2024 Columns #2 by minnetristamuncie

a from Brian not e

Hello, Friends of Minnetrista,

In this issue of Columns, you will learn about some of our exciting artifacts, exhibitions, and programs, plus some of the people who help Minnetrista serve East Central Indiana. This issue also includes the framework for Minnetrista’s new strategic plan—the first new strategic plan we have had since the pandemic. We based this framework on helpful and candid input from our members, our Board of Trustees, staff, volunteers, and the community at large.

The framework contains four goals, each designed to make us a stronger, more relevant organization. The first two goals focus on what we do for our visitors and community. Goal one calls for us to create worldclass experiences for our community and beyond. We were founded to be a museum for and about East Central Indiana, and that always will be our focus, but we have added exhibitions and programs that appeal to a world-wide audience, including the important history of the Ball family and, of course, the magic of Bob Ross. Goal two calls for us to create better connections with all people in East Central Indiana so that everyone truly feels Minnetrista is a place that welcomes them and is relevant to them—a place where all people belong.

The next two goals focus on our internal strength as an organization. Goal three calls for us to maintain a strong team of staff, volunteers, Board members, and committee members to ensure we deliver on the promises we have made (and will continue to make) to the community. Goal four addresses our financial sustainability, so we can grow stronger and more independent to better fulfill our mission.

Because you are supporters of Minnetrista, I hope the framework resonates with you as a way for us to match our founders’ intent while evolving to better serve East Central Indiana. For those who do not know us like you do, the framework may prompt the question: “So what?” In other words, why should the average person care about our strategic plan, or Minnetrista?

As you know, Minnetrista is a place for families, friends, and neighbors to gather to enjoy exhibitions, programs, events, and the splendor of our gardens, grounds, and nature area. It is a place to learn about our history, celebrate our culture, and dream big for the future. We have work to do to spread that message – we need to be able to answer the question “so what?” with specific examples of what we do to help improve the lives of everyone around us. We will have to prove our relevance and worth every single day, but the hard work is worth it, because our community is worth it. If you have questions or suggestions about the framework, please contact me —I would love to speak with you.

Thank you for being a friend to Minnetrista!

president & ceo

columns

Editor Jennifer Parks-Strack

Designer Jeremy Pittsford

Contributing Writers

Lindsey Horan, Chief Operating Officer

Jennifer Parks-Strack, Director of Development

Mindy Price, Collections Manager

Lily Rawson, Adult & Studio Programs Manager

Tania Said, VP of Exhibitions & Programs

Susan Smith, Archivist

Brian Statz, President & CEO

Photographers

Chris Carroll

Brea Cunningham

Chloe Newman

ISSN: 2152-6176

Columns magazine is published three times each year and distributed by Minnetrista without charge to its members. Comments or questions should be directed to Jennifer Parks-Strack at 765.287.3504 , or jparks-strack@minnetrista.net

1200 North Minnetrista Parkway Muncie, IN 47303–2925

Thank you to our columns sponsor.

INDIANA TRUST Wealth Management

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Max Fettchenhauer grew up in Bloomington, Indiana. He moved to Muncie in 2019 to attend Ball State University. Max is excited for his role as the Daily Experience Manager and is eager to continue making Minnetrista a wonderful gathering place for the community. Outside of work, Max loves going to the movie theatre and spending time with friends.

With a degree in English creative writing, Ellis Smalley, Grants Manager, is excited to join the development team at Minnetrista and learn the ins and outs of grant writing. They have previously worked in university archives, where they organized, digitized, and researched rare and special materials. They also have experience as an ad writer for nonprofits and as a freelance proofreader. When not at work, Ellis can often be found listening to an audiobook while working on a craft, birdwatching along the White River, or reading a graphic novel.

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strategic plan a renewed

by jennifer parks-strack

Earlier this year, Minnetrista Museum & Gardens engaged the services of the Indianapolis-based organization Hedges to create a framework for a new five-year strategic plan. This framework was created with input from the Board of Trustees, Minnetrista staff, and other key stakeholders.

This strategic plan will guide Minnetrista’s decision-making from 2024 to 2029. In the weeks to come, we will be working to identify objectives and set specific tasks framework to set specific tasks for our organization and personnel, to make sure we have a clear direction to fulfill our mission and serve this community.

STRATEGIC PLAN VISION:

Minnetrista Museum & Gardens is recognized as a unique, welcoming, and creative place where all people can grow and connect.

GOAL ONE: World Class Experiences

STRATEGY 1.A: Deliver meaningful and relevant experiences that attract and engage visitors from across our East Central Indiana communities and beyond.

