Pillar Arts Dispatch | Bloomington Art Events & Gallery Shows August 7, 2025
Posted In: Newsletter Archives, News, Events | Posted by: Pillar Arts
Buckle up because we have a lot to share! As you know, we have re-opened the Pillar Arts Alliance Center, and we have several events lined up for the coming month including exhibitions at both our gallery spaces, musical residencies, a Grand Opening, and more. There’s plenty to look forward to, so follow along on our Instagram, Facebook, and newsletter for the latest updates.
We also are looking to expand our volunteer network as our organization grows. With a larger gallery at Pillar Arts Alliance Center, we need friendly faces to greet guests support us in daily happenings there. We’re also seeking skilled volunteers with experience in graphic design, Canva, or social media to assist with marketing efforts. If that sounds like you, we’d love to connect. Check out below to learn more about other volunteering opportunities and to connect with us.
Lastly, we’re sharing a couple of great community resources. Kickstarter is a crowdfunding platform that helps artists raise funds for creative projects. You’ll also find a new neighborhood tool from the City of Bloomington called The Front Porch, designed to make hosting local gatherings even easier. Learn more about both of these amazing opportunities below.
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
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 see the space, meet fellow supporters, and help us launch this next chapter for the arts in Bloomington.
Pillar Arts Alliance Center
September 6 @ 6-8 PM
Bloomington, IN
Learn More about the Pillar Arts Alliance Center
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
ANN WOODS
After a 27-year career as an art teacher, Ann Woods turned her creative energy toward her own practice, working primarily with paper to create vibrant bas-relief images. Her pieces often feature birds, flowers, insects, and abstract forms, and are built through techniques like tearing, folding, rolling, quilling, and painting, resulting in richly layered and dimensional works.
Ann uses a wide variety of papers, from handmade sheets and market finds in Thailand to old watercolors her husband nearly tossed. She’s especially drawn to Coloraid paper for its rich hues and versatility. Her work is a celebration of texture, color, and play inviting viewers to see everyday materials in a new light. View these masterpieces in-person at Pillar Arts Alliance Center.
BY HAND SPOTLIGHT ARTIST
TOM DUFFY
Tom Duffy brings a painterly touch to photography, aiming to evoke emotion and imagination in viewers. With a passion for visual storytelling, Tom’s work explores multiple photographic genres from nature and conservation to documentary and still life. His signature style reflects years of learning under masters like John Sexton and Peter Turnley, blending technical skill with emotional depth.
He is a long-time member and former Vice President of Pillar Arts (formerly Arts Alliance of Greater Bloomington). Tom’s award-winning photographs can be found at Pillar Arts By Hand, Pillar Arts Alliance Center, and other Indiana Artisan locations. His thoughtful compositions invite viewers to slow down, reflect, and connect with the story behind the image.
ARTIST RESOURCES
Kickstarter is a crowdfunding platform that helps creators raise funds directly from their communities to bring projects to life. From books and films to visual art and design, it’s a powerful tool for artists looking to finance their work while connecting with supporters who believe in what they do.
One of our own members, Sara Steffey McQueen, is using Kickstarter to support her upcoming Intuitive Inquiry Oracle Deck, a unique collection of cards paired with a guidebook. Launching August 28, she will offer different reward tiers, including boxed sets, velvet bags, scarves, and art prints.
If you’re an artist with a passion project, Kickstarter might be a great option to explore. And if you’re curious, keep an eye out for Sara’s decks in coming weeks.
The Front Porch is a new community resource from the City of Bloomington’s HAND department. It’s a mobile trailer stocked with games, supplies, and equipment to support neighborhood gatherings and block parties. Designed to make it easier for residents to connect, The Front Porch brings the tools of community-building right to your street.
Neighborhood associations, HOAs, and local nonprofit partners can reserve the trailer for free, as long as the event and group are based within Bloomington city limits. It’s a simple way to spark connection and build stronger, vibrant neighborhoods.
Learn more about the Front Porch.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
GENEALOGY DISCUSSION GROUPFri Aug 8-Sun Aug 10, Monroe Convention Center BLOOMINGTON – The 2025 Bloomington Gem & Mineral Show brings together over 20 vendors from across the U.S. selling and showcasing rocks, gems, and minerals. Food will be available and tickets just $5 (free for kids).
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HURRICANE DIANESun Aug 10-Tues Aug 12, Waldron Arts Center BLOOMINGTON – Off Night Productions presents Hurricane Diane at the Waldron Auditorium. This comedy follows the Greek god Dionysus, disguised as gardener Diane, as she tries to win over New Jersey housewives and restore the earth. |
OPEN MIC NIGHTWed Aug 13, 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. |
SEVEN (1995)Fri Aug 15, 7-9 PM, Buskirk-Chumley Theater BLOOMINGTON – David Fincher’s Seven follows two detectives (Morgan Freeman and Brad Pitt) as they hunt a killer whose crimes are based on the seven deadly sins. Gritty, suspenseful, and unforgettable, the film marked a turning point in Fincher’s career. Rated R |
AN EVENING WITH GROUCHOSat Aug 16-Sun Aug 17, Constellation Playhouse BLOOMINGTON – Award-winning actor Frank Ferrante channels Groucho Marx in this fast-paced, crowd-pleasing show filled with classic one-liners, songs, and stories. Presented by the Jewish Theatre of Bloomington and the Hundredth Hill. |
PITCH PERFECT 2 (2015)Fri Aug 22, 7-9 PM, Buskirk-Chumley Theater BLOOMINGTON – The Barden Bellas are back and facing their biggest challenge yet: a showdown with international rivals at the World Championships of A Cappella. With their legacy on the line, it’ll take sisterhood, sass, and serious vocal power to get back in tune. Directed by Elizabeth Banks. PG-13, 2h. |
RECENT EVENTS
AUGUST GALLERY WALK
BLOOMINGTON – Pillar Arts By Hand
Last Friday, August 1, we hosted another amazing Gallery Walk. This month we are proud to feature Cat and Lady, a colorful and vibrant exhibition by local artist Dama Mora. Her art will be on display until September 2, so remember to swing by and experience her unique showcase.
KYLE QUASS CREATIVE RESIDENCY
BLOOMINGTON – Pillar Arts Alliance Center
Last Friday, we also welcomed Kyle Quass back to the Pillar Arts Alliance Center to continue his summer-long creative residency. He was joined by saxophonist, Marty Belcher, and together they put on a performance that blew us away. This series will continue each Friday through August 22, so be sure to catch him before it’s too late.
UPLAND PLEIN AIR RECEPTION
BLOOMINGTON – Pillar Arts Alliance Center
On Saturday, August 2, we opened our new Pillar Arts Alliance Center for a reception celebrating My Style, a collaborative and engaging exhibition by the artists of Upland Plein Air. We had an amazing time and are so thankful for all who attended!
