a note from brian
Dear Minnetrista Members,
I hope you enjoy this new issue of Columns, featuring some of the wonderful sights and activities on our campus including the iconic Catalyst sculpture and a preview of our upcoming summer camps. This issue also features a celebration of the outdoors—including the Arbor Day and Garden Fair events at Minnetrista, how our expert Horticulture staff cares for our trees, and tips you can use to care for yours. Spring at Minnetrista is a magical time. After a long and cold winter, I hope you will visit us to enjoy the sun and the beauty of our campus.
I also write to you with an invitation—or, technically, two invitations. I have been fortunate enough to be asked to present to groups around our region about the history of Minnetrista, featuring the contributions of the Ball family, our role in the community, and the exhibitions and programs we offer, including how Bob Ross came to be a part of the Minnetrista and Muncie story. I appreciate being able to share these stories with our community, who may know some of this history but have not yet heard many of the fascinating details.
I invite you to contact me if your business, organization, neighborhood association, or group of friends would like me to speak at one of your meetings. The presentation is absolutely free (though I always gratefully accept a cup of coffee), and it is a unique opportunity to learn about some of our local history.
I also invite you to contact me if you would like a free, personal guided tour of our campus, including our museum buildings, historic homes, and grounds. The tour can be for individuals, families, and friends, and you are welcome to include people who are not Minnetrista members. We are your neighbors, and we want you to feel welcome on our campus because everyone belongs at Minnetrista.
If you are interested in a free presentation or tour of our campus, please contact me at (765) 287-3501 or bstatz@minnetrista.net. I would love to hear from you!
Brian A. Statz
President & CEO
Brian A. Statz
President & CEO
2025 columns issue 1 credits
meet the staff
Megan Wright is the new Graphic Designer at Minnetrista. She earned her BFA in Graphic Design from Indiana University and has worked with organizations such as Monroe County Public Library, Steak ’n Shake, and Indiana University Health. As a graduate of The Indiana Academy at Ball State, Megan recently returned to the area and is pursuing her MS in Human-Computer Interaction from IU Indianapolis. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her fiancé and their two cats, playing video games, watching anime, and working on her half-finished art projects!
Katadyn Connerley, Director of Business Development, brings over a decade of entrepreneurial experience as a business owner and specialist in operational optimization, with a focus on driving revenue growth and fostering meaningful collaborations. Her connection to Minnetrista spans more than twenty years, from her days as a Ball State student finding solace in the gardens to now sharing the campus with her son, making her transition to the organization a natural fit. When not at work, Katadyn enjoys traveling and exploring new places with her son, tending to her garden, hiking, and finding peace through yoga practice.
columns
Editor Jennifer Parks-Strack
Designer Megan Wright
Contributing Writers
Megan Barry, Digital Communications Coordinator
James Edwards, Director of Horticulture
Sebastian Encina, Associate Director of Curation & Exhibition
Johnny Marquis, Associate Director of Experience & Education
Jennifer Parks-Strack, Director of Development
Tania Said, former VP of Exhibitions & Programs
Brian A. Statz, President & CEO
Photographers
Megan Barry
Chris Carroll
Brea Cunningham
Megan Wright
ISSN: 2151-6176
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
© 2025, Minnetrista
Thank you to our columns sponsor.
summer camp at minnetrista: culinary skills, glass art, and exploration await!
by Johnny Marquis
Give your child the chance to discover new talents, explore their creativity, and make lasting memories with our exciting Camp Minnetrista offerings! Whether they are cooking up a storm, learning the art of glass, or embarking on daily adventures, our summer camp programs are designed to engage and inspire children. New in 2025, all camps now include aftercare until 5 p.m.!
Camp Minnetrista: Junior Chefs
June 2–6, 2025 | Ages 9–11
For young aspiring chefs, our Junior Chefs camp provides a fun, hands-on learning experience. Over the course of a week, children will become familiar with basic kitchen techniques, safety tips, and how to follow a recipe. Junior Chefs camp fosters creativity, teamwork, and a love for food in an encouraging and supportive environment.
Camp Minnetrista: Culinary Skills
June 9–13, 2025 | Ages 12–14
For older campers who have a passion for cooking or want to take their skills to the next level, our Culinary Skills camp is perfect. This one-week program dives deeper into more complex techniques such as recipe modifications, herb pairings, and more. Campers will collaborate in small teams and work with more specialized kitchen tools. It is an ideal opportunity for teens to refine their culinary knowledge and prepare for a future in the kitchen.
