Art for the people

Public Art Celebration | April 24–25, 2026

Public Art Celebration Weekend

April 24-25, 2026

Seven community-driven artworks.
Four neighborhood celebrations.
One historic weekend.

A New Vision for
Public Art in Muncie

This isn't just another art unveiling—it's a milestone moment. Through a $500,000 ARPA investment, Muncie is transforming public art from traditional commemorative works into place-based, forward-thinking installations shaped by community voices.

Neighbors had a true opportunity to plug in, share thoughts, and help shape the artistic vision for their communities. Now it's time to celebrate together.

Seven artworks. Seven celebrations. Come see them all!

RSVP

Get the map

Join the Celebration: FRIDAY, APRIL 24

Gateway Park
Happy Hour

4:30–7 PM | Press event: 5:15 PM
Habitat for Humanity | 1424 S Hoyt Ave

Experience Greg Mueller's Habitat Haven—a sculptural gathering space designed for reflection, play, and neighborhood pride. This community third space includes areas for conversation, quiet time, performance, and connection.

WHAT TO EXPECT: Live music, light bites, family-friendly activities, and community celebration

Join the Celebration: SATURDAY, APRIL 25

Whitely Neighborhood Art Tour
Experience three celebrations in one incredible morning!

ArtRize
Celebration

9–11 AM | Press event: 9:30 AM
ArtRize | 1600 N Dr. MLK Jr. Boulevard

Discover Ashley Nora's dynamic murals, Awareness is a Ripple and Mother Nurture, reflecting the vibrancy and resilience of the Whitely community, connection to nearby McCulloch Park, and the people-focused mission of this community space.

WHAT TO EXPECT: Coffee, donuts, DJ music, family crafts, reflective art stations

Buley Center
Family Picnic

10 AM – 12 PM | Press event: 11 AM
Roy C. Buley Center Boys & Girls Club‍ ‍
| 1111 N Penn St

Celebrate Project One Studio's interactive play-based structure, ChoraGraph, designed for young people and families. This gathering and performance space incorporates words and images from the neighborhood.

WHAT TO EXPECT: Yard games, DJ music, light bites, art activities perfect for all ages

Shaffer Chapel Garden party

10:30 AM – 12:30 PM | Press event: 12 PM
Shaffer Chapel AME Church |
1501 E Highland Ave

Honor Cheryl Derricotte's sculptural installation, Mantel of Leadership, celebrating the legacy and cultural significance of Shaffer Chapel. Created in close partnership with church leadership, this work reflects deep community roots and a shared vision of renewal, remembrance, and reverence.

WHAT TO EXPECT: Live jazz, light brunch, museum tours, meaningful reflection

Bonus Locations

Explore Three More Artworks

While celebrating the new installations, discover three additional ARPA-funded artworks already beautifying Muncie. Make it a complete public art tour!

Meet the Artists

Greg Mueller

Habitat Haven
Sculpture Park | Habitat for Humanity

Meet Greg
Ashley Nora

Awareness is a Ripple and Mother Nurture
Murals | ArtRise

Meet Ashely
Cheryl Derricotte

Mantel of Leadership
Sculpture | Shaffer Chapel

Meet Cheryl
Project One Studio

ChoraGraph
Interactive Sculpture | Buley Center

Meet Project One
Chris Silva

More Love
Mural | Future Choices

Meet Chris
Nicole Ponsler

Five Dots
Mural | Muncie Public Library

Meet Nicole
Future Firm

Midnight Palace
Light Sculpture | Dave’s Alley

Meet Future Firm

Designed by the Public, Tatiana Bilbao Estudio, Ivy Tech Fisher Building plaza

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! All celebration events are completely free and open to the public. The artworks themselves are permanent installations funded through ARPA and will remain in place for the community to enjoy.
No RSVP required—just show up! However, we'd love to know you're coming.
Come to one, come to all! Each location offers a unique experience. You're welcome to enjoy festivities at individual sites or follow the full Art for the People tour from location to location. The Saturday events have staggered times to make touring easy!
Absolutely! We'll have activities, games, food, and entertainment for all ages at every location. The Buley Center event is especially designed with young people in mind.
We'll keep you updated via our website and social media. Check back the week of the event for any weather-related updates.
Each venue has parking available:
- Corner Park: Street parking on Hoyt Avenue
- ArtRize: Parking lot on-site
- Buley Center: Parking lot on-site
- Shaffer Chapel: Street parking on Highland Avenue and nearby streets
- Downtown locations: Public parking available throughout downtown

Yes! Each celebration features complimentary refreshments:
- Friday: Light bites
- Saturday (ArtRize): Coffee, donuts
- Saturday (Buley): Picnic fare
- Saturday (Shaffer): Light brunch
Yes! MORE LOVE, Five Dots, and Midnight Palace are permanent outdoor installations accessible 24/7.
All seven artworks were funded through a $500,000 American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) investment awarded by the City of Muncie and administered by MuncieArts.
Through a year-long process including extensive public input, a diverse steering committee, and national and international artist outreach. Community voices shaped every decision.
Yes! All venues are ADA accessible. If you have specific accommodation needs, please contact us at director@munciearts.org.