Minnetrista Cultural Center boasts many events for fall

In the next few weeks, the leaves will begin to turn, students will settle into their routine and the Minnetrista Cultural Center will come to life with its annual lineup of fall events.

A couple of events are already underway, such as the traditional farmers market and an exhibit called "She Can Make a Difference," featuring an interactive exhibit about women's contributions to World War II. Later this season, students can look forward to concerts and art displays and competitions.

Picturesque gardens, interactive exhibits and historical sites make it haven for both Ball State students and Muncie residents.

The cultural center has a variety of ever-changing exhibits. Karen Nickel and Becky Holderman, employees at Minnetrista, said the length of the exhibits usually depends upon the Minnetrista committee while national exhibits are set on a strict schedule.

Apart from the cultural center, Minnetrista has lush gardens, which are overflowing with plants and wildlife. The many gardens include the Sunken Garden, the Wishing Well Garden and the Children's Garden. Aunt Emma's Path, a historical garden, was installed when Elizabeth Ball was a young girl and lived in one of the Ball houses.

Purchased by the Ball family in 1887, the land was named Minnetrista, "a gathering place by the water." In 1978, Margaret Ball Petty wrote to her cousin Edmund F. Ball and suggested the Ball Brothers' Foundation provide a museum to exhibit fine art. Since 1988, when construction ended after a year on the Minnetrista Cultural Center, it has provided a place of relief and fun for Muncie community members. Some of the Ball brothers' homes, which are located on the property, are open and available to tour.

The Minnetrista heritage collection contains more than 15,000 objects in its museum, including photographs, diaries and furniture.

With 40 acres of ground, Minnetrista is a place for all ages. Walkers, bikers and students visit Minnetrista on a regular basis. Many art students have internships at Minnetrista.

"It's never dull, and there's always something new," Holderman said. "The team is always focused and congenial. Every season has its attributes. That's part of its diversity."

Minnetrista offers a way for visitors to relax this fall. Taking a walk through the colorful gardens, having a picnic in one of the expansive lawns or touring the many exhibits in the cultural center are just some of the many options.

Minnetrista is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Admission for non-members is $5 and entrance to the gardens is free. More information is available  at www.minnetrista.net.

Events for the Fall

She Can Make a Difference

What: An interactive exhibit exploring women's contributions during World War II.

When: Now through Sept. 26.

Open Space: Art About the Land

What: An art competition and exhibit intended to recognize and encourage local artists. The exhibit focuses on art inspired by land or open space.

When: Sept. 10 to Oct. 10

Jazz in Black and White

What: Celebrates Duncan Scheidt and his passion for photography and jazz.

When: Oct. 2 to Jan. 9

Survivor Jamestown

What: An experience in which visitors are immersed in the daily lives of Virginia colonists.

When: Oct. 23 to Jan. 24

Traditional Exhibits

Enchanted Luminaria Walk

What: A carriage ride through the lit-up grounds of Minnetrista.

When: Winter months

Farmer's Market

What: Offers locally grown produce such as cheese, eggs and meats from 80 vendors. The market also provides cooking and canning demonstrations throughout the year.

When: June - October: Saturdays, 8 a.m. to noon; Wednesdays, 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.

Located outside in the Orchard Shop parking lot

November- April, every third Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon.

Located inside the Center Building.