By: Erin Moore, Office of Community Engagement—
Muncie, IN—Kick off the holiday season by exploring Ball State University’s Cultural Corridor! On Saturday, December 7, luminaries will light the path between the Dr. Joe and Alice Rinard Orchid Greenhouse, Marilyn K. Glick Center for Glass, Charles W. Brown Planetarium, and the David Owsley Museum of Art for holiday activities in each location. Ball State’s Holiday Arts & Culture Night will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. and is free for all ages.
A few years ago, Cheryl LeBlanc, Greenhouse Director, recognized an opportunity to bring people to the west side of campus by coordinating with Minnetrista’s Enchanted Luminaria Walk.
“Minnetrista generously allowed us to connect with their popular winter event,” said LeBlanc. “They recognized that we have a similar goal – to share Muncie’s rich cultural assets with as many people as possible. We are delighted to contribute some unique experiences to this fun holiday weekend.”
The greenhouse’s “Holiday in Bloom” event quickly expanded to include participation from Ball State’s glass center, planetarium, and art museum. All four facilities are located within walking distance along what has been coined the university’s “Cultural Corridor.”
“The Holiday Arts & Culture Night helps us highlight features and services that are truly distinctive to Muncie and East Central Indiana,” said Tania Said, Director of Education for the Owsley Museum. “The Greenhouse is home to the largest collegiate collection of orchids in the United States. The art museum boasts more than 10,000 works of art in its collection. The planetarium is the largest in Indiana and one of the best in the country. The Glick Center is one of just a few remaining glass centers on a college campus. All are open to the community and free to visit throughout the year.”
Ball State parking is free on weekends and available off University and Riverside Avenues. The Muncie Indiana Transit System (MITS) will provide trolley service between two locations on campus and Minnetrista from 6 and 9:30 p.m. View a map of parking options and trolley stops.
Holiday Arts & Culture Night Events
Rinard Orchid Greenhouse Holiday in Bloom– Live performances by the Hillcroft Handbell Choir and Sedoctave Acapella Group, refreshments, poinsettia give-away, and a special children’s activity. For more information, visit bsu.edu/orchids.
Marilyn K. Glick Center for Glass Open House– Glassblowing demonstrations, refreshments, and the Glass Guild Holiday Sale. For more information, visit bsu.edu/art/glickcenter.
David Owsley Museum of Art Holiday Open House – Live holiday music, refreshments, children’s art and activities, and a Book Arts Collaborative pop-up shop. For more information, visit bsu.edu/doma.
Charles W. Brown Planetarium Holiday Program– Two showings of “The Christmas Star” planetarium show at 6:30 p.m. or 8 p.m. For more information, visit bsu.edu/planetarium.
Can the Star of Bethlehem from the Bible be explained as an exploding star, a comet, or some other natural event in the sky? Come learn about potential explanations.
