Columns - Issue no. 1, 2023

changes blooming at garden fair, page 3 oakhurst–a beautiful home, page 4 coming to minnetrista: girlhood: it’s complicated , page 6 welcome (back) to betty’s cabin , page 8 member spotlight , page 9 introducing brian statz , page 10

Greetings to all friends of Minnetrista! Welcome to another edition of Columns, and thank you for being members and supporters of Minnetrista Museum & Gardens.

My name is Brian Statz, and I am the new President & CEO of Minnetrista. This normally would be a time for me to settle into my new role, but there are too many great things going on for us to settle into anything! First, our Board of Trustees, staff, and community are looking back with fondness and appreciation for Betty Brewer, who retired as President & CEO of Minnetrista after 17 years of distinguished service. Her leadership and devotion to Minnetrista have made a lasting impact on our institution and community, and we are thrilled she will be staying in the Muncie area (when she’s not going on some much-deserved travel excursions).

Next, our staff are hard at work on some exceptional exhibits and programs that you and your family will enjoy. In June, we will be proud to host the world touring premiere of the new exhibit from the Smithsonian Institution, Girlhood (It’s Complicated) exploring the diversity of girls’ experiences and how girls have changed American history. And our programs team is already making plans for Garden Fair (May 12-13), Independence Day (July 4–but you knew that), Faeries, Sprites, & Lights (July 27-30), and much more.

Even before Girlhood (It’s Complicated) opens, I hope you will visit Minnetrista to enjoy Mindbender

meet the staff

Timber Hatfield, (Grounds Assistant) is a Muncie native. With over 10 years of experience in the landscaping industry, he joined the prestigious Minnetrista grounds crew in 2021. Timber takes pride in keeping high standards for the grounds, constantly working to increase his knowledge of turf care and hardscaping. He loves working outside and making a visible difference around campus. From designing patterns on grassy areas to repairing brick pathways, Timber is making his impact known at Minnetrista. Outside of work he enjoys spending time with family, his girlfriend, Emma, and their two chocolate labs, Scooby and Whiskey. Some of his hobbies include a ton of frisbee golf, recreational basketball, and listening to audiobooks/podcasts

Mansion (here through May 7), a fun and interactive exhibit with puzzles and challenges for the whole family. It took my wife Holly and me almost 2 hours to solve all the puzzles, and we had a blast! After that, you can unwind and enjoy the wonderful art in the 33rd Minnetrista Annual Juried Art Show (through April 16). And, of course, please enjoy the world-famous Bob Ross Experience and sign up for a class, or just learn about the unique history of Bob Ross and his connections to Minnetrista and Muncie.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, I have been going around the Muncie community to introduce myself and learn more about our East Central Indiana neighbors. I would love to meet with you and learn about your interests, what living in Muncie means to you, and how Minnetrista can continue to play an important role in your life. Minnetrista is such a gem for the community!

I am fortunate to arrive at this time in Minnetrista’s history, where so much has already been done to build upon the vision, hard work, and compassion of the Ball family. I think Minnetrista has much more to offer to you, your families, and the community, and I want everyone in the Muncie area and beyond to feel invited and welcome. You have friends at Minnetrista, so please visit us when you can, and do let me know if you would like to meet. You are welcome to contact me at bstatz@ minnetrista.net, and you always are welcome to say hello if you see me around town, at one of our Farmers Markets, or anywhere else. I look forward to meeting you! Thanks again for being members and supporters of Minnetrista.

Brian Statz , president/ceo

Originally from Fort Wayne, Collections Manager Mindy Price moved to Muncie in 2018. Before that, she spent several years in Washington, D.C. earning a Masters of Arts in Museum Studies at The George Washington University and working at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Natural History. A new addition to the Minnetrista team, she is greatly enjoying getting to know the campus and the 17,000+ objects in the collection! Outside of work, she and her husband, Will, enjoy reading, traveling, and spending time with their two cats.

columns

Editor Jennifer Parks-Strack

Designer Kerry Shaw

Contributing Writers

Nalleli Guillen, ad of curation & exhibition

Lindsey Horan, vp of community engagement

Jessica Jenkins, vp of collections & storytelling

Ashley Mann, ad of experience & education

Kirsten Novotny, theatre & events manager

Jennifer Parks-Strack, ad of development

Brian Statz, president & ceo

Natalie Young, daily experience manager

About the cover: Two visitors enjoy Garden Fair in June 2022.

