By Laurie Lunsford.—
MUNCIE, IN—Muncie is changing. Muncie artists have had their art displayed here and there throughout the city for years. Now, it is everywhere. Recently Tom Heatherly, Muncie artist, “uncovered” eight large paintings of old Muncie. The story of these paintings began 10 years ago.
At that time, artist Laurie Lunsford had an idea when she discovered a large, empty wall in a historic building that was being refurbished for a brewery.
“What if we painted the wall black like a scrapbook page had artists paint old historical scenes from Muncie?” she wondered.
She prepared some large boards with gesso and gathered some of her local artists together. Large panels were distributed. Historical scenes were researched at the Ball State Library, and each artist chose a historical event to portray so it would look like a slick black-and-white photo.
Tom Heatherly painted the High Street bridge during the flood of 1913. Laurie painted one of the first African American bands that began in 1900. Janice Elliott painted a picture of a street scene in front of Star Theatre, which was long before Muncie Civic Theatre. Missy Camille painted two little girls staring into the camera, who were dressed in early 1900s garb staring at the camera. Susie Burns painted the inter-urban railway. Jean McCauley painted an old-fashioned fire engine and firemen. Other artists were Deborah Brown, who painted a picture of a 1920s policeman with a little boy posing, and Karen Fisher painted nurses in their old-fashioned nurse uniforms at the entrance to the old hospital.
The business that had initiated this project closed, and the paintings were not installed. Fortunately, the public saw them at a reception at Muncie Civic Theatre in 2016. Then the art work was put in storage, with the thought that there would be another place. But they were almost forgotten about.
What if these paintings could be displayed in a prominent place in Muncie so that Muncie’s history could be highlighted and enjoyed?
The answer came through a new art gallery located at the Horizon Convention Center in downtown Muncie. Tom, under the approval of all the artists, is framing them. There is a wall at the Horizon Center which is part of a new art gallery at the Horizon Convention Center, where they could be displayed for a while until they find a permanent location. They will be installed soon.
The new art gallery on the second floor of the Convention Center houses a large body of work by members of the Muncie Artists Guild. Over 90 paintings were hung by many Muncie artists. Subject matter and technique are diverse. There will be a grand opening to the community at the Ribbon Cutting on the evening of July 15th. Eight of the paintings will be displayed and titled “OLD MUNCIE”. They will be displayed for 6 months.
The artworks are for sale as a collection for businesses or art enthusiasts.
