We offer a variety of noncredit, cultural enrichment programs in the areas of arts, culture, music, history, science, literature, languages, and personal/professional skills. Reservations are required for all programs unless noted otherwise. Programs are only open to adults age 18 and older.
Programs and Courses
Art, Music, Hobbies
- Cost $25, includes supplies for making five cards/envelopes
- Instructor: Krista Flynn, Program Coordinator, Office of Community Engagement, Ball State University
- REGISTER ONLINE (under Art, Music, Hobbies)
Join us for this special occasion card-making class featuring different styles of stamps and a variety of supplies. In addition to learning helpful tips and tricks for making your cards stunning, you’ll also receive all the supplies you need to make five one-of-a-kind cards for your family and friends during class. Limit of 12 students.
Date
Friday, January 26, 2-4 p.m.
- Cost: $40
- Instructor: Ann Johnson, local artist and former owner of F.B. Fogg
- REGISTER ONLINE
Apply lessons learned from painting marbles to a glass still life painting and create the illusion of transparent glass. You’ll use layering, overlay, and reflection techniques to give your masterpiece a marble glass sparkle and shine. Open to all skill levels. Limited to 10 students.
Date
Tuesday, January 23, 2-4 p.m.
E.B. and Bertha C. Ball Center
- No charge, reservations required
- Presenter: Ann Johnson, local artist and former owner of F.B. Fogg
- REGISTER ONLINE
Johannes Vermeer is considered one of the greatest painters of the Dutch Golden Age known for his paintings that depict ordinary people in everyday life. One of his notable pieces is “Girl with a Pearl Earring.” Learn more about Vermeer’s life and artistic career. Limited to 40 guests.
Date
Tuesday, February 13, 2-4 p.m.
E.B. and Bertha C. Ball Center
- Cost: $40
- Instructor: Ann Johnson, local artist and former owner of F.B. Fogg
- REGISTER ONLINE
One of the biggest challenges facing watercolor artists of all levels, is how to fix mistakes. In this class you’ll learn techniques that will allow you to fix and improve your artwork. You may bring in one of your own paintings if you have one or Ann will show you how to get started on a fresh new masterpiece. Open to all skill levels. Limited to 10 students.
Date
Tuesday, February 27, 2-4 p.m.
E.B. and Bertha C. Ball Center
- Cost: $40
- Instructor: Ann Johnson, local artist and former owner of F.B. Fogg
- REGISTER ONLINE
Pastiche art uses the distinct imagery or style of another artist artwork will still allowing Pastiche art imitates the style of an artist or a piece of art, but still allows you to infuse your own style into your artwork. Ann will assist in identifying famous artist styles and help you make them your own personal style exposing you to the Art of Artificial Intelligence Genre. Class will include drawing, painting, and collaging. Open to all skill levels. Limited to 10 students.
Date
Thursday, March 21, 2-4 p.m.
E.B. and Bertha C. Ball Center
- Cost: $40
- Instructor: Ann Johnson, local artist and former owner of F.B. Fogg
- REGISTER ONLINE
Abstract painting is a great way to enjoy watercolors without worrying about getting shapes and images just right. You can explore your creative side while improving or building your watercolor abilities. Open to all skill levels. Limited to 10 students.
Date
Friday, April 19, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
E.B. and Bertha C. Ball Center
- cost – $10
- reservations required - limited to 40 guests
- REGISTER ONLINE (under Art)
Listen to three short talks before enjoying an afternoon tea in the Ball Family mansion. We’ll talk about dolls, books, and how needlepoint has changed since our grandmother’s time. Bring your favorite doll and hats are optional!
Date
Thursday, March 28, 2-3:30 p.m.
- cost – $30, includes project
- instructor –Linda Burkhardt, owner, Elegant Needleworks, Inc.
- REGISTER ONLINE
If you are looking for a new or different hobby, consider needlepointing. Today’s needlepointing is not the same as it was during your grandmother’s time. In each class you can create a one-of-a-kind needlepointed piece by selecting your own thread colors. The stitch guide that accompanies his project allows you to even choose the stitches you want to use to complete the project. Class is for the beginner, intermediate, or advanced needlepointer.
Date
Friday, June 7, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
E.B. and Bertha C. Ball Center
- cost – $30, includes project
- instructor –Linda Burkhardt, owner, Elegant Needleworks, Inc.
- REGISTER ONLINE
If you are looking for a new or different hobby, consider needlepointing. Today’s needlepointing is not the same as it was during your grandmother’s time. In each class you can create a one-of-a-kind needlepointed piece by selecting your own thread colors. The stitch guide that accompanies his project allows you to even choose the stitches you want to use to complete the project. Class is for the beginner, intermediate, or advanced needlepointer.