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 ParksStrack at 765.287.3504, or jparks-strack@ minnetrista.net.

1200 N. Minnetrista Parkway, Muncie, IN 47303-2925

© 2023, Minnetrista

Thank you to our Columns Sponsor.

Photographer Chris Carroll

changes blooming at garden fair

by kirsten novotny , theatre and events manager

Just as spring brings beautiful changes to the gardens of Minnetrista, Garden Fair 2023 is blossoming with new changes of its own. This year, we’ve moved Garden Fair to May to align with Mother’s Day and the kickoff to National Public Garden’s Week. We also changed the days and times of our event.

Garden Fair will be held on Friday, May 12 from 4–8 p.m. and Saturday, May 13 from 9–3 p.m. Join us on Friday after work to unwind and start your weekend off right with good food, great vendors, and a chill atmosphere. Start your Saturday with a trip to the Farmers Market at Garden Fair and find just what you’re looking for to bring your outdoor spaces to life.

For Gardening Lovers

Vendors from across the region will join us both days under the big tents in the main parking lot. Minnetrista’s own Horticulture team will be on-site during the event to help answer all your gardening questions. You can even sign up to volunteer with the Horticulture team and grow your skills with hands-on experience

For Experience Seekers

Join us for food, kids’ activities, live music, and a beer and wine garden. Garden Fair is sure to have something for everyone! The Orchard Shop will also be open–pop in to check out their specially curated inventory of local, handmade goods and unique gifts.

Garden Fair is a chance for Minnetrista to celebrate gardens, growth, and gathering together with our community. We treasure our role as a public garden and look forward to being your place of exploration, learning, and fun.

Event partner: LeafGuard

To stay up-to-date on the vendor list, visit minnetrista.net/garden-fair

oakhurst – a beautiful home

by jessica

Like people, buildings go through many journeys in life, perhaps serving one purpose for decades, and when that use ends, another begins. It’s no wonder, then, that as structures age, they need long-term maintenance, care, and attention—just like our human bodies.

If you were in the Oakhurst home during the past year, you may have noticed that the ceilings and walls on and around the music landing had a variety of openings cut into them. These openings gave our visitors a “behind-the-scenes” look at the house. These same portals let RATIO Architects, our partners in preservation, identify, document, and assess previous repairs and work that had been completed on the home over the years. If you’re wondering what kind of repairs–like most answers related to old buildings–the explanation is a story unto itself.

When the Ball family moved their glass company to Muncie in the 1880s, it started a multi-year process of the Ball brothers moving to the community to set up residence. As Frank, Edmund, George, Lucius, and William wound down their New York operation and eventually relocated, each had to arrange for a housing solution when they arrived in town. For instance, the Kirby House on the southwest corner of Main and Jefferson Streets became Edmund’s home for many years. Frank and George both rented rooms downtown when they first arrived in town. As the company and brothers settled into the community,

they began considering long-term housing options.

In 1892, older sister Lucina suggested that her brothers purchase a tract of land together, so they could build homes near one another. As often happened, the brothers heeded the advice of their older sister and purchased a portion of land along the White River on the edge of town. Now that they had the land, what about the houses?

Despite the fifteen-year age difference between the two, Lucina and George had a close relationship. They frequently wrote affectionate letters to one another, sharing news about family, asking each other for advice, and giving each other a hard time, as siblings do. In March of 1893, Lucina (living in Philadelphia) wrote to her brother. The letter made it clear that George had been contemplating the home he would build in Muncie. In response, Lucina said, “We have a new book in the Library by an Indianapolis architect, Mr. Gibson. The title is ‘Convenient Houses.’ … If you can find it in your stores, take a look at it. It is most sensible and practical.”

