The arts scene in Muncie is in an exciting period of growth and transition. Barely a month ago, Muncie Arts and Culture Council along with the City of Muncie hosted the inaugural Mayor’s Arts Awards. It was a fabulous event at Minnetrista, allowing the community to recognize and honor the talent and dedication of over 40 artists and arts advocates.
This was immediately followed by a grand, city sesquicentennial Arts Walk planned and executed by the Downtown Development Partnership and MACC. If you allowed the cold to keep you away, you really missed out; the interactive sculpture installed at Canan Commons by DDP was a huge hit!
First Thursdays are always fun evenings with special exhibits and programs at the downtown galleries and shops. It’s generally impossible to single out any one venue or activity. However, Nov. 5, 2015, will be highlighted by a significant transition. It will be the final First Thursday at Gordy Fine Art and Framing that will be hosted by Genny and Brian Gordy.
For 25 years, the Gordys have nurtured the arts in Muncie — through first-class, museum-quality framing, art restoration, showcasing many of the finest artists in our region, providing opportunities for emerging artists to exhibit, and constantly advocating for the arts and Muncie. We all wish them well in their next chapter as they retire from the gallery, but certainly not from the arts or the community.
Fortunately for Muncie, the company is being acquired by arts aficionados Carl and Barbara Schafer. Carl, until last week, was the associate director of the David Owsley Museum of Art, and Barbara administers the grants program at the Muncie Children’s Museum. We can look forward to a continuation of the high quality set by Brian and Genny, as well as some new initiatives showcasing the talents and expertise of Carl and Barbara. Be sure to drop by the gallery this First Thursday for hugs and beautiful watercolors by three artists selected by Brian for this very special show.
That’s the transition. The next phase of growth is centered on the old Cintas Building. On Nov. 18, MACC will facilitate an Artist Call-Out. Artists of all mediums are invited. There will be a walking tour of the building 5-5:30 p.m., followed by a brainstorming session to determine our community’s interest in how the space will be used, as well as facility needs.
As an artist/maker, are you looking for studio space? Do you need access to various tools and equipment? What other resources are needed but not currently available? It’s all up for discussion on the 18th. Watch for additional information and join in helping MACC move this project forward.
The final news for November is about the Annual Public Meeting hosted by Muncie Arts and Culture Council every November. Please join us on Nov. 23 at Minnetrista from noon to 1:30 for networking over lunch, a recap of 2015 activities, ideas and opportunities for 2016 and election of new board members. If you have nominations for the board, we would appreciate receiving them by Nov. 16, although nominations may also be made from the floor. Also, RSVPs for lunch are appreciated, though not required (no cost for lunch). In both cases, email sherri@munciearts.org.
The arts are kicking it in Muncie; be a part of it!