In 2025, Chris Flook and Jim Buss lead Virginia Ball Center students in producing a documentary, The Hobby, that delves into the world of the Midwest Antique Fruit Jar & Bottle Club. Each January collectors from across the country gather to swap and sell antique canning jars at the largest convention of its kind in Muncie, Indiana. The Hobby explores the community of collectors, the history of Ball jars, and the legacy of the Ball family in Muncie. It also highlights the massive, rare Ball jar collection donated to Ball State by Mary Harper. The Hobby offers insights into why this Midwest city is still considered the home of the fruit jar.
The Hobby premiered on Friday, January 16, 2026 at the historic Cornerstone Center for the Arts as the VBC students project showcase. Students gathered on stage and spoke about their experiences and had a Q & A session with the audience. The students, faculty, jar collectors, and community gathered together after the premiere at a small reception.
The television debut of The Hobby aired Thursday, March 19, 2026 on Ball State PBS. It was also featured in an interview with Chris Flook on the show Pop of Culture on Indiana Public Radio.
View The Hobby's Facebook and Instagram pages to learn more about this project.