchilla and an American Alligator named Blue!

The MCM is proud to have Blue, the American Alligator, on temporary exhibit, and a female chinchilla that will be a permanent fixture at the museum.

Blue is a three year old alligator that is two feet long and really likes to eat fish, crickets and mice. Although Blue is only two feet long right now, he has the potential to one day grow to an impressive 15 feet in length and weigh 1,000 pounds! American Alligators are one of two crocodilians native to the United States; the other being the American crocodile. Blue will only be at the museum through August so come and see him soon!

The newest member of the museum's animal family is a female chinchilla. She does not have a name yet, but visitors are encouraged to submit a name for the chinchilla naming contest. Five names will be drawn by staff members and placed on voting bins for visitors to cast their vote. The highest voted name will be given to the chinchilla, and the visitor who submitted the name will be awarded a one year MCM family membership.

Want a chance to see and interact with the newest additions to the MCM's animal family? Come to the Muncie Children's Museum every Wednesday, at 11 a.m. or 3 p.m., for "Wildlife Wednesdays", when MCM educators focus on a different MCM animal. Visitors will learn about the animal, 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.

For more information on any of the Muncie Children's Museum, 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.



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Ben Gordy Awarded Indiana Artisan Designation

When Ben Gordy was four years old, he followed his dad, Brian, around their garage frame shop, hammering nails into stray boards and the ladder to "help" with the workload.

Twenty five years later the family ladder still shows those early marks, but Gordy has now earned the highest marks from the State of Indiana for his signature gilded frames.

He was recently awarded the Indiana Artisan designation, a standard bestowed on his father a few months earlier. Each was juried into the program on their first attempt, and both men now qualify to participate in Indiana Artisan workshops and trade shows that will boost their frame line's brand.

A Muncie native, Gordy lived in Minneapolis for a few years, where he worked at a large frame shop. Returning to Muncie with his bride and some new framing ideas, Ben found a comfortable home in the family business, where he now serves as General Manager.

"Gordy Fine Art and Framing Company is a family-owned and operated small business in downtown Muncie. The fact that two of our framers would be separately juried into this prestigious program is a tremendous honor and also a responsibility - to our clients, and to the Indiana Artisan program," stated Genny Gordy, president, wife to Brian, and mother to Ben.

"The Gordy men have studied with some of the country's best-known gilders and the depth of their dedication to the art shows up in their craftsmanship, attention to detail, and general enthusiasm about the world of frames. I believe they're up to the task."

Specifically, the younger Gordy has developed a line of gilded frames rooted in the genre of American Plein Air painters like Winslow Homer or Childe Hassam. He has named them, "The Artist Gold Series." Using lower priced metal leaf - as opposed to the true gold leaf they often apply - the framer subtly tones each frame to harmonize with the color palettes of contemporary artists' works, or with particular interiors. This specialty toning effort separates Gordy Fine Art & Framing from other frame shops. In fact, few frame shops in the country offer the traditional gilding services.


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RibFest Returns to the Streets of Downtown Muncie

Downtown Muncie is gearing up for its most delicious event - RibFest 2009 returns to the streets of downtown Saturday, August 1st, from noon - 10pm and Saturday, August 2nd from 11am - 4pm.

Applications are being accepted for Food Vendors as well as Arts, Crafts or Community information booths.

Download Vendor Letter and Information - Word (.doc) or PDF

Download Vendor Application - Word (.doc) or PDF

Local bands are invited to submit a demo for consideration on three RibFest stages. For an application, submission or more information, please call Cheryl Crowder@ 282-7897 or email chercrowder@gmail.com.

Stay tuned to munciedowntown.com for more information, event schedule and updates.



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Join Your Friends in Downtown Muncie for First Thursday Gallery Walk

Explore Downtown Muncie's many galleries at our monthly First Thursday gallery walk, June 4 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.

