Whether it's walking across campus or driving through Muncie, some form of art is always around us. This art takes many forms: the architecture of buildings, the graphic design of billboards, the songs on the radio or the landscape.
Although most of these things were created by professionals with years of experience, there are other places where art is being created by students and amateurs that often sadly go unnoticed: the local arts scene.
These are artists and performers who practice their skills while juggling work and school because they have passion for it and want to share with others, not because they want a paycheck.
The majority of us rarely get to experience this talent because we're busy listening to hit singles on the radio, watching Emmy Award-winning shows on television and studying art in textbooks.
Music is more than whatever's playing on WLBC. For every hit Miley Cyrus single, there are thousands of other songs that exist but are rarely heard because those bands don't have famous fathers or million-dollar recording contracts. It doesn't mean these songs aren't as good - or even better - than the ones overplayed on the radio.
The only way to hear this other music is to support the local music scene and go to a show.
Muncie is blessed to have several amazing music venues in its limits. On most weekends, you can find a show at Doc's Music Hall or Village Green Records. And, after a year sojourn, the Living Room has come back to give Muncie another venue.
Aside from great venues, Muncie is home to Wuhnurth, Springfest and the Muncie Music Fest. All three are large festivals that showcase local talent and are often well attended.
Music's not the only scene in Muncie that has a local following. Theater also has a niche.
On campus, we're graced with several beautiful performance spaces that range from tiny University Theatre to the 3,500-seat Emens Auditorium. While most people are familiar with the large shows that come to town, many don't know about the student-run shows that are just as good.
In its 78th year, the Muncie Civic Theatre is a community staple, putting on high-quality performances using all-volunteer casts. Most shows have high attendance and ticket sales have increased in recent years, but the theater is running the risk of shutting down. Ticket sales only amount for 60 percent of the operating budget of the theater. The other 40 percent comes from corporate sponsors.
In addition to seeing live music and theater, students can get involved in the arts through a hands-on approach. The Cornerstone Center for the Arts puts on six- and 12-week-long classes in everything from ballet to yoga to sculpting, and often for less than $100 per term.
Sure, Ball State has the Art Museum, but you can't see student art there. However, there is one place that is guaranteed to have students' work: the second floor hallways of the Art and Journalism building. This area is often the topic of controversy because the students who display their pieces there have free range to display whatever they please. Uncensored, just like art should be. Supporting the local arts can also be about personal growth as well. It provides another opportunity for us to become more cultured as people. Every song we hear, performance we see and piece of art we look at adds to our collection of memories and experiences. It is something we can draw on in the future to be inspired.
By supporting the local arts, you also bridge a gap between the university and the community. Aside from providing a boost to whatever local business is hosting the performance, attendance to these events also brings Muncie residents in direct contact with students. This interaction creates the opportunity for like-minded people to meet to possibly add to the local arts scene their own way.
Regardless of the reason, the local arts scene here in Muncie is something everyone should have some sort of experience with before they graduate. You never know how it may change your life.
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