Pillar Arts Dispatch | Bloomington Art Events & Gallery Shows April 16, 2026
Posted In: Newsletter Archives, News, Events | Posted by: Pillar Arts
We’re continuing a vibrant season at Pillar Arts, with plenty to experience in April and May. At the Pillar Arts Alliance Center, Climate Co-Lab: Art as Inquiry by Artists for Climate Awareness remains on view through April 29, alongside ongoing programs that bring art and environmental awareness together like Nature Walk on April 19 from 3-5 PM.
Pillar Arts Alliance Center is in College Mall, and gallery hours are Wednesday–Saturday from 12–8 PM and Sunday from 12–6 PM. Looking ahead to May, we’re excited to welcome Femina Natura by Grace Gonso at the Arts Alliance Center on display May 1–31.
At Pillar Arts By Hand, Fiber Feast by Martina Celerin is on display through April 25, featuring intricate and dimensional 3D fiber works. Pillar Arts By Hand is in Fountain Square Mall, and gallery hours are Monday–Saturday from 11 AM-5:30 PM. Lessons of Light and Water by Dawn Adams will be featured at the gallery from May 1–June 26, offering a thoughtful exploration of nature, identity, and healing.
We’re also proud to share that the Pillar Arts board has appointed Danielle Bruce as President and Minka Wiltz as Vice President, and we’re excited to continue growing under their leadership. We extend our deepest gratitude to outgoing President Carol Rhodes and Vice President Henry Leck for their time, dedication, and service to the organization.
With several events happening in the coming weeks, be sure to follow us on Instagram and Facebook to stay up to date. We look forward to seeing you in our galleries soon!
UPCOMING HAPPENINGS
Intuitive Inquiry Journaling with Sara Steffey McQueen
Explore creativity and reflection at this creative workshop led by Sara Steffey McQueen at Pillar Arts Alliance Center in College Mall.
On Saturday May 16, 1–3:30 PM bring a notebook, and other supplies are provided. The cost is $25, register at the door or online.
Pillar Arts Alliance Center
Saturday May 16
Bloomington, IN
Learn More about Sara Steffey McQueen
Gallery Walk
Come meet the artist, explore the exhibition, and discover other incredible galleries in our community from 5-8 PM on Friday May 1!
This exhibition will be on display from May 1-June 26
Pillar Arts By Hand
Friday May 1
Bloomington, IN
Lessons of Light and Water by Dawn Adams
This May we are proud to welcome Dawn Adams to Pillar Arts By Hand in Fountain Square Mall to showcase this exhibition of masterful artworks.
Her artwork spans from glass to paintings, with pieces featured in international venues throughout the country.
Pillar Arts By Hand
Friday May 1-Friday June 16
Bloomington, IN
Femina Natura by Grace Gonso
We’re thrilled to invite you to visit the Pillar Arts Alliance Center this May as we feature “Femina Natura” by Grace Gonso.
Meet the artist and connect with other arts advocates at the reception on Saturday May 9 from 3-5 PM.
Pillar Arts Alliance Center
Friday May 1-Sunday May 31
Bloomington, IN
Solace: A Multi-Sensory Healing Experience
Come experience this immersive, multi-arts installation series featuring interactive works across visual art, sound, movement, and more.
This unique exhibit will be at Pillar Arts Alliance Center from 4–6 PM on April 18, 25, and 26.
Pillar Arts Alliance Center
Saturday April 18, Saturday April 25 & Sunday April 26
Bloomington, IN
The Lunchbox Project by Reimagining Opera for Kids
Reimagining Opera for Kids presents “The Lunchbox Project”, a lively show at Pillar Arts Alliance Center on Saturday April 25 from 12-12:30 PM.
The cast explores food and cultures through music by six contemporary composers. It’s fun, interactive, and fast-paced.
Pillar Arts Alliance Center
Saturday April 25
Bloomington, IN
Learn More about Reimagining Opera for Kids
Nature Walk
Student composers created original musical pieces reflecting the seasonal awakening of southern Indiana with inspiration from IU professor Roger Hangarter.
The performance blends science and art from 3-5 PM on April 19.
