Muncie Matters

ENTERTAINMENT NEWS:

Next Free Concert by America's Hometown Band is at Westside Park, Muncie -- June 18, 7:30 pm

"Solos in the Night" is the next performance in AHB's summer series of free, public outdoor concerts: "Songs in the City 2026" – their 38th year.

This ‘AHB's Got Talent' concert by the 65-member America's Hometown Band puts a proud focus on several soloists and small music groups from within the band, front row to back.

The concert area at Westside is on the lawn, near the playground entrance from White River Pkwy, 2400 West. Bring lawn-chair seating or a lawn blanket... and pals. For directions: (https://www.muncie.in.gov/egov/apps/locations/facilities.egov?view=detail;id=41).

AHB "Songs in the City 2026" -- the 38th Free Summer Concert Series by America's Hometown Band of Muncie.

FSSA To Survey SNAP Recipients About Smart SNAP

The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration will conduct the Healthy Food, Healthy Life Survey on June 9, 2026, to evaluate the impact of the Smart SNAP.

This anonymous survey will be offered every six months to SNAP recipients to gather information about SNAP knowledge, shopping routines, and eating and drinking behaviors.

FSSA will contact SNAP recipients via text message at 43816 to participate in the survey. The text message will include a link that takes recipients directly to the survey. Participating in the survey is voluntary and will not impact a household's SNAP benefits.

FSSA will conduct a second in-depth dietary recall survey for a sample of SNAP recipients in 2026 and 2027. Participation in that survey will also be voluntary, and FSSA will recruit volunteers via text message.

About Smart SNAP
FSSA launched the Smart SNAP on January 1, 2026, as part of Governor Mike Braun's Make Indiana Healthy Again initiative, which excludes the purchase of sugary drinks and candy using SNAP benefits in Indiana.

https://www.in.gov/fssa/dfr/snap-food-assistance/smart-snap/?

Smart SNAP Breadcrumbs DFR SNAP (Food Assistance) Current: Smart SNAP Smart SNAP BackgroundGovernor Braun signed Executive Order 25-55: Making Indiana Healthy Again by Enhancing Nutrition in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program on April 15, 2025, instructing the FSSA Division of Family Resources to ap...

June 4th - 5:00 to 8:00 pm
First Thursday Opening Party

Brian Gordy - Watercolors

6:15 Artist Talks

Refreshments will be served.

Celebrate the Brink of Summer ArtsWalk with an opening party for Watercolors by Brian Gordy, one of Indiana's most accomplished watercolor painters. Brian and his wife, Genny, established Gordy Fine Art and Framing in 1989. This is Brian's first solo exhibition at the gallery since 2023.

"Brian Gordy's paintings remain central to the identity and legacy of this gallery,” said the owners, Barbara and Carl Schafer. "His work reflects decades of observation of the natural world and a deep understanding of watercolor as a medium.”

A signature member of the American Watercolor Society, Transparent Watercolor Society of America, Watercolor Society of Indiana, and the Red River Watercolor Society, Brian has exhibited throughout the United States and earned numerous awards for his paintings. His work is included in the permanent collections of Minnetrista, the Sheldon Swope Art Museum, and the Richmond Art Museum. He has also received the designation of Indiana Artisan for his paintings.

Throughout his career, Brian has painted the rivers, wetlands, forests, and wildlife of the Midwest. His celebrated series of turtle paintings continues to evolve as an exploration of light, movement, resilience, and ecological balance. “The subject of water in nature is an overarching theme in my work,” said Brian. “I think of it as a theater where reflections, living forms, and shifting surfaces interact in ways that constantly surprise me as a painter.”

The exhibit will be on view with works for sale in the gallery through August 29, 2026.

Celebrate the Revamp of "Designed by the Public" & MuncieArts' Birthday

A public celebration of the revitalized “Designed by the Public” spaces will take place on Thursday, June 18. Community members are invited to visit the Ivy Tech Fisher Building Plaza (345 S. High Street, Muncie) from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. to enjoy community activities and friendly games of co****le.

Continue the celebration at MadJax Maker Force (515 E. Main Street) during Third Thursday with Muncie Makers Market from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Enjoy refreshments at both locations to celebrate MuncieArts 15th birthday.

Community members are invited to explore the refreshed "Designed by the Public,” connect with local creatives, and celebrate the power of public art in Muncie.

