MUNCIE – ‘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,” according to a news release.
Presented by Ball State’s Integrated Cultural Committee, visitors can explore a wide range of campus destinations, including the David Owsley Museum of Art, 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 the art museum) 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 photo booth, 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 said.
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, 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 and a Holiday Artisan Market.
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 Friday from 5 to 9 p.m.
Locations and event information for the Holiday Arts & Culture Night:
CHARLES W. BROWN PLANETARIUMHoliday Programs and Science ActivityThe planetarium will offer showings of “The Christmas Star” at 5, 6:30 and 8 p.m. Come early for seats and to enjoy a holiday-themed science activity.
FSEECHoliday in BloomThe 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 GLASSHoliday Glass Sale & DemonstrationsGlick Center for Glass joins the holiday festivities with an open house, offering a glass arts sale by the BSU Glass Alliance and live glassworking demonstrations each hour during the event.
DOMAHoliday Community Open HouseDOMA 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 HALLTrombone StudioEnjoy the Ball State Trombone Studio at 7:30 p.m. in the 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. Tickets required and available at the Emens Box Office.
For more information about the event, go here.