Author to speak at Fort’s library

Dayton area author Jess Montgomery will be visiting the Fort Recovery Library on Tuesday, Jan. 21, at 6 p.m.

She’ll be discussing her 2019 book “The Widows,” which is being released this month.

The public is invited to attend the free evening event. for more information, contact the library at (419) 375-2869.



New exhibit

Minnetrista’s newest exhibit — Animationland — opens on Jan. 25.

Developed and produced by the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, Animationland offers a fully immersive, interactive exhibit where guests learn to incorporate animation skills into the creation process.

This enables visitors to understand the interplay that occurs between art and science and how they can apply those skills to tell their own stories in unique and dynamic ways, Minnetrista spokesmen said.

The exhibit focuses on the basics of the animation process using interactive features including a sketching studio, a sound effects booth and the opportunity to plan and star in a stop-motion production.

“Animationland is a vibrant, whimsical place where kids and adults can get lost in the creative process, even if they’ve never thought of themselves as artists,” said Catherine Diaz, exhibit business development manager at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry.

 Animationland is on view from Jan. 25 to May 3. Minnetrista is located at 1200 N. Minnetrista Parkway, Muncie.

Tree winner

The People’s Choice Award at the Fort Recovery Library’s Festival of Trees during the holiday season was “A Merry Peppermint Christmas” by the Fort Recovery First Responders.



Returning

Ensemble 4.1 is hoping for better weather this time around as it returns to Arts Place on Saturday, Feb. 8.

Last year’s concert by the highly acclaimed group was cancelled due to poor weather.

Tickets for the 7:30 p.m. performance can be purchased online at artsland.org, over the phone at (260) 726-4809, or in person at 131 E. Walnut Street in Portland, Indiana. Advance tickets can be purchased for $20 per adult and $12 per student. Tickets will be available at the door for the price of $23 per adult and $13 per student.



Act a spell

Auditions for Jay County Civic Theatre’s production of “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” will be held from 6 to 8:30 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 27, and Tuesday, Jan. 28, in Hall-Moser Theatre at Arts Place, 131 E. Walnut St., Portland.

There are a variety of roles and a number of chorus parts to be filled.

For auditions, be prepared to sing a musical theatre song. Those trying out are encouraged to sing with music on their phone or another device.

They’ll also be asked to read a few lines from the show.

Call-backs will be at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 29. At that time, performers will be asked to sing songs from the show and read scenes.

Songs and scenes will be posted soon at jaycountycivic.com.

If you’d like to try out but can’t make it to the scheduled audition dates, contact director Joey Bailey, assistant director Ray Cooney or assistant director/musical director Reid Knuth.

If you have questions, email [email protected].