STRATEGY 1.B: Revitalize the campus to create a more accessible, unified, and dynamic space that creates the feeling “you’re at Minnetrista.”

GOAL TWO: Purposeful Community Partnerships

STRATEGY 2.A: Utilize a refreshed vision, mission, and values to better tell the story of Minnetrista as a welcoming, inclusive community partner and asset.

STRATEGY 2.B: Foster greater connection through authentic collaborations with people, communities, schools, and organizations.

GOAL THREE: Strong Minnetrista Team

STRATEGY 3.A: Assemble and empower the diverse teams needed to deliver on Minnetrista’s mission and serve all our audiences.

STRATEGY 3.B: Enhance team development, support, and communication to promote greater role effectiveness and a sense of belonging.

GOAL FOUR: Focused Financial Sustainability

STRATEGY 4.A: Maximize earned income through retail, hospitality, admissions, programs, and events.

STRATEGY 4.B: Cultivate intentional donor relationships and community partnerships to continue to grow and diversify fundraising revenue.

canning in the collections

What can you make with the food you can?

The types of dishes are endless! Cold, hot, savory, sweet, all are possible with homecanned produce.

The original Ball Blue Book recipes were created and tested in the home kitchen of Frances and George Ball. Frances collected recipes from friends and family and then, along with her own recipes, tested and perfected them in her kitchen. George wrote the accompanying instructions in a clear manner so home cooks could easily follow along. Together, the couple worked until the recipes were delicious and accessible. Their young daughter Elisabeth said that she was “quite proud and thrilled that Father and Mother were doing

Ball Blue Book recipes may look a bit unusual compared to modern food trends. Recipe titles, ingredients, and methods all make for fun and

One unusual title is “Rummage Pickles,” which incorporates whatever vegetables are available or left over: green tomatoes, onions, red and green peppers, cabbage, and cucumbers. Other unfamiliar recipes include “Bar

Le Duc,” a gooseberry or currant recipe; “Tutti Fruiti Jelly,” which includes white currants, red raspberries, strawberries, and sour cherries; and “Sweet Pickle Strawberries,” which uses only strawberries, sugar, and vinegar.

A few of these recipes call for some rather unconventional ingredients. For “Chow Chow,” or “Mixed Pickles,” the list includes nasturtium seeds and “martinis,” which are not olives but instead juniper berries. “Currant Relish” contains not only currants, but also raisins, oranges, lemons, and their rinds.

mindy price and susan smith

Ball Blue Book, 1934

Use a pressure canner for low-acid foods, like meat and vegetables, to avoid botulism. This pressurized compartment should hold at least four quart-size jars. The wire rack inside is needed to keep the jars at a safe distance from the heat source so the glass doesn’t crack.

Canning jars and lids

Ball Perfect Mason glass jars are an example of a jar designed specifically for the canning process.

Canning jar lifter

This style of tongs is designed to grip securely around the

While you can still find in-person canning demonstrations and workshops, now you can also watch online tutorials from the comfort of your home.

You can also purchase home canning kits from many major retailers. These kits contain the canning essentials you are not likely to already have in your kitchen.

Using a funnel with a large mouth will help avoid a mess

After filling the jar, use this tool to remove air bubbles

All of these items found in the Minnetrista Heritage Collection, from the canning kits, document the Ball brothers’ efforts to create a company that promotes the accessibility and versatility of canning.

Does your family have a favorite canning recipe?

These will provide a better grip than oven mitts and

This is an essential piece of equipment to ensure the

Home canning can be a lot of fun, but it can also be overwhelming to get started alone. In addition as a helpful guide, the Ball Brothers Company hired women like Gladys Kimbrough as home economists. These women traveled the country to demonstrate food preservation and canning methods using Ball’s latest products for homemakers, clubs, fairs, and schools.

Are you excited to try your hand at home canning?

Share your stories at info@ minnetrista.net. We also encourage you to join us at Minnetrista this fall to learn more about the history of canning in America during periods of war, pandemics, and economic unrest in our upcoming exhibit Crisis Canning

to browse our entire collection or minnetrista.net/heritage-collection

Frances Ball’s Chow Chow recipe, c. 1905

Canned pickles in Ball

by jennifer parks-strack

We believe there is a place for everyone at Minnetrista Museum & Gardens. Whether you are here every week or it’s been a while, we know that people connect to us in a variety of ways and with all kinds of interests!

We created eight profiles of how people might interact with Minnetrista as a fun celebration of the many ways that our community engages with us. Stay tuned for more information on this project!

