By Carrie Wright—
MUNCIE, IN—On Friday November 21 from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., the nine professional artists representing six different art studios at the historic Murray Building in downtown Muncie are throwing a unique party, and everyone is invited. For over a year, they’ve been calling themselves “Art at the Murray” which could be considered nothing more than a logo and a Facebook page since they all have different career goals, reasons for needing studio space and typically work alone behind a closed door.
Barbara Schafer, Co-owner Gordy Fine Art & Framing, explains, “Art at the Murray is a showcase of artist studios in Muncie’s downtown, the beating heart of our community. These spaces are where creativity begins and connection grows. With no funding or formal structure, these artists decided to open their doors to invite the public straight to the source of the art itself. If we want spaces like this to grow and thrive, we must create a local economy that shows up and buys.”
What started as a casual idea tossed around in passing amongst the artists quickly took shape during an impromptu planning meeting before August’s First Thursday event. Artist Carrie Wright secretly reached out to one of her own patrons, Christiana Mann of the Culinary Cottage. Without hesitation, Mann graciously offered catering in spite of the artists’ limited event budget, saying, “I support the arts and my downtown community, and I am excited and honored to participate!”
A recent Mayor’s Arts Award winner, Mann’s 39-year career in food and hospitality has led her to fulfill her own dream of opening the Culinary Cottage at 315 S. Monroe St. and is frequently giving back to the arts community. She will be serving delicious hors d’oeuvres and mocktails during the event and offers seasonal flavors provided by local farmers and producers.
Meet Your Hosts
Hue House in Suite 206 is the brainchild of two Ball State University faculty, Dr. Kat Stephens-Peace and recent Mayor’s Arts Award Nominee Dr. Robin Phelps-Ward. Having launched this past June, they say, “As the newest members of the Art at the Murray building, we are excited to welcome visitors into our vibrant and fun space where all are welcome to dream, create, and gain inspiration.” Their work consists of acyclic, watercolor and ink originals. Prints and other unique gifts are available in a variety of sizes as well.
Fine art painter Kerry Shaw in Suite 306 has enjoyed his studio the longest. Shaw’s skill is built on a formal education in art and design followed by 22 years with Ball Corporation as a designer and director of communications, with another 20 years at Anderson University as a designer and director of publications. Shaw says, “The studios at the Murray provide an environment that fosters collaboration and a sense of belonging that can be difficult to find in isolation. At the same time, the dedicated studios provide the quiet atmosphere one needs to concentrate deeply on one’s art without distraction. I feel fortunate to have such a space in downtown Muncie dedicated to my creative interests.” Shaw will be offering a rare opportunity to purchase originals and color studies at very reasonable rates.
Cassie Dunmyer’s work in Suite 308 often begins with drawing, which then evolves through layers of acrylic paint and colored pencil on wood panels. She often incorporates other media such as ink, encaustics, gesso, and collaged materials.
Building upon a BFA in drawing from Ball State University and a background in professional photography, her multifaceted approach is infused with surrealism and symbolism. When asked about why she keeps a studio at the building, Dunmyer said, “I think the Murray offers a great balance of independence and community. Each artist has their own creative vision, giving every studio its own character while offering visitors a diverse experience under one roof.”
Mark Sawrie created his posh showcase, Gallery Flaneur, in studio 310. Sawrie is an Associate Professor Emeritus of Art/Photography at Ball State University where he taught for 30 years. Sawrie says, “Each studio offers a different ‘vibe’, so to say. I invite people to get out of their own box and into ours for the evening.”
Dunckel Haus Photography opened last year in the gorgeous third floor corner which sports the building’s half moon windows. Joshua Dunckel said, “Hannah and I stumbled into the Art at the Murray building during October’s First Thursday in 2024 to visit Carrie Wright’s studio. When we arrived at the second floor foyer gallery, a sign that read, ‘Open studios on the third floor,’ caught our eye, and we bolted straight upstairs to see the spaces. As soon as we stepped foot into what is now the Dunckel Haus Studio, we knew we had to have it. A beautiful view of downtown Muncie, and an art community to welcome us in. It has changed our business and the way we view the world we capture.”
Carrie Wright, located at the top of the second floor stairs, has transformed her space into a self-sustaining art studio thanks to her adjoined artisan gift shop and gallery. Her artist husband Dan Wright, will be providing live guitar music for An Evening at the Murray. She says, “We’ve been opening our doors for First Thursdays since April of ’23, but those evenings have so much going on already that we felt we needed our very own date so that our patrons’ time isn’t divided across several other attractions.
Plus, it gives the public a reason to climb the green stairs and find out who we are. So many of our patrons say we are the best kept secret in Muncie, yet we aren’t trying to hide. Quite the contrary!”
For the latest updates from Art at the Murray and to RSVP for An Evening at the Murray, follow their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558423320296