Camp Minnetrista: Glass Artists
June 23–27, 2025 | Ages 11–14
We are excited to offer a creative and unique experience with our Glass Artists Camp. Designed for ages 11-14, this camp introduces participants to the beautiful and intricate world of glass art. Campers will learn the basic skills of kiln work, cutting, grinding, and soldering. Working with skilled instructors, campers will make colorful art that will shine as bright as their imaginations. One day of camp is even a field trip to a real, local hot shop!
Camp Minnetrista: Explorers (NEW for 2025!)
July 7–11, 2025 | Ages 8–10
A brand-new addition to our summer lineup is Explorers Camp, designed specifically for children ages 8-10. This week-long program focuses on exploration and discovery, with a different theme each day. Campers will visit various spaces on our grounds, from exhibition galleries to outdoor areas, learning about art, history, nature, and more. Each day promises new adventures, and children will engage with interactive exhibitions and fun activities that spark curiosity.
Register
To register for a camp click the button below:
“A great thing about our camps is that kids get to use authentic tools. Kids are often timid using real equipment. It’s amazing to see them build confidence and how they can’t wait to show off their skills in the cooking contest or art show at the end”
catalyst continues to captivate and inspire visitors
by Tania Said
This year, Minnetrista Museum & Gardens’ emblematic sculpture and symbol, Catalyst, recently celebrated its 20th year. This marks a major milestone for Catalyst as well as for the identity of our organization.
For many people in our community, Catalyst is as much a part of Minnetrista as the historic homes, Heritage Collection, gardens, and apple cider, but you may not know its important background. At the 2004 dedication of Catalyst, Board of Trustees Chairman Stefan Anderson said, “The Minnetrista mission today focuses on celebrating our region’s natural and cultural heritage. Now this remarkable sculpture becomes the center symbol for this important mission.”
Virginia B. Ball, wife of Minnetrista founder Edmund F. Ball, is credited with leading the project and locating the artist, Beverly Stucker Precious. She searched for artists across the country, only to find the right artist already in Indiana!
Mrs. Ball stated, “The commission of this sculpture is the most appropriate way I can think of to honor my late husband, Edmund F. Ball. Minnetrista is the result of his commitment to stewardship, giving, and partnership. It is my hope that Catalyst will continue to inspire the community to achieve great things.” Upon acceptance of the gift of Catalyst, the Minnetrista Board of Trustees found it appropriate to honor both Ed and Virginia.
To create this iconic piece, Precious considered the site from every angle before building a maquette, or scale model, of the sculpture. In the 2005 documentary Catalyst, co-sponsored by Minnetrista and the Tell-a-Vision Grant Program at Ball State, Precious noted the constant struggle between the beauty and practicality of her art. The careful balance of dichroic glass, steel, and Indiana limestone make Catalyst a captivating piece.
Since its installation, Catalyst has been illuminated under the watchful eye of Randy Gowin, Minnetrista’s Director of Maintenance. Gowin participated in the original installation and worked with the lighting designer to properly light the sculpture; since then, he has carefully maintained the spotlights and upgraded the ground lighting. Minnetrista’s Horticulture team complements the piece with beautiful and expertly designed seasonal plantings and displays. To keep Catalyst looking its best, Minnetrista restored the piece in 2019. This process included replacing the glass and cleaning and repairing the steel.
Olaf Larson, Minnetrista’s Director of Grounds & Facilities, recalls, “Catalyst and I arrived at Minnetrista the same year. I remember watching the cranes that suspended the sections of the sculpture while they were attached to the limestone base and connected to each other at the top. I also got to help plant the first annual flower display under the sculpture after installation was complete.” He also notes that Jim Tuttle, a retired welder and Minnetrista volunteer, crafted the matching brushed metal frame for the sculpture’s interpretive sign in the front window of the lobby.
“As the sculpture was to be a tribute to the spirit of Edmund F. Ball, I was given several publications about Mr. Ball, the Ball Corporation, and Minnetrista. As I read through the materials, three words came to mind: partnership, giving, and stewardship.
As the designs developed, two possibilities emerged. One was more staid and conservative, but a fitting tribute to a man who gave so much to the community. The second design, Catalyst, sprang out of my drawing tablet with movement, vitality, and strength.
The piece will be ever-changing from morning to night and from January to June.”
Over the years, countless people have developed their own memories and interpretation of Catalyst. Former Ball State Telecommunications Professor Nancy Carlson oversaw the production of the 2005 documentary and describes how much she loves the story of the sculpture’s development. When she looks at the piece, she sees two figures flying toward each other and thinks of Ed and Virginia touching, as if they were a catalyst between art and community. Much like a catalyst promoting change in chemistry, Carlson views Minnetrista as taking on a similar role in the community.
