By Michelle Kinsey—
MUNCIE, IN—‘Tis the season for twinkling lights, joyful music, and a whole lot of campus cheer. Ball State University’s Holiday Arts & Culture Night returns Saturday, Dec. 6, from 5 to 9 p.m.!
This fun, free celebration turns Ball State’s Cultural Corridor into a festive adventure for the whole family with arts experiences, hands-on activities, and holiday delights waiting at every stop.
Presented by Ball State’s Integrated Cultural Committee, visitors can explore a wide range of campus destinations, including the David Owsley Museum of Art (DOMA), Emens Auditorium, Rinard Orchid Greenhouse, Sursa Performance Hall, the Nature Center, Christy Woods, the Glick Center for Glass, and the Charles W. Brown Planetarium.
“[At DOMA], we will have festive live music performances at 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., holiday treats, seasonal crafts for kids, a new winter-themed photobooth, and a chance to view our fall exhibition ‘Cercle et Carré’ before it closes on Dec. 19,” said Cathy Bretz, Education Coordinator at DOMA.
Erica Oliver, the Environmental Education and Greenhouse Coordinator at Ball State’s Field Station and Environmental Education Center, said that the Nature Center will offer an opportunity to use items from nature “to create ornaments to display in your home, along with tours of the Rinard Orchid Greenhouse.”
“We hope visitors will get a new appreciation of nature during the winter season, along with inspiration for ways to use natural materials to create holiday cheer,” she added.
As you make your way along the Cultural Corridor, you’ll hear carillonneur John Gouwens perform songs of the season (beginning at 8 p.m.) from the Shafer Bell Tower.
Be sure to visit the Holiday Hub, located on the second floor of the Fine Arts building (please use Riverside Avenue entrance). Here you will find booths with information about the Integrated Cultural Committee, University Libraries, the Multicultural Center, and more!
The first 10 people who visit the Holiday Hub will receive free tickets to an upcoming Ball State production of “the Nutcracker.” (And there will be other, holiday-themed giveaways, too!)
Free shuttles (running continuously on a loop from the Glick Center and DOMA) will take visitors to and from Minnetrista’s Enchanted Luminaria Walk. This free Minnetrista event includes three miles of enchanting lights, sweet treats, food, live music, live theater, winter crafts, a barrel train for kids, a Holiday Artisan Market, and more.
While you are in the neighborhood, don’t miss the Holiday Open House at the E.B. and Bertha C. Ball Center from 5 to 9 p.m., where you can see the beautifully-decorated home, listen to live music, and watch demonstrations by local artisans. The Holiday Open House and the Luminaria Walk are also happening on Friday (5-9 p.m.).
“It warms my heart and puts me in the holiday spirit kicking off the month of December with this event each year,” said Bianca Sulanke, Project Coordinator in the Office of Community Engagement. “We continue adding new, fun elements as we expand and collaborate with more partners each year. It is an honor to bring the whole community together to celebrate, learn, and create special memories. This year is set to be the best year yet!”
Locations and event information for the Holiday Arts & Culture Night:
CHARLES W. BROWN PLANETARIUM
Holiday Programs and Science Activity
The Planetarium will offer showings of “The Christmas Star” at 5 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. Come early for seats and to enjoy a holiday themed science activity.
FSEEC
Holiday in Bloom
The BSU Field Station and Environmental Education Center will be open for our annual evening program, Holiday in Bloom. Visitors can tour the Rinard Orchid Greenhouse, decked out for the holidays; create nature-inspired ornaments in the Nature Lab, and explore Christy Woods along our Luminaria Trail. Live performances by the Flute Choir and a cappella groups will happen throughout the evening.
GLICK CENTER FOR GLASS
Holiday Glass Sale & Demonstrations
Glick Center for Glass joins the holiday festivities with an Open House, offering a glass arts sale by the BSU Glass Alliance and live glass working demonstrations each hour during the event.
DOMA
Holiday Community Open House
DOMA joins in the annual community holiday festivities with refreshments, children’s art activities, and live holiday music featuring Viola Cello Duo Shayne and Wallie at 6:30 p.m., and Ball State’s University Singers at 7:30 p.m.
SURSA PERFORMANCE HALL
Trombone Studio
Enjoy the Ball State Trombone Studio at 7:30 p.m. in the beautiful hall.
EMENS AUDITORIUM
“The Nutcracker”
Bring the whole family on a wild, whimsical ride through the heart of childhood dreams as this classic holiday tale returns to the stage as you’ve never seen it before. Tickets required and available at the Emens Box Office.
For more information about the event, go here.
Michelle Kinsey is Communications Manager in the Office of Community Engagement at Ball State University.