Take a look and determine your Minnetrista identity!

nature enthusiast a place for everyone adventure guide

Your favorite parts of Minnetrista are the gardens and trails. You wander the grounds with your dog, run the trails for exercise, or play frisbee on the lawn with your friends. You always point out wild animal sightings and have hundreds of nature photos on your phone.

life-long learner

You are curious and always looking for new educational experiences. You love our exhibitions and have attended many of our workshops. You are no stranger to programs at Nebosham and are likely the ringer on your trivia team.

You know that the best playdates happen in the Backyard Garden, and you always have a snack on hand. You use Minnetrista in a variety of ways to facilitate adventure and learning for the littles in your life. You know where every restroom is on campus and what activities Betty’s Cabin has inside.

You have a variety of interests that you like to dabble in during your free time. You love Minnetrista because it’s a great local place for fascinating, hands-on opportunities to learn glass art or oil painting. Minnetrista might be special to you because it is the home of the Ball jar and Bob Ross.

happy little hobbyist historian

social butterfly

Saturday morning Farmers Markets are a weekly must-do. You can’t walk more than 5 feet without seeing someone you know, and you love to stop by every event in town. You always recommend Minnetrista to your friends, neighbors, and out-of-town visitors.

You are familiar with our online Heritage Collection and know about our vast reference library. You could probably lead a tour of the historical homes on the Boulevard. You have spent time working on your own family genealogy project and always look through the new books on local history at The Orchard Shop.

localvore

You love to shop local, so you frequently stop by The Orchard Shop and Farmers Market to check out all the goods. You love that Minnetrista is home to local history and tells the stories of Bob Ross and the Ball family. You may not visit Minnetrista as often as you want to, but you know it is important to the community.

cultural enthusiast

You visit every art show in town and are a Minnetrista member so that you get a first look at the exhibitions. You believe wholeheartedly that museums are important to the community and know what a treasure Minnetrista is. You own a piece of art from your favorite local artist.

your regionalmuseum & gardens

by lindsey horan

Did you know that Minnetrista’s home service area expands far past Delaware County where our campus is located? Our home region includes the six surrounding counties: Blackford, Grant, Henry, Jay, Madison, and Randolph! Through our collecting focus and programmatic offerings, Minnetrista seeks to demonstrate our regional mindset. Our pricing is even regional! Anyone with a home address in any of these East Central Indiana counties can access our discounted local tickets, just $8 each, or our Local Family membership for just $45 per household.

Our leadership is also regional. Meet the eight Trustees of our Board who currently represent our surrounding counties. These Trustees work hard to support Minnetrista and are always mindful to bring their home-county priorities, needs, and special stories to bear on Minnetrista’s work.

Kathryn Ludwig , Blackford County

Kathryn joined the Minnetrista Board in the spring of 2024 as the representative of the Blackford County Community Foundation. Kathryn is on faculty at Ball State University so has a unique perspective on Muncie.

What makes Blackford County special?

Blackford is a tight-knit community, in which families know each other well and show up to support each other. I grew up in suburbs and cities, so I appreciate the sense of belonging that comes with living in a small community. As a member of a farm family, I also appreciate our agricultural heritage and the beauty of our local landscape.

Nancy Dayton, Grant County

Our representative from Taylor University, Nancy has been a Minnetrista Trustee for two years. She serves as the Dean of Arts & Humanities at Taylor where she balances administrative duties with her teaching work.

Why did you agree to join the Minnetrista Board of Trustees?

I said yes to serving on the board since I believe it is important to support the arts community in north-central Indiana.

Katie Morgan Perez, Grant County

Katie is Minnetrista’s Board representative from the Grant County Community Foundation. She brings her significant nonprofit management expertise to help advance our mission and is also an important partner as the CEO of another regional cultural mainstay, Orchestra Indiana.

What is your favorite event at Minnetrista?

My favorite event at Minnetrista Museum and Gardens is the Garden Fair-this event in the spring is such a fun way for me to kick off my own gardening projects with great vendors and so many live plants!

Rebecca Gonya , Henry County

Representing the Henry County Community Foundation, entrepreneur Rebecca joined Minnetrista’s Board in 2024. She is the owner of Big O Tires in Newcastle and is active in many civic and community organizations around the region.

Darlesia Lee, Jay County

Darlesia joined the Board in 2024 as the representative of The Portland Foundation. She is a marketing creative and owner of Enario Studio, a photography business located in Jay County.

Why did you agree to join the Minnetrista

Board

of Trustees?

The mission of fostering a diverse community and extending Minnetrista’s reach to outer regions resonated with me. It aligns with my goal of helping others see that Minnetrista represents and supports us too. This is similar to my efforts within my own community to bridge gaps caused by different lived experiences.