Although she never saw the finished piece, Virginia Ball’s final gift to Minnetrista and the community lives on. Her daughter Nancy Ball Keilty states, “I hope this beautiful and unique vision of my mother, so expertly crafted by Beverly Precious, will serve to remind, inspire, and encourage all of you that you, too, can facilitate positive change. I think that’s what my mother had in mind right from the start.”
Today, Catalyst inspires other works of art in the community, including the 2023 wall installation Everlasting, located in the lobby of The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County. The sprawling stainless steel tree glistens with leaves made of dichroic glass, visually demonstrating the organization’s wide-reaching commitment to the community. Sound familiar? To celebrate our shared history, Minnetrista offered the Foundation some of the original Catalyst glass removed during the sculpture’s restoration.
Additional sculptures by Beverly Stucker Precious can be enjoyed across the country—and in local Hoosier counties. Stop by the lawn of Krannert Memorial Library at University of Indianapolis to see Universal Continuum and visit the gateway to the Madison-Milton Bridge in Madison, Indiana to view River’s Edge.
Click the button below to browse our entire collection!
the growing impact of trees on our community
by James Edwards
How important do you think trees are to our well-being? As the Director of Horticulture at Minnetrista, I believe trees are as essential as the air we breathe, partly because they help produce the oxygen we need to survive. I find myself noticing trees more than most people. I often start conversations while driving down the road with comments like, “Look at that amazing oak!” or “Did you see that tree?” Trees have a unique ability to calm and center us, a fact supported by science. Studies reveal that time spent under tree canopies lowers cortisol levels, the hormone linked to stress. You have probably felt this yourself, perhaps while hiking under a leafy canopy or enjoying a stroll through a tree-lined park.
Trees not only benefit our health but also provide financial savings through their ecological services. Planting deciduous trees on the west side of a house can reduce cooling costs by 20–50% by shading the home from direct sunlight. Likewise, evergreen trees can block cold winds in winter, cutting heating costs by up to 10%. Additionally, a mature tree can intercept up to 1,000 gallons of water annually, reducing the need for expensive stormwater infrastructure and flood mitigation. Investing in tree care pays off year after year, and the time spent maintaining them can help lower future costs.
Trees are not only important to neighborhoods and green spaces, but are also critical in urban environments. As urban areas expand and population density increases, the benefits of trees are amplified. Urban trees provide the same benefits as other trees, including improved air quality. According to the Arbor Day Foundation, in one year a mature urban tree can absorb up to 48 pounds of carbon dioxide and store it for the tree’s lifetime, directly improving respiratory health for residents. In addition, the shady canopies of street trees help lower urban temperatures.
Proper planning is key to maximizing the benefits trees provide. Planting the right tree in the right place ensures its longevity and prevents costly problems in the future. One of the biggest mistakes is planting a tree too deeply, which leads to girdling roots that constrict the tree’s circulation and shorten its lifespan. Another common error is tree topping—cutting off the top of a tree to reduce its height. Often performed by unqualified individuals, this practice weakens the tree, making it more likely to fail. Always seek licensed and certified arborists for tree work to ensure the job is done correctly.
Managing trees on Minnetrista’s 40-acre campus is a major responsibility. Weekly walkthroughs help the horticulture team spot potential concerns early. When we identify an issue, a staff horticulturist or I perform a detailed inspection, examining the tree’s leaves, branches, trunk, and root system. We also assess what is around the tree—such as infrastructure or visitor areas—to determine potential risks in case of failure. If necessary, we consult with a professional arborist to provide further assessment.
As a way to contribute to the larger community, Lead Horticulture Specialist, Austin Weiland, and I sit on Muncie's Urban Forestry Committee, which supports and upholds the City’s tree ordinances and standards. Minnetrista, the Urban Forestry Committee, and other community partners join together to host the annual Muncie Arbor Day Celebration.
Join us this year as we celebrate Arbor Day on April 26! This engaging event offers activities for all ages. Pick out a free sapling from an assortment of oak, sycamore, bald cypress, red buds, and more, and watch live demonstrations on proper tree care and planting. Our team is ready to help if you need advice on all things trees. In addition, families can enjoy creative tree-inspired crafts, and be sure not to miss the free raffle for a chance to win trees, gardening tools, and other great prizes!
This year’s Arbor Day celebration takes place on April 26 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Minnetrista’s Center Building.
