Artist: Claire George
Project Title: Growth
Location: Southeast corner of Walnut St. & McCullough Blvd.
Project Statement: The inspiration behind my design is the idea of growth within the city, hence the title of the project. I want to show a history of the arts and also key aspects that make Muncie what it is. These are things that as a young person who has lived in Muncie all of her life, has seen and grown up appreciating. They have shaped who I am and have provided amazing memories from my childhood. I want to be able to highlight these great things and give them some recognition. I believe that my work will beautify the surrounding area and attract attention from people of all ages. It is simple, yet upon inspection draws more details. I want passersby to see and understand it, but if they stop to pick up on more history from within it. The front will feature a Ball Jar sitting in the sunlight, but its shadow is Beneficence. This is to symbolize how the Ball family is a prominent part of Muncie and because of them we are blessed with Ball State University. The two sides of the box will feature the same design of a simplified version of the “Catalyst” sculpture in front of Minnetrista. I chose this because of the impact Minnetrista has on the city, from the cultural center, orchard, and farmers market. You cannot live in Muncie or visit it without seeing Minnetrista. The back of my control box is the most complex of all. It will be an impressionist painting of an orchard based off the stylings of J. Ottis Adams. Adams was an artist and painter who moved to Muncie in 1876 and opened an art school. While the school only remained open for a couple years, it spun off several art groups and associations within the city. If someone were to walk by the box they would see a painting of the orchard and think of Minnetrista, but if you knew the history then you could recognize the tribute to Adams. The top of my box will be simple, featuring a nighttime sky dazzled with stars and fireflies. One of the great things about Indiana is the bright stars in the nighttime sky. As a kid I always loved catching fireflies during summer evenings and I feel that almost everybody can relate to that.
Artist Bio: I have been a lover of art since I was a little kid. I attended summer art camps at Ball State all throughout my elementary years. I have been taking art classes at my school every year for seven years. Those classes include painting, drawing, ceramics, sculpture, and jewelry. In 2017, I won honorable mention at the Primetrust art show, and in 2018, I won 3rd place overall in my age group at the same show. Currently, I am in my freshman year of college.