The following galleries will be opening new exhibits (in alphabetical order by gallery) during First Thursday:

111 Arts Gallery & Tattoo Studio ~ 111 East Main Street ~ 765-282-8342

111 Arts Gallery will feature Nate Harmon - "Maneaters" the skateboard series, sculptures and otherly art works. There will be an opening reception during First Thursday, June 4th, from 5 to 8pm at 111 E. Main Street.

For more information visit www.tattooindiana.com or http://www.myspace.com/tattooindiana.


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

June at the Artist Within will feature drawings, paintings and prints by local artist Jim Kierein. Drawings in graphite and prismacolor, woodcuts, watercolors and oils make up "Corn and More".

An opening reception is planned for first Thursday, June 4 from 5-8 pm. The show runs from June 2-27, 2009. READ MORE...


Artworks ~ 301 South Walnut Street ~ 765-288-2221

ArtWorks Gallery featured artisan for the month of June is Ben Holland. Ben will be exhibiting his unique vintage camera lamps. Other artisans that will feature their work for the month of June are Sean Hale's knives, Shad Peters' original handcrafted instruments, and David DelaGardelle and his hand carved walking sticks and staves. 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 features an art gallery on the second floor, with regular exhibits by local and student artists. The gallery is open during First Thursdays.


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 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

Gallery 308 is pleased to announce the opening of a new show, "All Over the Place," on Thursday, June 4. There will be a public reception to welcome the artist, Mark Van Buskirk during First Thursday from 5 to 8 pm. The exhibit will continue through July 31st at the downtown gallery and frame studio. READ MORE...


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

The summer exhibit at Gordy Fine Art and Framing will feature works by four area artists whose works both contrast and compliment the others. Titled "2 Painters + 2 Potters," the show includes painters Eric Ernstberger and Margie Prim and potters, Kim Anderson and Carol Burt. 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.


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Wysor Street Depot Open for the Weekend on National Trails Day

Cardinal Greenway will open the Wysor Street Depot on weekends beginning this Saturday, June 6. Saturday is also is National Trails Day and the beginning of Indiana Trails Week as proclaimed by Governor Mitch Daniels. The theme for National Trails Day is "Take in the Outdoors", the Cardinal Greenways are a wonderful way to do just that. Join us at the end of Indiana Trails Week by participating in our 10K Run/5K Walk on June 13. Registration begins at 6:30 am at the Depot.

Weekend hours will be 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Normal week-day hours will remain Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The Wysor Street Depot serves as a trailhead with indoor restrooms, water, gift shop, and local historical displays; as well as the corporate offices for Cardinal Greenway, Inc.

"We continue to receive numerous requests to be open on weekends," says Angie Pool, Development Director for Cardinal Greenway, Inc. "Many of these requests have come as a result of community members learning of the free Cruiser Bike Loaner program operated from the Depot. In exchange of a picture ID and signing a waiver, trail users can take out a loaner bike during Depot hours. This year we are encouraging kids to ride our cruiser bikes. We will be providing a chance for kids who ride to win a bike of their own!"

The Depot also houses a gift shop that in addition to cold drinks and healthy snacks; also offers new Cardinal Greenway items, train related merchandise, local artwork, and various other types of merchandise for sale.

For more information, contact Cardinal Greenway, Inc. at 765-287-0399 or on the web at www.cardinalgreenways.org.


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All Over the Place: Works by Mark Van Buskirk at Gallery 308

Gallery 308 is pleased to announce the opening of a new show, "All Over the Place," on Thursday, June 4. There will be a public reception to welcome the artist, Mark Van Buskirk.

Van Buskirk is Associate Professor of Art at Earlham College. Represented by the F.A.N. Gallery in Philadelphia, his award-winning paintings have been shown locally and nationally. His recent work explores contemporary and traditional approaches to painting and is marked by a focus on craftsmanship, both on and behind the surface of the painting.

Intrigued? Then be sure to attend the show's opening reception, 5 to 8 p.m., First Thursday in June at 308 East Main Street, Muncie. Admission is free; light refreshments will be provided. "All Over the Place" will be on display through the end of June.

Some examples of his work are attached.