Another fantastic way to deepen your community roots and promote sustainable living is at Garden Fair. This two-day event is a haven for plant lovers, foodies, and music enthusiasts. Explore beautiful plants, landscaping tools, and crafts to enhance your summer projects. Meet vendors and horticulture experts while enjoying live music, activities, food, and drinks. There is truly something for everyone at this vibrant community gathering!
Garden Fair is May 9, 4 to 8 p.m. and May 10, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Minnetrista.
Join us at these events to learn more about trees and delight in the outdoors. After all, trees play an essential role in enhancing our health, improving our environment, and providing economic benefits to our communities. From reducing stress and improving air quality to lowering energy costs and managing stormwater, trees are a valuable investment that pays dividends for generations. Proper care and planning are critical to maximizing these benefits, ensuring that trees thrive and continue to enrich our urban and natural spaces. By valuing and nurturing trees, we create greener, healthier, and more vibrant spaces for all. Let us continue to plant, protect, and appreciate the trees that support our well-being and future.
the stunning world of glass at minnetrista
by Tania Said with Sebastián Encina and Johnny Marquis
Following the 1886 discovery of the Trenton Gas Field, which spreads across portions of East Central Indiana, glass factories seemed to sprout up overnight across Indiana, with businessmen eager to take advantage of the seemingly never-ending supply of natural gas. One such group of visionaries, the Ball brothers, moved from New York to Muncie, where they began producing their famous Ball canning jars and helped solidify Indiana’s industrial identity. To honor the contributions of the Balls and the many other glass manufacturers and artists who shaped this region, one of Minnetrista’s Interpretive Framework themes—which guide the development of our exhibitions and programming—is glass.
With Minnetrista’s focus on glass and East Central Indiana’s unique glass heritage, it’s no surprise that glass art is front and center this spring.
Clearly Indigenous: Native Visions Reimagined in Glass
On view through May 18, Clearly Indigenous: Native Visions Reimagined in Glass is a feast for the eyes and soul. Visitors are raving, calling it stunning, thought-provoking, and impressive. The art is inspired by stories, oral history, and traditional indigenous artwork such as pots, baskets, and textiles. Often, the art shown is an expression of the artist’s cultural heritage or an interpretation of present-day issues affecting contemporary indigenous people and tribes.
The exhibition’s glass works are grouped by theme and include different inspirational categories, such as the History of Glass in Indian Country, Northwest Coast, Pueblo Pottery Recreated in Glass, Textiles Reimagined in Glass, Animals of the Land, Gifts from the Sea, The Sky Above, Ancestor’s Voices, and Bridging Two Worlds. The exhibition includes 29 renowned glass artists from 26 tribes, including collaborations with Māori artists from New Zealand and First Nations Australian artists. Dale Chihuly, who introduced glass blowing to Indigenous American students at the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, New Mexico, also has works featured in the exhibition.
Minnetrista’s Associate Director of Curation and Exhibition Sebastián Encina, says Clearly Indigenous, reminds us that indigenous artists are still here producing brilliant works of art in contemporary manners that harken back to established motifs, patterns, and stories. These amazing artists bring us familiar themes and new expressions in captivating glass art.
Dr. Letitia Chambers, originating curator of Clearly Indigenous, collaborated with the artists whose works are represented and wrote the exhibition wall text and object labels. The accompanying book, written by Dr. Chambers, is for sale in The Orchard Shop.
The amazing artwork found in Clearly Indigenous is enhanced through an atrium display of beadwork by Melissa Clifford and Maria Walker, two Muncie artists whose work exemplifies their indigenous heritage and reflects some of the themes of the traveling exhibition.
More Glass at Minnetrista
Building upon the storied history of glass in the region, Lily Rawson, Adult & Studio Programs Manager, leads glass workshops featuring torchwork, fused glass, mosaic glass, and more throughout the year.
“Continuing the manufacturing glass history of the Ball Family, we seek to instruct guests in a variety of fun and approachable glass working techniques. Fantastic examples of fused glass, hot glass, and mosaic glass can be seen in Clearly Indigenous. These are techniques that guests can learn right here at Minnetrista through hands-on instruction of various project designs.”
Minnetrista frequently partners with the Marilyn K. Glick Center for Glass at Ball State University, another resource in the area for aspiring glass artists. Lily even teaches a few workshops at the Glick Center’s hot shop every year! Every two years, these two organizations also partner on Imagine in Glass, an exhibition where children’s imaginations are center stage as their drawings come to life in glass pieces made by Ball State students. This exhibition recently closed in February, but look for a new call for youth artists and the exhibition's subsequent opening in 2026!