Tim Fox, Madison County

Representing Anderson University, Tim has been serving on Minnetrista’s Board since 2023. This Professor of Spanish lives in Delaware County and works in Madison County, experiencing the best that both these great communities have to offer.

What is your favorite activity to do at Minnetrista?

I enjoy the variety of events that occur with the changing seasons at Minnetrista. My wife and I enjoy visiting the Farmer’s Market, the gardens, and the orchard during the summer and fall. We also enjoy walking on the nature trail in the fall and spring. Finally, we love visiting the campus during Christmas and enjoying the beautifully decorated Ball Homes, which has become a family tradition.

Matt Rust, Madison County

Matt represents the Madison County Community Foundation on the Board of Minnetrista and is one of our longest-serving Trustees, having joined in 2017. He brings his expertise in destination marketing to help Minnetrista reach a wider audience.

Why should the people of Madison County consider visiting Minnetrista?

There’s so many great things to see and be a part of at Minnetrista! The exhibits, the events, the beautiful grounds and property. Minnetrista is truly a “Gathering Place” and a short drive from Anderson and Madison County.

Marty Sulek, Randolph County

Our representative from the Randolph County Community Foundation, Marty is a fundraising expert and champion of civil society organizations. He is currently a Senior Fellow and affiliate faculty member of the LCC International University of Lithuania.

celebrating defur voran: champions of community and heritage

by lindsey horan

Minnetrista Museum & Gardens is delighted to acknowledge DeFur Voran as the presenting sponsor of our latest exhibition, Ball Stores. This exhibition delves into the rich history of the Ball Stores department stores, once a thriving hub of commerce across the East Central Indiana region. The flagship store in downtown Muncie, now a cherished memory, has a special place in our hearts—and in our community’s history. Today, DeFur Voran’s Muncie office building stands on this historic site. The owners include several DeFur Voran partners and a member of the Petty family— symbolizing a bridge between past and present.

DeFur Voran has been a steadfast partner to Minnetrista over the years, as our trusted legal counsel and through their generous sponsorship of a variety of offerings that align both organizations’ shared values. Their dedication to community investment is profoundly evident. Elizabeth Bell, Director of Operations at DeFur Voran, shares insights into the firm’s commitment: “At DeFur Voran, we aim to be responsible, involved, and active corporate citizens. Supporting Minnetrista and other community organizations and events is crucial to us because it demonstrates the firm’s dedication to contributing to the social and cultural fabric of the community.”

This partnership with Minnetrista is particularly meaningful for DeFur Voran. Bell explains, “Minnetrista is a cultural center and gathering place that embodies the values of education, heritage, and community engagement, which align with DeFur Voran’s commitment to civic responsibility. Investing in Minnetrista allows us to play a small role in all that they do to promote cultural growth and local pride.”

“The history of Ball Stores is significant to DeFur Voran, not only because our office is located where Ball Stores once stood, but also because it represents a key part of the local community and its development,” Bell shares. “Ball Stores was a central commercial hub, symbolizing the entrepreneurial spirit and economic growth that have shaped Muncie and Delaware County. For DeFur Voran, understanding and valuing this history underscores the firm’s deep-rooted connection to the community we serve.”

Through their generous support of the Ball Stores exhibition, DeFur Voran not only honors a vital piece of Muncie’s heritage but also reaffirms their unwavering commitment to fostering community and cultural enrichment. We are tremendously grateful for their partnership and look forward to many more years of collaboration in celebrating and preserving our shared history.

The Ball Stores exhibition is now open through the end of 2024. See it for free in the Minnetrista Heritage Gallery.

Learn more about DeFur Voran’s services at defur.com.

save the date to celebrate

bob

ross’ birthday!

by tania said with lily rawson

Mark your calendar for Saturday, October 26 at 2:30 p.m. to celebrate Bob Ross’ birthday with banana pudding!

Bob Ross, the American painter and star of “The Joy of Painting,” was born on October 29, 1942, and would be 82 years old this year. We’ll be celebrating his legacy and providing his favorite birthday treat—banana pudding— to at least the first 82 visitors who come to the Indiana Room at the Center Building.

According to Joan Kowalski, president of Bob Ross International, who knew Bob since she was in college, “He was always shy about his birthday, too much attention! He liked quiet better.”

Bob Ross would often say, ‘I like my birthday cuz it’s the one day out of the year I don’t have to pretend to be busy.’”