Date
Friday, April 5, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
History & Science
- No charge
- Reservations Required
- Instructor - Karen Good, board member and chair of Ancestor Hunters, Delaware County Historical Society; and the Indiana County Genealogist
Tracing your roots is a way to document history and family information that you can pass along to future generations. With many resources available online, genealogy is becoming popular and easier to accomplish. Class is for those will little or no previous knowledge of genealogy. REGISTER ONLINE (under History section)
Topics covered each session:
March 5—Genealogy 101 Will focus on general standards (i.e., how genealogist write dates among other things) and discuss how to get started with your family tree.
March 12—Forms and Documents Will discuss census records, birth and death certificates, marriage licenses, land records, and etc., as well as the type of information that can be obtained from these forms.
March 19—Organization Will examine several different ways to organize all the information that you find.
March 26—Software and Free Websites Will take a look at three different software programs on the market as well as some of the free websites available to help you do your research.
Sessions
Four Tuesdays, March 5-26
10-11:30 a.m.
- No Charge
- Reservations Required
Roy Weaver and Shawn Sriver, co-authors of “Running Against the Grain: The Story of Philadelphia Eagle and Movie Star Timmy Brown,” will detail the story of Timmy Brown who went from being a child of divorce to living at an orphanage in rural Indiana to a sports success at Ball State. In the 1960s, he played pro football at Green Bay and in Philadelphia. More than 50 years after he left the Eagles, he still held four team records. He ended his career as a Baltimore Colt in Super Bowl Ill.
Timmy also aspired to have equal success on stage, as a singer and actor. His recordings and live appearances scored in the Philadelphia area, and his acting career led him to roles in two of the most acclaimed movies of the 1970s. REGISTER ONLINE (Under History)
Presenters: Roy Weaver, Former Dean, Teachers College, and Shawn Sriver, Entertainment Historian, and Accreditation and Assessment Coordinator, Teachers College, Ball State University
Date
Tuesday, April 2, 6:30-8 p.m.
- No Charge
- Reservations Required
- Program held at Beech Grove Cemetery
Meet Noblesville author Kevin Yaney, learn more about the research behind his trilogy of historical fiction books set during the Civil War, and discover what ties his books to Delaware County and Beech Grove Cemetery!
“These books came from my research on spies during the Civil War, the Underground Railroad, the involvement of Indiana soldiers in the war, and my family lineage,” said Yaney. “I have always had a fascination with people who risked their lives to promote what they believed. That certainly came about during the Civil War. I enjoyed researching the history behind the events, particularly from the letters left behind by those who were part of the conflict.” Kevin added that it was important to him that the books be historically accurate.
REGISTER ONLINE (Under History)
Date
Thursday, May 16, 2-3 p.m.
Beech Grove Cemetery
- No Charge
- Reservations Required
In fall 1902, Indianapolis police uncovered a prolific graverobbing ring operating across the city. Unlike graverobbers of yore plundering cemeteries for treasure, the Indianapolis ghouls were after fresh corpses; cadavers desperately needed by the city’s medical colleges for anatomical training. It was estimated that at least 300 bodies were ‘resurrected’ alone from Marion County in 1902.
Chris Flook explores this history in his new book Indianapolis Graverobbing. The presentation provides an overview of the subsequent trials of the graverobbers and a discussion of how the story intersected with Delaware County. REGISTER ONLINE(under history)
Author
Chris Flook, associate lecturer, Department of Media, Ball State University; board member, Delaware County Historical Society
Date
Tuesday, March 5, 6:30-8 p.m.
Includes reception and book signing
Westminster Village
We are so pleased to partner with Westminster Village again to provide interesting programs to their residents and to the community. Programs are held in the Legacy Commons Event Hall. Reservations are not required.
Policies
Missed Sessions
If you are unable to attend one or more sessions, please discuss this absence with the instructor before the program begins. There are no make-up sessions.
Food and Drinks
Please do not bring outside food or drinks to the Center. Coffee and water will be provided.
Children
Children under the age of 18 are not permitted in the classroom.
Cancellations and Refunds
To cancel your registration, call 765-285-8975. If there is a charge for program, the following refund schedule applies, based on many times your program meets:
Four or more times:
- 100-percent refund if notified before the first session
- 50-percent refund if notified after the first session, but before the second session
- no refund after the second session
Three times or fewer:
- 100-percent refund if notified before the first session
- no refund after the first session
Inclement Weather
As a general rule, if Ball State University offices are closed (versus classes being cancelled), the Center is closed. If there is a delay for employees, all morning programs are cancelled.
How to Register
Reservations are required for all programs unless noted otherwise. Programs are only open to adults age 18 and older.
- If the class you want to take is full, ask to be placed on the waiting list. If an opening occurs, we will call you.
- If a fee is required, payment is due in full before the first session. You may pay by credit card during the registration process.
- Payment plans are not available.
Please complete our online form to sign up.