It is unclear how quickly George got a hold of a copy of Convenient Houses. Chances are good that he did, however, and shared his opinions with his brother Frank. Within fifteen months, Indianapolis architect Louis Gibson was working on designs for a large home

jenkins , vice president of collections and storytelling

Above: Oakhurst in the early 20th century. Right: George Ball and his daughter Betty around 1900.

for Frank Ball and his wife Bessie. At the same time, Gibson was also designing Oakhurst–the future home of George and his wife, Frances. Ultimately, both homes would be featured in Gibson’s 1895 book Beautiful Houses: A Study in House-Building.

When George and Frances moved into their home in 1895, in many ways it was everything they hoped for. The first floor had a library, dining room, reception hall, and music landing, in addition to a small hall leading to a rear exit near the butler’s pantry and kitchen. With time, however, the couple identified changes they wanted to make to the home. Ultimately, back porches would be added, and the small hall between the music landing and butler’s pantry would be removed in favor of making the music landing larger. Newspaper articles and letters dating to the home’s early years indicate that George and Frances entertained guests regularly. These gatherings, often including musical performances, likely led the homeowners to want a bit more room for that purpose.

So, what does all of this have to do with our work today? When George and Frances expanded the music landing around 1900, a loadbearing wall was removed from the home. For the next 80+ years, life went on in the home as usual until the passing of George and Frances’s daughter, Betty, in 1982. In the early 1990s, major renovations were

undertaken to prepare the house for its next purpose – a center for environmental education. The previous alteration to the home was noted at that time and addressed, but the details of the repairs were not fully recorded. Over the next two and a half decades, Oakhurst would see its public use changed and adapted as needed. In 2019, Minnetrista Museum & Gardens opened a newly interpreted Oakhurst, featuring the Oakhurst Experience–an immersive exhibit where visitors are invited to come into the home, explore stories of the family, and experience time together.

As a museum and collecting repository, Oakhurst and Minnetrista’s other historic structures are the largest items in our collection. As part of their care, we not only monitor the structures and undertake preservation and repair work when necessary, but we also document previous repairs as much as possible. So, those holes in the ceiling? We are doing just that: documenting the original remodel undertaken by the family, as well as the repairs made in the 1990s. Rest assured Oakhurst is in good order and sound repair. With this information in hand we now better understand the past work completed on the home and will be prepared to make the most informed decisions in the future when repairs are needed. This work helps to ensure that Oakhurst can continue to welcome the community for many more years to come.

Frances Woodworth Ball in her wedding dress, just two years before moving into Oakhurst. This photo of Betty Ball and friends, taken in the 1910s, shows the expanded music landing.

This interior shot of Oakhurst was taken soon after the family moved in. The curtain on the far right (behind the statue) covers the entry into the original hallway between the music landing and butler’s pantry.

coming to minnetrista: girlhood (it’s complicated)

by nalleli guillen , associate director of curation & exhibition and ashley mann , associate director of experience & education

Securing excellent exhibit offerings is a task often years in the making. Minnetrista’s exhibit team is always on the hunt, prowling for the most dynamic and interesting shows to bring to Muncie for you, our visitors, to enjoy.

Minnetrista’s upcoming summer blockbuster Girlhood (It’s Complicated) caught our eye way back in 2021. A groundbreaking original Smithsonian history exhibit, Girlhood has long been at the very top of our “get” list. Despite high demand, we pulled off a coup securing this show! Minnetrista will be the first stop for this national tour, opening here on June 3 and on display through September 17. Traveling to Muncie from Washington, D.C., where it first premiered at the National Museum of American History, Girlhood will be an unforgettable experience with offerings for the entire family.

