June First Thursday - NEA Big Read Celebration with Muncie Public Library
The NEA Big Read Celebration comes to the first-floor Public Hall at MadJax, hosted in partnership with the Muncie Public Library. This free community event marks the culmination of a year of Big Read programming made possible through a grant awarded to Muncie Public Library by the National Endowment for the Arts. As one of only a select number of organizations nationwide to receive this prestigious grant, Muncie Public Library has spent the past year bringing our community together through free programs celebrating reading, creativity, food, culture, and connection.
Join us for an evening of exhibits, conversation, hands-on activities, and community partnerships inspired by this year’s Big Read themes of food, family, memory, and tradition.
Celebration Highlights:
Big Read Photo Contest Awards at 5:30 PM featuring winning submissions alongside a digital display of community entries
Big Read Community Discussion at 6 PM at cornerstone reflecting on this year’s books and themes
A collaborative exhibit with Minnetrista Museum & Gardens exploring food preservation and the history of food in East Central Indiana, with a live canning demonstration (pending availability)
An interactive exhibit exploring food across 250 years of American history, including food samples, opportunities to vote for favorite American foods, and a chance to contribute a treasured family recipe to the MPL Community Cookbook
A Makers Vendor Area featuring MadJax makers, artists, and creative small businesses
Made at MadJAx: $5 handmade buttons and mugs
Community booths and activities will include participation from Minnetrista, Ball State Art Education students, Ball State Creative Writing, the Ross Community Center, and the library team with summer reading information, books and giveaways, dinosaur mascot appearances, and a family craft area.
The Big Read Celebration is a free, family-friendly event designed to bring people together through stories, creativity, food, and shared experiences. Come celebrate a year of reading and community with us.
The Big Read Celebration is part of June First Thursday in downtown Muncie, so you can enjoy art, food, and culture all evening long.
First Thursday at MadJax
Join us at Madjax every First Thursday for an evening of creativity, community, and connection! Explore local art exhibits, meet talented makers and entrepreneurs, and experience hands-on activities in our vibrant makerspace. All are welcome—come be inspired!
looking for space to participate in first thursday?
Whether you're looking to display art, sell handmade goods, or engage the community with your creative talents, we have the space to help you shine!
Madjax offers several opportunities for artists, makers, and entrepreneurs to showcase their work during First Thurs
Opportunities Include:
Art Exhibits: Showcase your artwork in one of our public spaces.
Vendor Tables: Set up shop and sell your handmade products or unique creations.
Interactive Experiences: Host a hands-on activity, demo, or workshop to engage with attendees.
Email maranda@madjax.org to secure your spot!
