"Beaux," in French, means "fine arts." The Beaux Arts Ball, inMuncie, means Ball State University students from the College ofArchitecture and Planning are trying to rejuvenate a fadingtradition.
Chelsea Wait, secretary of Ball State's chapter of the AmericanInstitute of Architecture Students and the main organizer of theball, said every prominent college of architecture plans a similarball. She said Duke University routinely spends $20,000 on its.
The CAP, lacking such a budget, hasn't had an elaboratelyplanned Beaux Arts Ball in several years. Recently, Wait said, TheChug in The Village played host to the party. Last year, there wasno ball.
But Marvin Rosenman, professor of architecture at Ball State,influenced Wait to put on the ball again -- and to make itdifferent.
"He talks about how the ball used to be really lively andunique, apart from a regular gathering at the bars," Wait said. "Iwanted go with a different theme, as it's been Hawaiian in yearspast. Five or six years ago, it had a dungeon theme."
So, in August, Wait started organizing the event, from designingthe elaborate interior decorations to arranging caterers to bookingthe bands.
She said,
Wait -- working with her AIAS officers, the student chapter ofthe American Society of Landscape Architects and the StudentPlanning Association -- finalized the plans.
This year, the ball has a tribal theme. Wait has implementedexpressive designs -- including hanging vines and silhouettedtribal dancers -- to echo a jungle setting.
The Beaux Arts Ball is a costume ball, and attendees areencouraged to dress up. Cash prizes will be awarded to the threebest costumes.
Wait said she is going as a Maori -- complete with a facialtattoo and a green toga. She said any tribe is welcome, includingthe "Abercrombie tribe." For those struggling with costume ideas,she recommends painting tribal designs on their bodies orfaces.
The ball has traditionally given architecture students -- famousfor pulling manic all-nighters as they are pressed to finishprojects -- and their friends a chance to unwind.
Wait said she wanted to open the ball this year, though, to theentire campus.
"I want it to be a chance for people to get together and have agood time," Wait said. "I don't want to say it's for artsy people.There will be a friendly atmosphere of people who are inspired bycreative places. I want them to be able to participate in the spaceand enjoy the venue, the bands and their friends."
During the evening's festivities, three Muncie bands will play,while students can enjoy light refreshments and beverages from DillStreet.
Vibrator, a techno band comprising Dan Evans and Noah Smith,will perform its first show in Muncie. The group plays originalsongs and cover versions of The Cure and Toto. Arcade will injectits version of cheeky post-punk rock and Archer Avenue, aMuncie-based indie rock act, rounds out the lineup.
The ball will be held at the Community Civic Center, formerlythe Old Masonic Temple, downtown. Wait said transportation will beprovided to and from the event. A charter bus is leaving from theeast entrance of CAP -- facing Noyer Complex -- at 7:30 p.m. onFriday. Tickets will be $10 at the door and $7 in advance. Toreserve tickets, e-mail aiasevents@hotmail.com.
The ball will last until around midnight.
Wait said she knows Ball State's version of the Beaux Arts Ballwill never become an event like the one held at Duke, but, shesaid, "I hope it becomes a unique event on the campus calendar, onethat people notice but don't expect."
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