The Smithsonian developed this exhibit to commemorate the 100th anniversary of women’s suffrage in 2020. However, it is about so much more than just that. As the title hints: Girlhood focuses on girls, not women, and how they have shaped history. It explores our national past through several lenses, including education, news and politics, fashion, wellness, and work. Visitors will learn about the many moments girls have been on the front lines of change and how they’ve made an impact on life in America.

For example, in the Education section, you will discover the many ways girls have “talked back” while “being schooled.” You’ll meet girls like Minnijean Brown, who in 1957 made history with eight classmates by simply going to school, kicking off a conflict in Little Rock, Arkansas, that resulted in the groundbreaking antisegregation Supreme Court case, Brown v. Board of Education. In the Wellness section, you’ll meet athletes like Cindy Whitehead. She blazed a trail for girls in professional skateboarding, arguing that “Girl is NOT a 4 Letter Word” within the world of male-dominated sports. In the fashion section, visitors will see, up close, everything from shirtwaists from the early 1900s to

flour sack dresses, hippy “hot pants” to Puma sneakers—girls’ clothing items that show that fashion can be political. Clothing doesn’t just “fashion” our individual identities; it also can, and has, influenced and shaped our national culture. Girls’ lives are complicated, perhaps even unexpected, but this exhibit shows that girls have always used their voices to make a difference.

During its time in Muncie, Girlhood will also celebrate girls from our own community in a variety of ways. We will tell the stories of hardworking local girls throughout history with artifacts and stories drawn from Minnetrista’s Heritage Collection. Bringing the past into the present, we also hope

Minnijean Brown dress

to honor the accomplishments of Hoosier girls today, integrating some of their stories into the installation. Finally, Minnetrista is seeking partnerships with local girls’ organizations to develop unique programming opportunities connected to Keep an eye out for ways you can participate this summer!

One thing that we really like about this exhibit is that it encourages all of us to rethink American history. Through its focus on the lives and experiences of young women, demonstrates that the American story is not in fact a single completed storybook but rather a growing collection made richer when we include multiple voices and perspectives. After all, we each experience the world from our own unique viewpoint. By viewing American history through the eyes of girls, we unlock a new window into the past, one that highlights girls’ many

contributions to the modern American way of life, many unseen and unacknowledged by broader historical accounts.

You may be wondering then, “is this exhibit just for girls?”

The answer: no! At the heart of Girlhood (It’s Complicated) is history that everyone can understand and relate to in some way—girl, boy, non-binary, adult, or young person. This exhibit is filled with the stories of courageous individuals and the many ways they navigated the privileges and challenges of growing up in America. We all have something to learn from them, and we can all be touched by their stories. We hope all visitors leave this exhibit empowered by the knowledge that girls have always strived to break out of the molds that long defined who they should be, often making history in the process.

So, as you plan your busy summer schedule, we encourage you to join us for the “summer of girlhood” at Minnetrista. An old saying may claim that “girls are made of sugar and spice and everything nice,” but a stroll through Girlhood will quickly complicate that cliché. Girls have always been made of strong stuff, and that stuff has shaped the world we live in today.

Girlhood (It’s complicated), an exhibition of the Smithsonian’s American Women’s History Initiative, was created by the National Museum of American History and the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service. Event partner: League of Women Voters of Muncie-Delaware County

Cindy Whitehead skateboard

Fashion section with Shirtwaist

welcome (back) to betty’s cabin!

by natalie young , visitor experience manager

If you’ve meandered through Oakhurst Gardens, you may know that part of its charm is the unexpected delights tucked just beyond each twist and turn: colorful flowers, intricate sculptures, chittering squirrels, and a quaint structure affectionately known as Betty’s Cabin. Maybe you’ve encountered the Cabin—taken a rest on its porch, or perhaps even peered in through its windows, wandering and wondering about the structure.

Betty Ball’s original cabin, brought to Muncie from southern Indiana, was a retreat where she could read and write poetry while surrounded by the inspiration of the natural world. Unfortunately, as Betty got older, her original cabin fell into disuse and then disrepair; eventually, a reconstruction was built on the site. In the years since, the Cabin has served as a place where visitors could learn about local wildlife and, later, as a children’s play space. Betty’s Cabin did not reopen with Minnetrista’s other buildings in October 2020, but now we are able to bring Betty’s Cabin back better than ever!