Gallery 308 is a nonprofit art gallery, supported by public donations. Contributions are tax deductible to the extent the law allows. To inquire about Gallery hours and volunteer opportunities, as well as donor information, call 765-289-8575.


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Handcraft Artisans Featured at Artworks in June

ArtWorks Gallery featured artisan for the month of June is Ben Holland. Ben will be exhibiting his unique vintage camera lamps. Other artisans that will feature their work for the month of June are Sean Hale's knives, Shad Peters' original handcrafted instruments, and David DelaGardelle and his hand carved walking sticks and staves.

Artisans Reception: First Thursday Gallery Walk on June 4, 2009 from 5-8 pm

Where: ArtWorks Gallery; 301 S Walnut Suite 101 Muncie, IN; 765-288-2221

Gallery Hours: Open Mon-Sat. 11:30 am -5:30 pm

Contact: Chicqiela Elbert - 765-623-4708 (Cell)

ArtWorks Gallery is a non-profit cooperative gallery owned and staffed by local artists and artisans.



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"Corn and More" and June Happenings at The Artist Within

June at the Artist Within will feature drawings, paintings and prints by local artist Jim Kierein. Jim, a Ball State University graduate, taught art in the Muncie Community School system for many years before his retirement.

He has worked in a variety of mediums over the years and this exhibit will showcase his talents in several of them. Drawings in graphite and prismacolor, woodcuts, watercolors and oils make up "Corn and More". Kierein's artwork will be on display from June 2-27, 2009 with an artists' reception Thursday June 4th from 5-8pm.

"Art Camps Go Green"

Monday through Friday 9am-noon

Clay Camp Session 1: June 15-19 / 6 -8 year olds

Clay Camp Session 2: July 13-17 / 9-12 year olds

Clay Camp Session 3: August 3-7 / 9 year olds who have had Clay Camp experience or children over 12

Each camp is $125 and includes all materials, instruction, daily snack and a camp t-shirt.

Don't forget to check out the Art Mart's "Going Green". Their art camp is June 6-10 and is also M-F from 9-noon.

All campers will have their work on display at Gallery 308 in August.


Heidi J Hale will continue to offer jewelry classes in June on a "private class" setup...get a group of four or more and schedule your own class! Introductory through advanced courses offer you the opportunity to discover your "Jewelry Artist Within"....


Have you tried Art Clay Silver yet? We will continue to offer workshops on a "you set the time" basis...you only need 3 for Marti to come from Indy. We also carry the supplies and can fire your jewelry for you! Stop in to see samples of what you can do....


Throwing on the Potter's Wheel

Want to learn how to make pottery using the potter's wheel? Throwing lessons will continue throughout the summer.

Already know how? "Wheel Time" is for you...buy the clay and we bisque fire for you.
Pinch, coil and slab "hand building" with clay is also available.
Call for more information about working with clay and/or to schedule time.


"Live Music" and "Free Friday Nite Movies" return to the Downtown on Friday nights throughout the summer.

Visit: www.munciedowntown.com for times and titles and more info about what to do Downtown.

Don't forget Father's Day June 21st. Be sure to check our calendar for specials...painted pottery makes a perfect gift!


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2 Painters + 2 Potters Exhibit at Gordys

The summer exhibit at Gordy Fine Art and Framing will feature works by four area artists whose works both contrast and compliment the others. Titled "2 Painters + 2 Potters," the show includes painters Eric Ernstberger and Margie Prim and potters, Kim Anderson and Carol Burt.

The opening reception will be held on Thursday, June 4th from 5 to 8 PM with light refreshments being served. The exhibit will continue through July 31st at the downtown gallery and frame studio. The public is invited to view the exhibit during the reception or normal business hours: Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5:30 PM, Saturday, 9 to 3.

Eric Ernstberger, well-known urban designer and principal of Rundell, Ernstberger Associates, LLC in Muncie, is quickly gaining recognition for his forceful abstract acrylic paintings. Alive in color, with an almost frenzied movement in application, buildings and landscapes dance with energy. These are contemporary and visually dynamic works. Explains the artist, "Painting for me is expression in the raw... an intensely focused yet spontaneous moment."

