Ball State museum grand reopening to community

Ball State’s art museum opened four exhibits to diversify its collection.

On Sunday afternoon, the David Owsley Museum of Art hosted a free community day, including a ribbon cutting ceremony and cultural performances to celebrate its expansions.

According to a press release, the expansion increased gallery space by 50 percent to add four new galleries to the museum. Some of the new art includes objects from India, China and Japan.

“The collection definitely diversifies the museum more and adds to the collection,” Josh Vance, a history graduate student, said. “The community will now have a chance to see art from different types of cultures.”

The museum featured primarily European art before the expansion.

“The new exhibits have broadened what the museum can present to the visitor,” Justin Schiess, a museum visitor assistant, said.

In the Asian gallery, Garret Uyeno performed Ongaku Japanese music. Mundo Beat showcased Latin American music in the Sculpture Court, and Deborah Asante told African folktales in the African gallery.

“The museum means a place of enlightenment [and] education — a place to open your mind and expand yourself,” Vance said.

President Jo Ann Gora said during the ceremony that the museum is the oldest and most important of Ball State’s buildings, drawing thousands of children from several schools.

“It is a thrilling opportunity having access to culture in Muncie, Ind. — middletown USA,” said Monique Armstrong, executive director at Motivate Our Minds Inc., an organization that provides educational programs for children.

The art museum is sometimes the first exposure to art many local children have, Armstrong said. She also expressed her gratitude to Gora and the donors during her speech at the ceremony.