Pillar Arts Dispatch | Bloomington Art Events & Gallery Shows August 22, 2025
Posted In: Newsletter Archives, News, Events | Posted by: Pillar Arts
August is wrapping up with a full calendar of arts events. This month we’ve hosted workshops and performances, participated in Gallery Walk, welcomed talented artists to feature exhibitions at both of our galleries, and more. Remember to swing by Pillar Arts By Hand and Pillar Arts Alliance Center to view artwork by Dama Mora and Upland Plein Air (respectively) before the end of the month. Next month, we will display incredible pieces by Ruth Lau and John Lee at the Pillar Arts Alliance Center and Andy Roberts at Pillar Arts By Hand along with live music performances, dance classes, and much more. Check out more of September’s happenings at our calendar.
Also, be sure to find us at the 4th Street Festival next weekend (August 30–31). We’re still seeking volunteers to help support us at the event, so if you want to get involved or sign up for a shift, register here. We’re excited to share that memberships purchased over Labor Day weekend (August 29-September 1) will be valid through 2026. Stop by, say hello, and connect with us in person!
Looking ahead, we’re also thrilled to invite you to the Grand Opening of the Pillar Arts Alliance Center on Saturday, September 6, 6–8 PM. The event is free and open to all. Join us to celebrate with an evening of food, art, and community as we launch this exciting new chapter for Pillar Arts. An RSVP isn’t required but it does help us plan—register here.
CURRENT HAPPENINGS
“Cat and Lady” by Dama Mora
Join us at Pillar Arts By Hand for Cat and Lady, a beautiful exhibition by Dama Mora. Her use of vivid colors and incorporation of furry friends encompasses her style and passion for art.
Pillar Arts By Hand
August 1-September 2
Bloomington, IN
“My Style” by Upland Plein Air
Come visit us at the new Pillar Arts Alliance Center on Saturday, August 2 to welcome the talented artists of Upland Plein Air. Their incredible exhibition My Style will be on display through the month of August, so don’t miss out on experiencing this feature.
Pillar Arts Alliance Center
August 2-31
Bloomington, IN
Learn More about Upland Plein Air
Creative Residency by Kyle Quass
This month, local musician Kyle Quass is hosting a series of performances at the Pillar Arts Alliance Center with the accompaniment of other featured artists. He will be performing in our space each Friday through August 22 and we can’t wait to see you there.
Pillar Arts Alliance Center
August 8, 15, 22 @ 7-9 PM
Bloomington, IN
4th Street Festival
The annual 4th Street Festival of the Arts & Crafts has returned to Bloomington once again during this Labor Day weekend.
This year we will be sharing a space with the Artists for Climate Awareness and we hope to see you there. If you’re interesting in how you can get involved at our booth, click here.
4th Street, Downtown Bloomington
August 30-31
Bloomington, IN
Learn More about the 4th Street Festival
“Echoes of Life & Love” by John Lee and Ruth Lau
Come visit us at the Pillar Arts Alliance Center to view Echoes of Life & Love by talented artists Ruth Lau and John Lee.
We are hosting an artist reception on Saturday, September 13 from 3-5 PM, and hope to see you there.
Pillar Arts Alliance Center
September 1-30
Bloomington, IN
“Close Encounters” by Pangaea Sky
Join us in welcoming Pangaea Sky to Pillar Arts Alliance Center’s performance space as they play music from their series “Close Encounters.” This experience will be an evening of fun and connection.
Pillar Arts Alliance Center
September 2, 5-8 PM
Bloomington, IN
Shimmy Social with Donna Carlton
Experience the art of Middle Eastern dance with movement in this session led by instructor Donna Carlton along with fellow dancers.
Come for free demonstrations and informal lessons for adults, teens, and supervised children.
Pillar Arts Alliance Center
September 4, 6-7 PM
Bloomington, IN
Learn More about Donna Carlton
Gallery Walk with Andy Roberts
Gallery Walk has returned for the month of September, and we couldn’t be more excited. This month, we are featuring works from talented local artist Andy Roberts from September 3-30.
Please swing by to meet the artist in person and experience his incredible pieces!
Pillar Arts By Hand
September 5, 5-8 PM
Bloomington, IN
Pillar Arts Alliance Center Grand Opening
Celebrate the Grand Opening of the new Pillar Arts Alliance Center with an evening of food, art, and community.
Stop by to help us launch this next chapter for the arts in Bloomington. An RSVP is not required, but it is encouraged for us to plan for the occasion – register here!
Pillar Arts Alliance Center
September 6, 6-8 PM
Bloomington, IN
Learn More about the Pillar Arts Alliance Center
Middle-Eastern Dance Classes with Donna Carlton
This lively series begins September 11 and runs until Thanksgiving break.
Each session includes five classes that are $50 with advance registration or $60 at the door. Two sessions are offered, so you can join one or both. For details or to sign up, call (812)330-1831.
Pillar Arts Alliance Center
September 11-November 6, 7-8 PM
Bloomington, IN
Learn More about Donna Carlton
CD Release & Solo Show with Gabriel Jenks
Join us for a musical evening as Gabriel Jenks performs songs from his debut album Lonesome.
His folk-inspired acoustic music weaves stories with the human experience, and we hope you’ll come watch.
Pillar Arts Alliance Center
September 12, 7-8 PM
Bloomington, IN
Learn More about Gabriel Jenks
GET INVOLVED
4TH STREET FESTIVAL
Help represent Pillar Arts at the 4th Street Festival on August 30-31. We’ll be sharing a tent with Artists for Climate Awareness and located near fellow arts groups.