Margie Prim, like Ernstberger, also paints with a knife. Her landscape and still life paintings also vibrate with an energetic application, this time with oil paints. A different kind of vibrancy in color and surface tension moves the viewer's eyes over Indiana fields, tree lines, street scenes. While both artists paint buildings, Prim's focus is on historical places, threatened by neglect, that she can "save" on her well-tended canvas.

Like the two painters, the two potters exhibit similarities in their work as well as great differences. Well established in their field, Kim Anderson and Carol Burt both throw on potter's wheels to create vases, cups, plates, and other utilitarian objects which they finish with beautiful glazes. Anderson has created a body of work around the female figure, with reference to Venus and other ancient forms and her ongoing investigation about woman as vessel.

Burt is a well-known Muncie art teacher with numerous awards and grants to her credit. Her love affair with clay took a serious turn in 2002, and she began exhibiting in juried shows in 1990. Experiments with the firing process produced works of soda fired stoneware, raku, wood fired and gas reduction fired pieces. The feminine again shows in the clay, this time in scale, form, and decoration.

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



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Minnetrista Hosts Garden Fair 2009

Garden Fair at Minnetrista is coming! This favorite weekend community event offers practical information for the home gardener including demonstrations, vendors, tours, and much, much more.

The weekend kicks off Friday, June 5 at 6 p.m. with Culinary Art! A Touch of Glass. Join us for a sampling of great food and great art. Watch as chefs from the American Culinary Federation prepare artistic appetizers and desserts. Guests can also visit the galleries for the opening of Sand and Fire: A Juried Glass Show.

Cost: $15 per person, includes 2 drink tickets, samplings of appetizers and desserts, and admission to Sand and Fire: A Juried Glass Show. RSVP by Monday, June 1. Space is limited, so call early! For reservations, call (765) 213-3549.

Garden Fair continues in traditional fashion Saturday, June 6 from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. with free admission and free parking. The public is invited to enjoy shopping in the Garden Fair Vendors Tent, demonstrations, refreshments, and much more. Shopping continues Sunday, June 7 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. offering gardeners one last opportunity to purchase their plant selections and unique garden accents. Members of several local garden interest groups will also be set up under the tent prepared to share their knowledge and expertise about specific aspects of gardening.

For more information on this event, please visit www.minnetrista.net.

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



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Torch Song Trilogy at Muncie Civic Theatre

Muncie Civic Theatre presents Torch Song Trilogy, a collection of three plays by Harvey Fierstein, in the Studio Theatre. Muncie Civic will perform the second and third part of the trilogy rotating on different nights, and audience members can enjoy one part by itself or both parts equally. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for college students.

A very personal story that is both funny and poignant, Torch Song Trilogy chronicles a gay man's search for love and respect in a world that seems not especially made for him.

Armed with a keenly developed sense of humor and oftentimes piercing wit, Arnold Beckoff continues to test the commonly accepted terms of endearment - and endurance - in a universally affecting story that confirms that happiness is well worth carrying a torch for.

Parts 2 & 3 of the trilogy are five years apart and stand on their own, spotlighting different phases in the life of Arnold. Written by Tony Award-winning actor and playwright Harvey Fierstein.

Fugue in a Nursery - Part 2 of the Trilogy
Thursday, May 28th - 8:00pm & Saturday, May 30th - 8:00pm
Friday, June 5th - 8:00pm & Sunday, June 7th - 2:00pm

In part two of the Torch Song Trilogy, Arnold Beckhoff and Alan, a young fashion model, are settling into a blissful existence together. All seems to be well until they spend the weekend with Arnold's ex-lover, Ed, who left Arnold for a heterosexual relationship with Laurel. The two couples are forced to question themselves and their relationships while attempting to define the true meaning of love.