"Designed by the Public," by Tatiana Bilbao ESTUDIO, was originally designed as part of Exhibit Columbus and refreshed by Muncie artist Aaron Nicholson.

MuncieArts The Muncie Arts and Culture Council supports and celebrates art and culture in Muncie, Indiana. Learn more about our programs and initiatives!

Summer Songs in the City, 2026

Starting with “June Tunes”, AHB announces its first four concert dates of the summer:

June 4th: Thursday at 7:00 pm - ‘America the Beautiful.’
3 AHB Woodwind Groups, plus vocals from members of Masterworks Chorale
Indoors at Minnetrista’s Indiana Room 1200 N Minnetrista Pkwy, Muncie.

June 9th, Tuesday. 7:00 pm -
‘Jazzin’ on Down the Road’
AHB Big Band led by Larry McWilliams
Outdoors at the Civic Green Pavilion
in Yorktown, IN at 9400 W St Rd 32

June 11th, Thursday, 7:30 pm -
“Swingin’ with the Great Ones”
AHB Big Band led by Larry McWilliams
Indoors in the auditorium
at Cornerstone Center for the Arts,
500 E Washington St., Muncie

June 18th Thursday, 7:30 pm -
Concert Band: “Solos in the Night”
Outdoors - lawn-chair seating
at Westside Park.

- Entrance at playground area -approx 2400 W White River Pkwy, Muncie

- More to come from AHB for July, August, & September Concert Dates …

America’s Hometown Band of Muncie begins its 38th Summer of Free, Public Concerts in Muncie.

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Charles W. Brown Planetarium

May-June 2026 Free Show Schedule

All planetarium programs are free; cash donations are accepted at the door. No tickets or reservations are required for these public planetarium shows.

One World, One Sky: Big Bird’s Adventure

Fridays, May 22 and June 12 and 26 at 5:00 p.m.

Saturdays, May 23 and June 13, 27 at 3:30 p.m.

Take an imaginary trip from Sesame Street to the moon, find shapes in the sky, and find the North Star in this cross-cultural adventure with Big Bird, Elmo, and their friend Hu Hu Zhu from China.
Perfect for families and groups with learners in pre-K through 1st grade; all ages are welcome.


Quasars & Black Holes: Kurzgesagt on the Dome

Fridays, May 22 and June 12 and 26 at 6:30 p.m.

Saturdays, May 23 and June 13, 27 at 6:30 p.m.

In this fast-paced program, explore the most massive objects in the universe with new planetarium shorts from “Kurzgesagt – In a Nutshell,” the award-winning YouTube creators who make complex science accessible, accompanied by a live discussion on the latest discoveries.

Recommended for ages 12 and up.



SEEING: A Look Inside the Eye

Saturdays, May 23 and June 13, 27 at 5:00 p.m.

Narrated by Neil deGrasse Tyson, follow a photon’s creation and journey across the galaxy to a stargazer’s eye where we learn about the eye, taking a ride on the optic nerve.

Recommended for ages 12 and up.


Program Information

The planetarium is located at the west end of the Cooper Science Building, 2111 W. Riverside Ave., in Muncie.
General public planetarium shows are free of charge unless otherwise noted.

No reservations or tickets are required unless otherwise noted. Cash donations are accepted at the door.

Programs start promptly at the advertised time. Doors close once full or five (5) minutes after showtime, and no entry is permitted after that time. The room gets dark after the start time, and we strongly recommend arriving early.

Doors open 30 minutes before showtime. We recommend arriving early, as seating is done on a first-come, first-served basis and seating is limited. We offer hands-on activities before most shows.

Programs run approximately 50 minutes long and include a live sky tour.

We ask that no food, drinks, gum, or candy be brought inside the planetarium.

Please silence or turn off all cellphones and other electronic devices that emit light, and keep them put away during programs. We also ask that light-up shoes not be worn in the planetarium.
Children should be accompanied by an adult. If you’re unsure whether a program is age-appropriate, please contact the planetarium.
The planetarium, along with the entire Ball State campus, is a tobacco-free environment.


For more information, visit the planetarium website at https://www.bsu.edu/planetarium.

Charles W. Brown Planetarium Attend a free public show and see why Ball State University's planetarium is considered one of the best in the country. Groups may also reserve private showings. And the planetarium produces its own shows, which others may lease.