Our Glick Center partnership also includes annual glass egg and pumpkin sales. Visit us at the Education Center in Oakhurst Gardens on April 5 (rain date April 12) from 9 a.m. to noon for the annual Glass Egg Sale. Guests can peruse and purchase from a selection of eye-catching and unique glass eggs.
In addition, Minnetrista’s Heritage Collection, available to search through our website, will satisfy any curiosities about glass art and history. Not only is Minnetrista a collecting repository, but we are also a research center with knowledgeable staff to assist you. Whether you are looking for a book about glass or trying to discover more about the Ball jars in your own collection, we can help.
The beauty of glass art and the heritage of East Central Indiana’s glass industry combine in compelling ways at Minnetrista, inspiring a wide variety of our programming and exhibitions.
Click the button below to browse our entire collection!
the power of giving back
by Megan Barry
At Minnetrista Museum & Gardens, volunteers bring our mission to life. Their time, passion, and hard work help us create meaningful experiences for guests of all ages. Whether they’re working in the gardens, assisting staff with school tours, or leading a craft at a Signature Event, volunteers make a lasting impact on both our organization and the Muncie community.
Volunteering at Minnetrista is about more than just giving back—it’s about gaining something, too! As Julie Mason, our Volunteer Specialist, says,
“I want volunteers to walk away feeling like they’ve done something important for the community.”
As a volunteer, you will make connections, learn new skills, and hopefully feel like you’re a part of something bigger! Your efforts directly contribute to preserving local history, fostering learning, and making Minnetrista a welcoming place for all. From gardening techniques to customer service, volunteering offers hands-on experiences that can be valuable both personally and professionally.
Minnetrista offers a variety of volunteer opportunities suited to different interests and schedules. Here are a few ways you can get involved:
Horticulture: Help maintain the beautiful landscapes and gardens that make Minnetrista a local treasure.
Signature Events: Assist with beloved community events like Enchanted Luminaria Walk or the upcoming Garden Fair (May 9 and 10), where volunteers help with setup, vendor assistance, and guest engagement.
Summer Camps and School Tours: Work with kids in a fun, educational environment, helping to create memorable experiences for young learners.
Gallery and Exhibition Support: Lend a hand in preparing galleries for new exhibitions.
Minnetrista thrives because of people like you. Whether you have a few hours to spare or want to make a long-term commitment, we would love to welcome you to our volunteer team. Come be a part of something truly special.
Joining our volunteer team is easy! If you’re interested in getting involved, reach out to Julie Mason, our Volunteer Specialist, who will guide you through the sign-up process and match you with the perfect opportunity.
Contact Julie Mason at jmason@minnetrista.net or click the button below to start your volunteer journey today!
sponsor spotlight
Indiana Trust Wealth Management supports Minnetrista through the sponsorship of Columns! Community support is such a vital part of Indiana Trust’s organization that it is one of the mission-driven pillars of their strategic plan. David R. Kibbe, JD, President & CEO, says,
“Supporting Minnetrista allows us to contribute to the cultural and social enrichment of our East Central Indiana community and promotes a more vibrant environment for us all.”
Through their professional expertise and their financial investment, Indiana Trust hopes to strengthen the social fabric of communities, support local initiatives, and contribute to the overall health and vitality of the regions they serve. Minnetrista is grateful for their support so that we can continue to invest in our region as well.
2025 minnetrista board of trustees
John Anderson
Civic Leader
Ed Armantrout (Vice Chair)
Civic Leader
Candace Bankovich
Civic Leader
Jake Benn
IU Health–Ball Memorial Hospital
Faye Chechowich
Civic Leader
Nancy Dayton
Taylor University
Ermalene Faulkner
Civic Leader & Former Educator
Tim Fox
Anderson University
Rebecca Gonya (Secretary)
Civic Leader
Jeannine Harrold
Civic Leader
Darlesia Lee
ECI Regional Planning District
Kathryn Ludwig
Ball State University
Steve Moore
First Merchants Bank
Tammy Phillips
Ball Associates
Chuck Reynolds
Muncie Community Schools
Sara Shade Hamilton (Chair)
Beasley & Gilkison, LLP
Steve Slavin (Vice Chair)
Coldwell Banker The Real Estate Group
Brian Statz
President & CEO Minnetrista
Marty Sulek
Institute for Philanthropy
Judy Valos
Civic Leader & Former Educator
Alisa Wells
Ivy Tech Community College
emeritus trustees
Stefan S. Anderson
Douglas A. Bakken
Frank E. Ball*
Stephen S. Bedi
James P. Borgmann
Frank A. Bracken*
Jack L. Demaree
Terri Matchett
John J. Pruis*
Jack Ronald*
Nancy J. Smith
*Deceased