Widows and Children First! - Part 3 of the Trilogy
Friday, May 29th - 8:00pm & Sunday, May 31st - 2:00pm
Thursday, June 4th - 8:00pm & Saturday, June 6th - 8:00pm

Five years after the action in Fugue in a Nursery, this third installment of the trilogy finds Arnold in his New York apartment raising a gay son and coming to terms with fatherhood. Arnold's world is shaken when he realizes that his greatest challenge remains the complicated relationship with his mother who comes to visit for the first time. The story centers on accepting love in all its forms and the bonds of 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. Tickets are also available at the door one hour prior to the show, but seating is limited.

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


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Animal Secrets Exhibit Opens Saturday at Minnetrista

Where does a chipmunk sleep? What does an eagle feed its young? How do mother bats find their babies in a cave? In Animal Secrets, open May 23 through September 6 visitors to Minnetrista will learn the answers to these questions and more as they explore the hidden habitats and secret lives of forest animals.

"Animal Secrets builds on children's natural curiosity about the world around them and helps foster a sense of wonder about nature," said Amanda Hicks, marketing manager. "The exhibit is designed to encourage family learning and to help young children develop science skills through play and exploration. The exhibit also offers parents tips on how to encourage their children's interest in science."

Animal Secrets is specially designed for children ages 3 through 8, preschool to third grade school groups, and has English and Spanish text panels.

In Animal Secrets, visitors discover nature from an animal's point of view as they explore a stream, meadow, woodland, cave and naturalists' tent. Visitors see the world from an eagle's nest, pretend to be a chipmunk and gather food for the winter, and help a raccoon family escape from a hungry fox! Then, visitors can play the role of a naturalist and discover more about the animals that live in the woods by examining tracks, skulls, fur, bones and other real specimens.

Using imaginative role-play and hands-on activities, visitors can explore Animal Secrets in five naturalistic environments: stream, woodland, meadow, cave and naturalists' tent.

Animal Secrets was produced and is toured by the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, Portland, Oregon. The exhibit was made possible with funds provided by the National Science Foundation (NSF). Additional support provided by the Collins Foundation and Meyer Memorial Trust.

Minnetrista hours: Mon. - Sat., 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., Sun., 11 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Admission is FREE to members. General Admission is $4 child/student; $6 senior; $7 adult.

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.


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Two Johnnys - New Restaurant is Open Downtown

A hearty downtown welcome to our newest restaurant, Two Johnnys. Now open for business and serving home-cooked food Mondays through Wednesdays, 10:30am to 3pm, Thursdays and Fridays 10am to 10pm, and Saturdays 5 to 10pm.

Two Johnnys is located in the Rose Court building, at the corner of Charles and Mulberry Streets in Downtown Muncie, Indiana. Like all of our restaurants and shops downtown, Two Johnnys is independently owned and operated.

Stay tuned for details!


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Harvest Moon Film Festival Call for Entries

The third annual Harvest Moon Film Festival, which will take place November 12 - 14, 2009, in Downtown Muncie, is now accepting film submissions. The Harvest Moon Film Festival awards prizes in the areas of feature length, short film, documentary, and student film. The top film receives a $3,000 grand prize and additional prizes are awarded in each category. Selected filmmakers will be spotlighted throughout the weekend.

Harvest Moon Film Festival is looking for documentaries, short films, feature length films, and student films in any genre. Accepted films will be shown during the festival. Films can be submitted at www.harvestmoonfilmfestival.com through Withoutabox, an Amazon affiliate, or through a paper submission form located on the website. Please refer to the website for submission guidelines, fees, and additional information. Selected films will be announced in September.
Film submissions can also be submitted in person to the Harvest Moon Film Festival office at Cornerstone Center for the Arts, 520 East Main Street in Muncie.

Additional events the weekend of November 12-14 will include numerous film screenings at multiple locations, the Gala Dinner & Awards Ceremony, Education Seminar, which presents an opportunity to learn about filmmaking through interaction with filmmakers and film professors, and Filmmaker question and answer time with the community. Keep an eye on www.harvestmoonfilmfestival.com for complete festival details.

For additional information contact Robby Tompkins at 765.281.9503 ext. 23 or email at rtompkins@cornerstonearts.org.


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