So, without further ado, please allow us to (re)introduce Betty’s Cabin—a space for children and families to play, explore, and learn about the world around them, inspired by Betty Ball’s love of imagination, nature, and literacy. In this space, we embrace the idea that play is learning, especially for young minds. This is a place where children are encouraged to take the lead, following their interests as they choose from a variety of possible activities and materials: art supplies, building blocks, musical instruments, outdoor toys, board games, puppets, sensory bins, microscopes and magnifying glasses, books, even a playpretend campsite! And the fun isn’t just for kids; we hope that adults accompanying their children to Betty’s Cabin are inspired to play as well—to engage as active participants in their children’s world, both at Minnetrista and beyond.

Now that we’ve gotten (re)acquainted, we hope you’ll stop into Betty’s Cabin to say hello…and perhaps even stay to play for a while! Betty’s Cabin is open Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. as a free Minnetrista experience. And keep an eye out for special Cabin programming (such as highlighted toys, special activities, and more) being offered at least once a month. In April, we will present Painting with Spring Watercolors on the 15th and stop by for special Arbor Day activities on April 29.

We’re excited to have the Cabin open once again for all to enjoy. Whether you’re a new visitor discovering this hidden gem for the first time or an old friend who knows just where to find it: welcome (back) to Betty’s Cabin!

Betty’s Cabin is sponsored by

member spotlight

by jennifer parks-strack , associate director of development

Many families come to Minnetrista to spend time together. For the Ferguson family, it is a multi-generational experience. Members Linda and Doug Ferguson frequently bring their grandchildren to Minnetrista’s exhibits, gardens, and events. They are often joined by their son, Patrick, and daughter-in-law, Kimberly, also members at Minnetrista.

The Fergusons’ first event at Minnetrista was Fairies, Sprites, & Lights (FSL) during the summer of 2020. After spending so much time inside that year, watching the kids, Archer and Zula, as they danced and tumbled through the bubbles was “pure whimsy which is what all of us needed at such a dark time,” Linda described. After attending FSL, they were inspired to build their own faerie villages of Archerville and Zulatown. The selection of items found at The Orchard Shop has allowed each one to be unique.

Kimberly said that it is impossible to pick a favorite place on campus! Her family loves the Backyard Garden in the spring and fall and Betty’s Cabin in the winter and spring. The hands-on experiences are a highlight, especially the open invitation to smell, touch, and taste the array of growing herbs in the Herb Garden. Linda, on the other hand, said that her favorite place is the Center Building with the changing exhibits. “We love the chairs in the lobby, the stairs, and the elevator. We love sitting on the window seats, looking over the vegetated roof towards the woods. We play our way through each exhibit as we discover new information while having our curiosity satisfied.”

Minnetrista means different things to different people, but it is clear that it plays a crucial role in the community. Linda appreciates the kindness of each and every staff member and volunteer.

“Each one recognizes the tender heart of the small child and always has that look of love and a deep desire to help out,” she said. Kimberly finished her interview by saying, “Minnetrista is such an asset and a place of pride in our community. The children’s events are extraordinary, the gardens are extraordinary, and the staff are exceptional. We are lucky to have such a place of wonderful experiences in our community.”

“[We love] the warmth, joy, whimsy, and love. It feels like we are joining a big family reunion at the home of a favorite aunt and uncle. They smile and say, “feel free to explore and check out everything. Touch, feel, look–this is all of ours and we want you to enjoy it as much as we do.”

