On April 24, Minnetrista Museum & Gardens hosted donors, members, and community leaders at a reception to welcome me as the new President & CEO of the organization. During that event, I shared a little of my vision for the future of Minnetrista. While I am energized and humbled by how many people attended, I know many of you were not able to make it. For those of you who might be curious, I wanted to share with you some of the ideas I put forth that evening.

As I consider leading Minnetrista in its next chapter, I am mindful of all the past good work that will serve as the foundation for our future. My goals for the organization are taking shape around the idea of building an ever stronger culture of service. I believe there is much left for us to accomplish, as we aspire to become an essential part of the lives of the people of Muncie and East Central Indiana. I envision a Minnetrista that is welcoming of our community; provides engaging programming, exhibits, and events; and serves as a sanctuary for all people seeking beauty and calm. Read on to learn more about what I hope to accomplish in these areas of focus!

Enlightening, Entertaining, and Challenging Exhibits:

I recognize the significance of offering exhibits that cover the full spectrum of arts, science, history, and industry to the East Central Indiana community here in our own backyard. Minnetrista’s future exhibits will be thoughtfully curated to immerse our visitors in topics that spark learning. We will continue to aim to appeal to diverse audiences across demographics and interests while placing a renewed focus on creating experiences that captivate preschool children and young families. Furthermore, I am excited to share that we will display more of our extensive collections to celebrate our community’s history and enrich your future visits.

Expanding Programs:

Minnetrista's programs have gained popularity in recent years, and I am committed to offering even more to our members and community. My goal is not only to increase the number of programs to ensure availability but also to expand the variety offered. To accomplish this, we will mine existing expertise and invest in staffing to offer programming in glass art, painting, food and cooking classes, and—in the spirit of George, Frances, and Betty Ball—literacy.

Enhancing Community Engagement:

I firmly believe in the power of community engagement and believe that Minnetrista is well-positioned to increase our engagement in Muncie and across the East Central Indiana region. I am committed to bringing our offerings beyond our campus and into the community to increase accessibility for all. By strengthening old and forging new partnerships with schools, libraries, and community organizations, we will ensure that everyone has access to the enriching experiences Minnetrista has to offer. My vision is to reinforce the idea that Minnetrista is the friendly neighbor with the big yard and an array of treasures to share, and everyone is welcome to come engage, learn, and play!

Creating a Welcoming Haven:

Just like Oakhurst, we want Minnetrista to be a place where all feel welcome. Oakhurst exemplifies the essence of Minnetrista—an environment where guests can freely touch objects, enjoy a cup of coffee or tea in the kitchen, or find solace with a book on one of the porches. This unparalleled level of hospitality is what sets Minnetrista apart from the usual historic home experience. This organization is meant to be a place where visitors can come in, relax, and stay a while—where they can forget about the world for a moment and find comfort among friends. This extends to Minnetrista’s outdoor spaces as well. I envision small modifications to the campus that will better define sanctuary spaces across our grounds that will allow people to find moments of calm and respite here in the heart of Muncie.

Reaching Out and Fostering Diversity:

To truly fit into our community, Minnetrista is committed to diversifying our leadership, staff, and offerings. We understand the importance of ensuring that everyone feels welcome within our organization. By taking deliberate steps towards inclusivity, we will work to foster an environment that embraces individuals from all walks of life. We will actively engage throughout the region to extend our reach. Our aim is to create an organization that reflects the diverse tapestry of our community.

When I interviewed for this position last fall and walked around Minnetrista’s campus, I couldn't help but feel a deep sense of awe and admiration for this extraordinary place. During that visit, the recruiter asked me to summarize why I was interested in Minnetrista. I just pointed around and said “look at this–everyone should have a Minnetrista.” Well, not every community does, but we do, and Minnetrista is immensely proud to be here. I am committed to leading Minnetrista down a path that serves, uplifts, and enriches the lives of each and every person who walks through our doors or lives in our community.

**Catalyst in front of the Center Building at Minnetrista. Fall 2022**

About Brian

Brian Statz joined Minnetrista Museum & Gardens in January 2023 as President & CEO. Previously he served for 15 years as General Counsel and as Vice President of Operations at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis and as a lawyer with the firm Lewis Kappes.

A Vision for the Next Chapter at Minnetrista

“The Stone Cottage” on Minnetrista Boulevard

Girlhood (It’s Complicated) – The View from Here