It's so easy to write off Muncie as a dump. The constant train whistling, the river that smells like a sewer and the eroding craters we politely call potholes are just a few bullets in the gun.
But our dump's art scene often goes unnoticed. It's a hidden gem in Muncie. There are several galleries downtown - The Artist Within, Artworks, Blue Bottle, Cornerstone and Gallery 308 to name a few - a museum on campus and several displays showcasing work from the Department of Art.
The Indiana Arts Commission noticed this when it decided the Governor's Arts Awards should be at Cornerstone Center for the Arts in Muncie this year. It decided Muncie's art scene was worthy of only the second Governor's Arts Awards held outside Indianapolis. The award hardware was even crafted by a Ball State alumna.
ArtsWalk, which usually happens the first week of October, was pushed forward to kick off the awards celebration. The monthly First Thursday gallery walk celebrates new exhibits in each gallery downtown.
These events give you a chance to see some great stuff from people around the area and from Ball State.
This is great exposure for Muncie, Ball State and the artists here. Gov. Mitch Daniels will be here for the awards dinner. How often is he in our neck of the woods?
We may be in the midst of a pseudo-golden era for art in Muncie. Even if art isn't among your interests there is still something to be gained from experiencing what the area and its artists have to offer.
Put down the TV remote or video game controller and try something new. Do one of the gallery walks today or next month. Visit the Art Museum or a gallery any time. If you don't like it, that's fine, but at least you tried it. But it may broaden your horizons and make you appreciate good artwork. Or it could motivate you to create your own and add to the growing art scene.
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