Muncie Arts invites the community to celebrate eight extraordinary public artworks during Art for the People, a special event made possible through a $500,000 investment from the City of Muncie using American Rescue Plan funds. This initiative marks a major milestone in our city's cultural landscape, highlighting creativity, community, and public art.

Join us for an exciting weekend on April 24–25, 2026, featuring neighborhood celebrations, live music, and a variety of family-friendly activities.

This event is all about honoring the creativity and voices of our community, as well as the artists who helped bring these works to life.

We are grateful to our partners and sponsors, including the Zeigler Foundation, Destination: Muncie, and the Ball State Office of Community Engagement, whose contributions make this celebration possible.

“First Thursday Gallery Walk” March 5th, 2026

(Muncie, Indiana) – The First Thursday monthly gallery walk will be held in Downtown Muncie on March 5th from 5-8 pm. Please join us for the following events:

111 Arts Gallery
111 E. Main

111 Arts Gallery will host an art celebration. There will be Mr. Flashmachine tattoo specials from this iconic set, starting with set one in March. Stop in, get tattooed, view the museum, and learn the history of tattooing in Muncie, Indiana, or even the world!

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Art at the Murray
405 S. Walnut (upstairs between the Caffeinery & Atty. Frank Brinkman's)

Gallery Flaneur (aka Mark Sawrie) presents: Nothing To See Hear. New and 'old' photographs exhibiting wryly somber compositions of banal/sublime environments (many here in Muncie) will be on display. Adult refreshments will be served. 5-8pm.

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Cornerstone Center for the Arts
520 E. Main

Join us for First Thursday on March 5 from 5 - 8 pm for our monthly First Thursday arts walk! This month is also our Winter Celebration, celebrating live performances and visual art from our winter semester students. Bring some sunglasses to decorate and make a free Swiftie bracelet with local artist Debra Gindhart Dragoo. All beads and supplies (except for sunglasses) are provided. Vendors, displays, and performances are all located in the 1st-floor Colonnade Room.

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Gordy Fine Art & Framing Co.
224 E. Main

Gordy Fine Art & Framing Company to present an exhibition of Kevin Campbell’s Puzzle Project, 5-8pm.

Gordy Fine Art & Framing Company will open Kevin Campbell: The Puzzle Project, Thursday March, 5 – 8 pm, featuring groupings of puzzle pieces that the artist cuts from plywood and paints individually. Each grouping has a place in a much larger puzzle that could be assembled if all the pieces were brought together. The Puzzle Project is a work of art with no edges, so it can be added to and grow indefinitely. The exhibit will be anchored by a composite image of what the entire puzzle would look like if fully assembled. Throughout the evening, Campbell will be on hand to engage with viewers and answer questions. Light refreshments will be served, and the public is invited to attend.

At 6:15, Campbell will speak about the project and how it has evolved since he began in 1994.

All the puzzle groupings express the interconnectedness of the natural world. Each individual piece is “inherently part of something larger than itself,” says Campbell, speaking about the idea that has driven his art for decades. “As it grows, pieces and groups of pieces are separated and treated as individual works of art.” These groups will be hung and for sale in the Gordy gallery. Those who own a piece of the Puzzle Project will forever have a place in the larger composition.

“Works of art are often referred to as ‘pieces of art,’” says Gordy owner Carl Schafer. “For Kevin Campbell, this is literally true. He is making only one work of art, but it has many pieces. Campbell has placed no boundaries on his single work of art. It can continue forever, and each piece will always have its place.”

The exhibit will be on view in the gallery, with works for sale, through March 28, 2026.

Gordy Fine Art and Framing Company promotes talented artists, provides appraisals, enlarges and digitally restores photographs, restores antique frames, and offers expert design and craftsmanship for the framing and display of treasured family possessions and works of art. Business hours: Monday through Friday, 9 am – 5:30 pm, Saturday, 10 am – 3 pm. Gordy Fine Art and Framing Company is located at 224 East Main Street, next door to Muncie Civic Theatre. For more information, visit www.gordyframing.com or call 765-284-8422
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Hoosier Made
108 S. Walnut

We’re excited to feature Tim Passmore at Hoosier Made inside the historic Patterson Block Building for First Thursday! Tim’s handcrafted wood pieces showcase incredible craftsmanship, creativity, and a deep appreciation for natural materials. During the evening, Tim will be demonstrating how his artwork is made, giving you a behind-the-scenes look at his process and the skill that goes into every piece. Join us for First Thursday from 5-8pm, and meet Tim, see his beautiful creations up close, and experience local artistry in action. Hoosier Made will be open late until 8PM for the event!
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Idia Lab
119 W. Charles St.