Pillar Arts Alliance Center
Sunday April 19
Bloomington, IN
CURRENT HAPPENINGS
Fiber Feast by Martina Celerin
We’re so excited to feature incredible 3D artworks by Martina Celerin this month.
Be sure to come check this exhibit out before it leaves Pillar Arts By Hand next Saturday, April 25.
Pillar Arts By Hand
Wednesday April 1-Saturday April 25
Bloomington, IN
Learn More about Martina Celerin
Climate Co-Lab: Art as Inquiry by Artists for Climate Awareness
Next month, we are will feature a deeply thoughtful exhibition by Artists for Climate Awareness.
Join us for both receptions at the Arts Alliance Center from 3-5 PM on Sunday April 12 and April 19 to connect with the artists and experience their masterpieces.
Pillar Arts Alliance Center
Thursday April 2-Wednesday April 29
Bloomington, IN
Learn More about Artists for Climate Awareness
Intro to Bellydance with Donna Carlton
Join us at the Arts Alliance Center for a month-long creative dance series led by Donna Carlton!
Whether you’re an experienced dancer or just getting started, this class will help you grow and learn the basics of bellydance.
Pillar Arts Alliance Center
Thursday March 19-Thurs April 23
Bloomington, IN
Learn More about Donna Carlton
PILLAR ARTS BY HAND
From April 1–25, Pillar Arts By Hand features Fiber Feast by Martina Celerin, a vibrant collection of 3D woven artworks that push the boundaries of traditional fiber art. Rich in texture and form, these pieces invite you to experience weaving in a whole new way, where material, color, and structure come together playfully and unexpectedly.
Beginning May 1–June 26, we’re showcasing Lessons of Light and Water by Dawn Adams, a deeply reflective body of work inspired by healing and the natural world. Through layered oil techniques and abstracted imagery of skies and water, her paintings offer a sense of calm and emotional depth. Alongside these exhibitions, there are many new works by local artists on display that we’d love for you to stop by and explore.
MEMBER SPOTLIGHTS
TOM DUFFY
Tom Duffy is a lens-based artist who approaches photography as a way to interpret, rather than capture, the world around him. His work focuses on composition, mood, and storytelling, often blending elements of nature, still life, and documentary photography to create images that feel both calming and emotionally engaging.
With a background in cognitive psychology and years of experience since beginning his photographic practice in 2002, his style is often described as “painterly.” He continues to exhibit widely, with work recognized in juried shows and featured in galleries across Indiana.
KAREN HOLTZCLAW
Karen Holtzclaw is a painter whose lifelong connection to art began in childhood, inspired by the simple joy of creating and the emotions her work evoked. Encouraged early on for her natural talent, she later began formal oil painting lessons in 1968, and developed a strong foundation in observational and representational techniques.
While her early work focused on still lifes and realism, her practice has since evolved to include imaginative, whimsical compositions often inspired by environmental themes. Her work blends technical skill with a sense of play, reflecting both her artistic roots and her continued curiosity.
View Karen Holtzclaw’s Profile
DOROTHYANN STRANGE
Dorothyann Strange is a photographer inspired by a lifelong connection to the medium, first sparked by watching her mother work behind the camera. Her work captures the emotional essence of a moments, found in people, places, or unexpected details. Her observation blend creative experimentation both in-camera and post-production.
Working across portraiture, landscape, travel, and street photography, she is drawn to subjects that feel powerful, curious, or beautifully imperfect. Her career highlights include documenting recovery efforts in Bangkok’s Klong Toey slum, contributing to a music album’s visual design, and earning recognition for her piece Hope Springs Forever in the Artists for Climate Awareness exhibition.
View Dorothyann Strange’s Profile
GET INVOLVED
PILLAR ARTS ALLIANCE CENTER
We’re seeking volunteers to welcome guests and support the Pillar Arts Alliance Center.
No experience needed — just a positive attitude. Reach out to get involved!
PILLAR ARTS MARKETING TEAM
Do you have experience in Canva, design, or social media?
Pillar Arts is looking for skilled marketing volunteers to support our outreach efforts. If that sounds like you, please get in touch and our team will follow up.
SHOUTOUTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
Welcome Pillar Arts President & Vice President
We’re thrilled to welcome Danielle Bruce (top) as incoming President and Minka Wiltz (bottom) as Vice President of Pillar Arts. Both bring a deep passion for the arts, fresh perspective, and a strong commitment to supporting creative communities in Bloomington.
Their energy and vision mark an exciting new chapter for the organization as we continue to grow and expand our programming.
We look forward to all that’s ahead under their leadership and are grateful to have them guiding Pillar Arts.
Constellation Presents Finn: A New Musical – At the PB&J Cafe
Dive musical adventure paired with a meal at Constellation Stage & Screen, running May 1–17. This story follows a young shark preparing for life in the Shark Guard, who discovers a vibrant world that sets him apart and on a path of self-discovery.
Through friendship, courage, and music, he learns what it means to embrace who he truly is. A sensory-friendly performance will be featured on Sunday, May 17 at 4 PM.
Constellation Presents Mamma Mia! (2008)
Calling all dancing queens and super troupers! Experience the magic of ABBA’s greatest hits in this movie musical about a bride-to-be searching for her father, set to iconic pop classics.
Playing at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater, this screening includes a pre-show costume contest, photo booth, and themed cocktails—so come dressed in your best disco or island-inspired look and join the fun.
Sam Grisman Project
The Sam Grisman Project is a dynamic, all-acoustic ensemble led by bassist Sam Grisman, blending bluegrass, folk, and Americana into vibrant, improvisational performances inspired by American roots music and the legacy of Jerry Garcia.
Catch them at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater on Sunday, May 3 at 7 PM (doors at 6:30 PM).
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Submit your event to our community calendar to share it with a wider creative audience and help keep our local arts scene connected and thriving.
MONTAGE FILM FESTIVAL | ADDITIONAL FILMS & GUESTSFriday April 17, 7-9 PM, IU Cinema BLOOMINGTON – The Seventh Annual Montage Film Festival is Indiana University’s celebration of student-produced films, featuring a juried selection reviewed by alumni and awards for categories like Best in Show, Cinematography, and Performance.
|
HOPE | EARTH CONNECTION FILM FESTWednesday April 22, 7-9 PM, IU Cinema BLOOMINGTON – Explore hope and resilience in the face of environmental crises through a 73-minute program of short films from around the world, followed by an awards ceremony. |
QUANTUM LEAP – ANNUAL LINCOLN CENTER SKATE CLUB ICE SHOWFriday April 24-Sunday April 26, Various times, Hamilton Community Center & Ice Arena COLUMBUS – Experience the Lincoln Center Skate Club’s 2026 Spring Ice Show, featuring over 150 local skaters in a high-energy journey through space, time, and imagination. With dynamic choreography and dazzling performances, it’s a can’t-miss celebration of figure skating. |
QUARRYLAND MEN’S CHORUS SPRING CONCERT – BY THE NUMBERSSunday April 26, 3-5 PM, First United Church BLOOMINGTON – Celebrate the finale of QMC’s 24th season with “By the Numbers,” a lively spring concert full of songs inspired by numbers. Join the chorus for a joyful, community-centered performance celebrating music, expression, and connection. |
BEAT SPRING SHOWMonday April 27, 7-8:30 PM, Buskirk-Chumley Theater BLOOMINGTON – Celebrate spring with the Columbus Symphony Orchestra in a vibrant concert featuring Faure’s Pavane, Rimsky-Korsakov’s Russian Easter Overture, and more. Young musicians from the Laura Andrews Strings Studio join CSO members for an uplifting evening of music. |
WHEN EVERYONE SWIMS W/ FILMMAKER | NEW AMERICAS CINEMATuesday April 28, 7-9 PM, IU Cinema BLOOMINGTON – This film shares powerful stories about access to safe swimming and the importance of water literacy for all. It will be followed by a Q&A with director Jerald Harkness, Olympic medalist Lilly King, and other special guests. |
MORGAN COUNTY HISTORY CENTER & MUSEUM ANNUAL DINNER: 250 YEARS AND COUNTINGThursday April 30, 6:30-8:30 PM, River Valley Church MARTINSVILLE – Support the Morgan County History Center and Museum at their Annual Dinner and Silent Auction. Enjoy an evening of community and history while helping fund the museum’s programs. |