— Linda Ferguson, speaking about Minnetrista staff she has encountered

The Ferguson Family at Minnetrista’s Nature Area

introducing brian statz

Minnetrista is delighted to welcome Brian Statz as the new President & CEO of Minnetrista Museum & Gardens. Brian worked for 15 years at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, primarily as Vice President of Operations, where he oversaw visitor relations, facilities, security, experience production, and construction projects, including the 7 ½ acre Riley Children’s Health Sports Legends Experience. Brian also worked for 13 years as an attorney for the Indianapolis law firm of Lewis Kappes, where he advised small businesses, schools, and individuals. Brian started with Minnetrista in early January bringing with him this deep pool of experience and a new energy to inspire our staff and work in this new chapter for the organization.

Brian was born in St. Joseph, Michigan, and grew up in Poland, Ohio, a small town outside of Youngstown. His family moved to the Indianapolis area in 1984, and Brian has lived in Central Indiana ever since. “My Dad was a pilot in the Air Force in his younger years, so my family moved a lot, and even though he was in private business by the time I was born I think he still had the urge to see and live in new places,” Brian said of his upbringing.

Brian has his bachelor’s degree from Indiana University in Bloomington and is a graduate of the University of Michigan Law School, where he met his wife, Holly. Together, they have raised three sons, the youngest of whom will graduate from high school this year. When he’s not working, Brian enjoys reading, listening to music, and walking on trails with his wife and dog.

“I missed working in the museum world, having seen how important a role a museum can play in the life of a community,” Brian said when speaking about his excitement of learning about the CEO opportunity at Minnetrista. “I was familiar with Minnetrista and knew

people who had worked here, but I still was overwhelmed by the beauty of the campus and historic buildings. Every community should have a resource like Minnetrista, where you can learn about our history, enjoy wonderful art, and walk through magnificent gardens and grounds.”

Brian intends to ensure that Minnetrista remains a gathering place for all people of East Central Indiana. “Minnetrista is unique in that so much of what we offer is completely free. Everyone is welcome to visit our exhibits and programs, but we also want you to know that you are invited to come over and wander through our free gardens and grounds.”

Brian is busy at work reaching out to our community to learn more about the Muncie area and beyond, and he wants to hear from anyone who has a comment, question, or hope for Minnetrista. “I want our community to think of Minnetrista as the friendly neighbor with the big yard and cool stuff to see,” Brian said. “We are working to improve Minnetrista and build upon what already has been done, and I would love to hear your thoughts.”

You can contact Brian directly at bstatz@minnetrista.net, or let him buy you a cup of coffee and tell him what you think!

“Every community should have a resource like Minnetrista, where you can learn about our history, enjoy wonderful art, and walk through magnificent gardens and grounds.”

—Brian Statz

a note from the board chair

As the new Chair of the Minnetrista Board of Trustees, it is my pleasure to welcome you to the first issue of Columns Magazine in 2023. In my seven years on the Board, I have been fortunate to become deeply familiar with the programs and exhibits that Minnetrista provides to our community. With the recent retirement of Betty Brewer and new CEO Brian Statz taking the reins at the start of 2023, this year promises to be exciting.

Whether you are a museum person who loves perusing the latest art exhibit, a history buff who eagerly reads each sign on campus, or a parent who values our imaginationsparking events, Minnetrista truly has something for everyone. As Brian and I build our partnership to lead Minnetrista into its next chapter, we look forward to providing you with more of what you love.

On Behalf of the Board of Trustees, I thank you for your membership and look forward to seeing you on campus!

Steve Moore, Board Chair 2023–2024

thanks to our corporate and foundation supporters

corporate sponsors

foundations

2023 minnetrista board of trustees

John Anderson Ball State University

Ed Armantrout (Vice Chair)

Civic Leader

Candace Bankovich Muncie Power Products

Faye Chechowich

Civic Leader

Nancy Dayton Taylor University

Ermalene Faulkner

Civic Leader

Dr. Tim Fox Anderson University

Tisha Gierhart Shafer Leadership Academy

Jeannine Harrold (Secretary)

Civic Leader

Robert LaFrance Ball State University

Ann Ludwig Civic Leader

Steve Moore (Chair)