While you’re on campus to enjoy banana pudding, consider visiting the Bob Ross Experience to see our secondfloor gallery with the Majestic Mountain series of paintings on display starting October 26, or sign up for one of the Bob Ross painting workshops on Friday, October 25 or Saturday, October 26, taught by our new in-house Certified Ross Instructor, Joe Durham.

Joe is excited to join Minnetrista and celebrate Bob Ross’ birthday this year. He says, “To have the opportunity of celebrating the birthday of ‘TV’s Favorite Painter’ at Minnetrista is a monumental event. After all these years, and all the lives that Bob has touched, it is only right to celebrate where it all began.”

John Anderson

Ball State University

Ed Armantrout (Vice Chair) Civic Leader

Candace Bankovich

Muncie Power Products

Jake Benn IU Health–Ball Memorial Hospital

Faye Chechowich Civic Leader

Nancy Dayton Taylor University

Ermalene Faulkner Civic Leader

Tim Fox

Anderson University

Rebecca Gonya Big O Tires

Jeannine Harrold (Secretary) Civic Leader

Bob La France Ball State University

Darlesia Lee

Enario Studio

Kathryn Ludwig

Ball State University

Steve Moore (Chair) First Merchants Bank

Katie Morgan Perez

Orchestra Indiana

Tammy Phillips Ball Associates

Chuck Reynolds Muncie Community Schools

Matt Rust Civic Leader

Sara Shade Hamilton (Vice Chair)

Beasley & Gilkison, LLP

Steve Slavin

Coldwell Banker The Real Estate Group

Brian Statz

President & CEO Minnetrista

Marty Sulek Civic Leader

Judy Valos Civic Leader

Alisa Wells Ivy Tech Community College

emeritus trustees

Stefan S. Anderson

Douglas A. Bakken

Frank E. Ball*

Steve Bedi

James P. Borgmann

Frank A. Bracken*

Jack L. Demaree

Terri Matchett

John J. Pruis*

Jack Ronald*

Nancy J. Smith

*Deceased

Did you Stop by The Orchard Shop in the month of October to purchase a limited-edition Bob Ross birthday mug! know?

F. and Virginia B. Ball

and Marjorie Zeigler

First Merchants Private Wealth Advisors

upcoming exhibitions

hours

Wednesday–Saturday 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

Sunday Noon–5 p.m.

Monday & Tuesday Closed

September 2 & November 28 Closed

Imagination Playground

Now through September 1 | Center Building, Hackley Gallery

Hoosier Salon: A Century of Artistry from the Heritage Collection

Now through September 8 | Center Building, Gallery 1

Knowing Nature: Stories of the Boreal Forest

Now through September 22 | Center Building, Gallery 3

Deep Roots: Exploring the Ball Family Tree

Opens September 21 | Oakhurst Gallery

Step into the captivating narrative of the Ball family and their legacy in this original exhibition exploring Muncie’s most famous family. Through lively storytelling, family photographs, and cherished historic objects, the exhibition will trace the Ball family’s path from Buffalo, NY through their remarkable impact on the East Central Indiana region that continues to this day.

Crisis Canning

October 12–January 26, 2025 | Center Building, Gallery 1

Just as the cold weather goes hand-in-hand with crockpots, canning jars frequently become countertop staples in times of uncertainty. Featuring historic objects from Minnetrista’s collection, this original exhibition will explore the history of canning during times of crisis. Visitors will learn more about the ancient and global art of food preservation and explore how wars, pandemics, and economic struggles have transformed canning from an ordinary mode of cooking into a form of emergency planning for Americans across the decades.

Majestic Mountains at Bob Ross Experience

Opens October 26, 2024 | L.L. Ball Home, Upstairs Gallery

Exciting updates are coming to the Art Gallery at the Bob Ross Experience!

Spotlighting iconic mountain scenes from Bob’s legendary paintings, this new exhibit provides more original Bob Ross paintings for you to love. Don’t miss this opportunity to see a beautifully painted gold panning plate created by Bob during his time spent in Alaska. This rare early painting predates his rise as a public television icon and is the perfect excuse to visit (or re-visit) the Bob Ross Experience.

Open Space: Art About the Land

November 2–January 5, 2025 | Center Building, Gallery 3

Since 2001, Open Space: Art About the Land has encouraged artists across the state to draw inspiration from the land that surrounds us. From painters to sculptors and beyond, the exhibition presents a diverse showcase of creative talent that celebrates the beauty achieved when nature inspires art. Mark Ruschman, curator of fine arts at the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites, will be this year’s exhibition juror. Once again, tandem exhibitions will be presented by Minnetrista and the Anderson Museum of Art, all in support of Red-tail Land Conservancy’s mission to protect wild lands in East Central Indiana.