Ball State University’s IDIA Lab, part of the Estopinal College of Architecture and Planning, will showcase videos of recent animation, virtual reality, and interactive projects during Muncie’s First Thursday on February 5, from 5–8 p.m., at the ECAP Downtown Space, 306 South Walnut Street. In addition, IDIA Lab will present virtual reality experiences from Echoes of Muncie: An AR Architectural Heritage Tour, first launched during Summer ArtsWalk. Using your mobile device as a window into the past, you can explore immersive 3D reconstructions of several historic downtown landmarks, including the Wysor Block Building, the Wysor Grand Opera House, and the former Delaware County Courthouse—right on their original sites. This project is made possible through the support of Muncie Downtown Development and the Ball Brothers Foundation. Stop by and visit us!
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The Songwriter Sessions at Elm Street Brewing Co.
519 North Elm St.

The Songwriter Sessions is a monthly event where local and regional songwriters share the art of original music and the stories behind the songs. The event is held in conjunction with Muncie's First Thursday. It runs from 8-10pm at Elm Street Brewing Co, 519 North Elm Street, after the main First Thursday events, as an after-party where you can unwind and listen to awesome live music performed by the creators. The March event features Anna Owens and Joel Weir, both from Indianapolis. You may find details here or on The Songwriter Sessions page.

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Information on all First Thursday events (including photographs) can also be found at https://muncieevents.com/event/11498

March's First Thursday (full listing) - Mar 5, 2026 - Muncie Events 111 Arts Gallery 111 E. Main111 Arts Gallery will be having a celebration of art. There will be Mr. Flashmachine tattoo specials from this iconic set starting with set one for the month of March. Stop in, get tattooed, view the museum, and learn the tattoo history of Muncie, Indiana or even the...

Dear Friend of the Arts,

Help Shape the Future of the Muncie Arts and Culture Council

The Muncie Arts and Culture Council (MuncieArts) needs to hear from you about how we can best serve our community.

We’re hosting a series of small focus groups to gather ideas, insights, and perspectives from artists, creatives, supporters, partners, and community members who care about where Muncie’s arts ecosystem is headed. These conversations will help inform the Council's future priorities, partnerships, and strategies. Focus groups are designed to be informal, welcoming, and discussion-based. This is an opportunity to share what you see, what you value, and what you hope for in the years ahead.

You can use this form to express interest in participating in a focus group. Please email our facilitator, Eric Molho ([email protected]) with any questions or scheduling issues regarding the focus groups.

In-Person Focus Groups (downtown Muncie)

All in-person sessions will last approximately 60 minutes.

Tuesday, February 10
• 12:00–1:00 p.m.
• 5:30–6:30 p.m.
• 7:30–8:30 p.m.

Wednesday, February 11
• 12:00–1:00 p.m.
• 5:30–6:30 p.m.
• 7:30–8:30 p.m.

Online Focus Groups

For those who prefer to participate virtually, we’re also offering two online sessions:

Wednesday, February 18
• 6:00–7:00 p.m.
• 8:00–9:00 p.m.

Whether you’re deeply involved in the arts, a longtime supporter, or someone who simply believes creativity matters to Muncie’s future, your voice is important. These conversations will directly shape the direction of the Muncie Arts and Culture Council. We hope you’ll join us. More details about locations and registration will be shared soon. We look forward to listening, learning, and imagining what’s next — together.

(Please excuse any cross-postings.)

All are welcome! Thanks for forwarding this information to others you know and/or in your organization. We appreciate your interest and support.

All the best,

Tania Said

Muncie Arts Council Focus Groups Please click the link to complete this form.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

“First Thursday Gallery Walk” February 5th, 2026

(Muncie, Indiana) – The First Thursday monthly gallery walk will be held in Downtown Muncie on February 5th from 5-8 pm. Please join us for the following events:

February's First Thursday (full listing) - Feb 5, 2026 - Muncie Events 111 Arts Gallery 111 E. MainIvan Harmon will be doing solo art show of paintings on canvas for February’s First Thursday.Cornerstone Center for the Arts520 E. MainJoin us this month for February's First Thursday from 5-8pm. Shop from local vendors, explore and purchase the work of local photo...