Learn more about the 4th Street Festival or sign up for a 2-hour shift today.
PILLAR ARTS ALLIANCE CENTER
We’re seeking volunteers to greet guests, share about the artwork, and support daily operations at Pillar Arts Alliance Center. No experience needed, just a positive attitude and willingness to learn.
If you’re interested, please reach out and a member of our team will be in touch.
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.
MEMBER SPOTLIGHTS
ARTS ALLIANCE CENTER SPOTLIGHT ARTIST
KAREN WYLE
Karen A. Wyle grew up in Connecticut but now calls Bloomington home. She’s an appellate attorney, photographer, mother of two, and she brings all of those experiences into her writing. Karen’s fiction ranges from science fiction to historical romance and fantasy, often exploring family and the twists and turns of life that can’t be controlled.
She’s also worked with illustrators on picture books and written a nonfiction guide to help authors and students understand American law. With a lifelong love of reading both literary and genre fiction, Karen’s stories are thoughtful, engaging, and full of heart.
BY HAND SPOTLIGHT ARTIST
KATYA ALEXEEVA
Katya Alexeeva, originally from Odessa, Ukraine, has been living in Bloomington, Indiana for over 20 years. She is trained in architectural design, and rediscovered her passion for painting and drawing in 2018 through the Bloomington Watercolor Society. Her work spans landscapes, cityscapes, still lifes, portraits, and plein air studies, capturing both natural and urban scenes with a vibrant, expressive style. She is active locally, organizing Upland Plein Air shows and participating in numerous exhibitions across Indiana.
Katya has earned recognition for her work, including awards from the Bloomington Watercolor Society Members Show, Upland Plein Air, and Brown County Art Guild exhibits. She also shares her expertise through art lessons for children and adults, fostering creativity in the community both online and in person.
MEMBER SHOUTOUTS
Celebrate Bloom Mag’s 20 Year Anniversary
Congratulations to Bloom Magazine on 20 years of serving the Bloomington community! For two decades, they’ve provided thoughtful journalism, keeping our community informed and connected.
We’re grateful for their dedication to telling Bloomington’s stories and shining a light on the people, issues, and creativity that make this city special. Thank you for all you do, and here’s to many more years ahead!
Learn More about Bloom Magazine.
Intuitive Inquiry Oracle Deck by Sara Steffey McQueen
Sara Steffey McQueen is bringing herIntuitive Inquiry Oracle Deck to life, featuring 57 original paintings, drawings, lithographs, and pastels created over the past decade. Each card reflects her journey with intuitive painting and the Art of Allowing©, offering insight and inspiration to readers.
She’s launching a Kickstarter campaign in late August to help fund the project, with several ways to get your own deck. Stay tuned to follow her progress and support her beautiful work!
Learn More about Sara’s Oracle Deck
COMMUNITY EVENTS
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OPEN MIC NIGHTWed Aug 27, 8-10 PM, The Comedy Attic BLOOMINGTON – Catch local talent at Comedy Attic’s Open Mic Night—five-minute sets of original material from rising and seasoned comedians. Want to perform? Email comedyattic@gmail.com and bring some friends to cheer you on. |
IT’S NEVER OVER, JEFF BUCKLEYThurs Aug 28, 7-9 PM, Buskirk-Chumley Theater BLOOMINGTON – A new documentary offers never-before-seen footage and intimate accounts from Jeff Buckley’s inner circle, capturing the life and artistry of the singer-songwriter who tragically died in 1997 after releasing only one extraordinary album. |
DUKE TUMATOEFri Aug 29, 7-9:30 PM, Buskirk-Chumley Theater BLOOMINGTON – Join Dr. Duke Tumatoe for an evening of blues, R&B, rock, and funk, delivered with humor and heart. A seasoned guitarist and vocalist, he has performed with legends like B.B. King, Muddy Waters, and John Fogerty, and continues to tour extensively. |
NEXT TO NORMALThurs Sept 4-21, Waldron Arts Center BLOOMINGTON – Next to Normal is a Tony and Pulitzer Prize-winning rock musical about a family navigating mental illness, love, and resilience. With a powerful score and moving story, it’s a modern theater experience you don’t want to miss. Recommended for ages 14+. |
ARTS MILEFri Sept 5, 5-8 PM, Various Galleries BLOOMINGTON – Visit Bloomington’s monthly Gallery Walk on First Fridays for a night of live and virtual exhibits, refreshments, and art from local, regional, and international artists. Explore galleries in person or online and enjoy a vibrant evening celebrating creativity.
CRIMSON CAST – INDIANA FOOTBALL PODCASTFri Sept 5, 7-8:30 PM, Buskirk-Chumley Theater BLOOMINGTON – CrimsonCast, the long-running IU football podcast, goes live for the first time. Join the hosts for discussion, guest appearances, and a look ahead at the 2025 season. |
RECENT EVENTS
KYLE QUASS CREATIVE RESIDENCY
BLOOMINGTON – Pillar Arts Alliance Center
This month, Kyle Quass has joined us for a series of exceptional music performances in Pillar Arts Alliance Center’s performance space featuring guest artist, Marty Belcher. It has been an amazing time and we hope to see everyone for one last show of his tonight!
VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION CELEBRATION
BLOOMINGTON – Pillar Arts Alliance Center
On Sunday, August 17, we welcomed our amazing volunteers to the Pillar Arts Alliance Center for an appreciation party. It was a great evening celebrating the progress and success of the new gallery space thanks to the time and effort of our members and volunteers.
