Dear Friends of Minnetrista,
Welcome to the last edition of Columns for 2025! Minnetrista’s staff once again have done a great job in putting together articles about some of the exciting exhibitions, programs, and activities we currently offer, as well as what we have in store for you next year.
In 2026, we will share compelling exhibitions about national and local history, starting with Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley: Let the World See, telling the story of Emmett Till and his mother’s strength and determination following his murder. We also will feature some organizations in East Central Indiana who are committed to healing and improving our communities.
We will celebrate the 250th birthday of the USA with two original exhibitions. America at 250: Reflections on Community will be an interactive exploration of citizenship and belonging. America at 250: Celebrating Hoosier Spirit will feature artifacts from our Heritage Collection that show our region’s ties to our nation’s history. Both exhibitions will celebrate the important role the people of East Central Indiana have played, and continue to play, in our country.
Minnetrista will always honor the people of our region, following the guidance of one of our founders, Edmund F. Ball, who said: “[Minnetrista] will remind those who visit the Center that the greatness of our nation comes from all the Middletowns, U.S.A. That America is not just New York City and Washington, Chicago and California—but it is farms and industries, educational institutions and health services, and people—all kinds of people, from all walks of life and ethnic and religious backgrounds and heritages.”
As you prepare for the holidays and the new year, I hope you have time to reflect on the memories you made with friends and family, and I hope some of the memories were made together with us at Minnetrista. Please join us for Enchanted Luminaria Walk on December 5 and 6. It is a treasured annual tradition of East Central Indiana, and a great way to help kick off the holiday season.
From all of us at Minnetrista, best wishes to you during the holidays and in the new year!
Thank you,
Heather Jordan, Adult and Studio Programs Manager, was told from a young age that she would be an artist. Her interest in art was fostered by her family, particularly her father, who was an artist and art educator. She attended Ball State University, focusing on Drawing, but took as many glass classes as her schedule would allow. With an insatiable hunger to know art processes, Heather has pursued knowledge in fiber arts, book arts, print making, glass, and anything else that has sparked interest or joy. She hopes to foster that same curiosity and delight in others, just as her father did in her.
From books to blooms, classrooms to community arts, Linda Shreve, Gardener - Programs and Events, has spent her life in service of growth—whether it’s nurturing young minds, new ideas, or garden beds. After 25 years as a Youth Services Librarian at the Jay County Public Library, she shifted from storytime to soil, spending two years volunteering before joining Horticulture’s seasonal gardening staff for four seasons. Currently, she fulfills a role similar to her years as a librarian where she is planning activities and implementing them during Minnetrista Museum & Gardens events along with her gardening tasks. Linda has lived in Jay County for the past 35 years, has been married for 43 years, and has four grown children and three grandboys who keep life full and fun.
Editor Jennifer Parks-Strack
Designer Payton Ridge
Contributing Writers
Brea Cunningham, Director of Marketing & Communications
Sebastián Encina, Director of Curation & Exhibitions
Mindy Price, Collections Manager
Ellis Smalley, Grants Manager
Susan Smith, Archivist
Brian A. Statz, President & CEO
Photographers
Megan Barry
Brea Cunningham
Chris Carroll
ISSN: 2152-6176
Columns magazine is published three times each year and
distributed by Minnetrista without charge to its members.
Comments or questions should be directed to Jennifer Parks-Strack
at 765.287.3504, or jparks-strack@minnetrista.net.
1200 North Minnetrista Parkway
Muncie, IN 47303–2925
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