First Merchants Bank

Katie Morgan Perez

Orchestra Indiana

Tammy Phillips

Ball Associates

Chuck Reynolds Muncie Community Schools

Matt Rust Civic Leader

Jeff Scott

Ivy Tech Community College

Sara Shade Hamilton

(Vice Chair)

Beasley & Gilkison, LLP

Steve Slavin

Coldwell Banker The Real Estate Group

Steve Smith

Mid-West Metal Products

Brian Statz

President & CEO

Minnetrista

Marty Sulek

Civic Leader

Judy Valos

Civic Leader

emeritus trustees

Stefan S. Anderson

Douglas A. Bakken

Frank E. Ball*

Steve Bedi

Jim P. Borgmann

Frank A. Bracken*

Jack L. Demaree

Terri Matchett

John J Pruis*

Jack Ronald*

Nancy J. Smith

*Deceased

business partners

BSU Office of Community Engagement

CSKern, Inc

Gill Brothers Furniture

LJ Stone Co

The Meeks Mortuary & Crematory

Normandy Flower Shop

STAR Financial Bank

George and Frances Ball Foundation

City of Muncie ARP Funds

The Community Foundation of Muncie & Delaware County

Thomas Business Center

Whitinger & Company

Estep Burkey Simmons, LLC

Flatland Resources

Interlock ECI

League of Women Voters MuncieDelaware County

LeafGuard

Merrywood Candles

Muncie Public Library

Old National Bank Unified Group Services

Edmund F. and Virginia B. Ball Foundation

M.R. Metzger Family Foundation

The Winchester Foundation

Sherman and Marjorie Zeigler Foundation

1200 north minnetrista parkway muncie, IN 47303

765.282.4848

www.minnetrista.net

Monday & Tuesday Closed; Wednesday–Saturday 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sunday Noon–5 p.m.

April 9 CLOSED for Easter

33rd Minnetrista Annual Juried Art Show

Now through April 16, Center Building

Discover Indiana’s artists and their Hoosier creativity during Minnetrista’s Annual Juried Art Show & Sale, now in its 33rd year! Come enjoy (and even purchase!) paintings, photographs, prints, and handcrafted objects selected by this year’s juror Shaun Thomas Dingwerth, the Executive Director at the Richmond Art Museum in Richmond, Indiana.

Mindbender Mansion

Now through May 7, Center Building

Enter the wonderfully puzzling world of Mindbender Mansion, an eclectic place full of puzzles, brainteasers, and interactive challenges guaranteed to test the brain power and problem-solving skills of even the most experienced puzzlers. Adults and children alike will enjoy exercising their minds as they try to master brainteasers and group challenges in this fun and unconventional new exhibit Mindbender Mansion is produced and toured by the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, Portland, Oregon © 2015

Indiana Waterways: The Art of Conservation

April 7–September 10, Oakhurst Home, Oakhurst Gallery

Experience the beauty of Indiana’s rivers, streams, and tributaries and learn about the conservation work they desperately need to ensure their survival. The brainchild of five Hoosier artists, this is a painting exhibition with an environmental message.

Supporting sponsor eKeeper Systems

Exhibit Partner: FlatLand Resources

upcoming events & programs

April 1

Glass Easter Egg Hunt

April 8

Horticulture Volunteer Day

April 8

Family Workshop: Faerie Building Design

April 12

Tea & Talk: Ball State Partnership

April 15

Betty’s Cabin Activity: Spring Watercolors

April 16

Human Library Project

April 20

Glass Workshop: Fused Glass Jewelry

April 21

Murder Mystery Dinner: Murder Most Mechanized

Find

Indoor Market

First and Third Saturday now through April 9 a.m. – Noon

Outdoor Season begins weekly markets on May 6.

April 29

Arbor Day Celebration

April 29

Member Saturday at The Orchard Shop

May 10

Tea & Talk: Beneath the Soil

May 13

Horticulture Volunteer Day

May 18

Glass Workshop: Floral Pendants

May 20

Member Saturday at The Orchard Shop

May 31

Horticulture Volunteer Day

activities at minnetrista