Pillar Arts Dispatch | Bloomington Art Events & Gallery Shows December 18, 2025
Posted In: Newsletter Archives, News, Events | Posted by: Pillar Arts
As we wrap up the final Pillar Arts newsletter of the year, we want to take a moment to say thank you. This year brought big changes—a rebrand, a move, and plenty of behind-the-scenes work—and we’re deeply grateful to everyone who followed along, showed up, and supported us through it all. Because of you, we’re heading into 2026 energized and excited to keep creating more opportunities for local artists and arts lovers across our community.
There’s still one more weekend to celebrate together at our Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair. Join us at the Pillar Arts Alliance Center this Saturday and Sunday to shop handmade work by local artists and enjoy a festive afternoon featuring karaoke, comedy, and storytelling. It’s the perfect way to support artists and enjoy the season before the year comes to a close.
As we look ahead, we’re inspired by what’s possible and thankful to be part of such a creative, supportive community. We hope to see you this weekend, and we can’t wait to share what’s next in the new year.
CURRENT HAPPENINGS
Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair
Join us at the Arts Alliance Center in College Mall to experience our 5th annual Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair!
Come find the perfect gifts and celebrate the season each weekend from Black Friday through mid-December.
Pillar Arts Alliance Center
November 28-December 21 (weekends only)
Bloomington, IN
GET INVOLVED
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
SUSAN SAVASTUK
Susan Savastuk discovered her passion for art through early explorations in composition and color, eventually diving into serious study of oil painting in 2015. She primarily works in a photo-realistic style while also experimenting with watercolor, pointillism, collage, and other mediums, always open to trying new techniques. Susan is also the owner of Skiberg Designs, bringing her artistic vision to life.
As a retired nurse and Veteran, Susan lives in Bloomington with her partner and pets. She has exhibited regionally since 2017, earning awards such as the Hoosier Salon Merit Award and 1st Place Landscape at the Lawrence County Art Association Summer Show. Beyond creating art, Susan teaches workshops for individuals with memory challenges, advocates for women’s rights, and donates a portion of her sales to local non-profits.
DEVLIN STALION
Devlin Stalion has been captivated by photography for over 20 years, finding inspiration in the outdoors and the world around him. From grand western vistas to the delicate textures of nature, like water droplets on flowers, each photograph captures a moment intentionally paused, inviting viewers to slow down and experience the beauty in everyday scenes.
Through their lens, Devlin seeks to create small escapes from the chaos of daily life, framing light, color, and texture in ways that bring calm, joy, and reflection. His work spans hiking, biking, paddleboarding, and family travels, offering a diverse glimpse into the moments that move and inspire him.
SHOUTOUTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
Thank you, Bloomington Arts Commission!
We’re grateful to the Bloomington Arts Commission for awarding us a 2025 Operations Grant in the amount of $4,500. This support is an important investment in our organization and the artists and audiences we serve.
This funding will help us continue building inclusive, collaborative opportunities that support working artists and engage the Bloomington community through accessible arts experiences. We sincerely appreciate the Commission’s commitment to sustaining a vibrant local arts ecosystem.
Learn More about the Bloomington Arts Commission
Thank you, Bloomington Chamber of Commerce!
We’re also thankful to receive a 2025 Membership Grant from The Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce, supporting our first year of Chamber membership. This opportunity helps us deepen our connection to Bloomington’s business community and strengthen our organizational foundation.
We look forward to engaging with fellow members, learning from this network, and continuing to grow our impact in the community.
Learn More about the Chamber of Commerce
COMMUNITY EVENTS
A CHRISTMAS STORY THE MUSICALThurs Dec 11-Sun Jan 4, Waldron Arts Auditorium BLOOMINGTON – Constellation Stage & Screen presents A Christmas Story: The Musical! Follow Ralphie’s hilarious quest for the perfect gift, full of holiday cheer, iconic moments, and family fun. Tickets and showtimes at seeconstellation.org/kids/christmas-story.
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POLAR EXPRESS/CHRISTMAS VACATION DOUBLE FEATURESun Dec 21, 4-8 PM, Buskirk-Chumley Theater BLOOMINGTON – Catch a festive double feature of The Polar Express and National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation for just $6. Come for one or stay for both, with a short intermission in between. It’s a cozy, family-friendly way to celebrate the season. |
HOLIDAY MEAL AT ABE MARTIN LODGEWed Dec 24, 11 AM-3 PM, Abe Martin Lodge NASHVILLE – Skip the holiday rush and enjoy an stress-free Christmas Eve meal at the Indiana State Park Inns. From 11 AM–3 PM, you can relax and savor a festive spread without the cooking or the cleanup. Reservations are encouraged. |
ONE TIME POTTERY WHEEL SESSIONFri Dec 26, 7-8:30 PM, The Pottery House Studio BLOOMINGTON – This all-ages wheel-throwing class teaches the fundamentals in a relaxed hour and a half session. For $50, you’ll get instruction, materials, tools, and firing for one piece. Extra pieces are $5 each, with a $25 deposit required, and only 10 wheels available. |
LAST SUNDAY POETRY READING AND OPEN MICSun Dec 28, 7-8:30 PM, Morgenstern Books BLOOMINGTON – Join the Writers Guild for a special Last Sunday Poetry with featured poets Tony Brewer and Hiromi Yoshida. This rescheduled event also celebrates the release of their new books, hosted by Joan Hawkins. |
OPEN MIC NIGHTWed Dec 31, 8-10 PM, The Comedy Attic BLOOMINGTON – Explore Bloomington’s vibrant comedy scene every Wednesday at the Comedy Attic! Catch hilarious original sets or sign up to perform by emailing comedyattic@gmail.com. Newcomers, bring a few friends to cheer you on. ARTS MILEFri Jan 2, 5-8 PM, Various galleries BLOOMINGTON – Experience downtown Bloomington’s Arts Mile, with several local galleries staying open late to showcase special exhibits, share refreshments, and art from local, regional, and international artists. Explore the vibrant scene and find original works to inspire or take home. |
HOLIDAY OF LIGHTS DRIVE THROUGH CHRISTMAS LIGHT DISPLAYSun Jan 4, 6-9 PM, Monroe County Fairgrounds BLOOMINGTON – Celebrate the season one last time at the Holiday of Lights! Drive through sparkling displays and festive decorations for a magical holiday experience for all ages. |
RECENT EVENTS
PILLAR ARTS 5TH ANNUAL HOLIDAY ARTS & CRAFTS FAIR
Photo by Charles Pearce
BLOOMINGTON – Pillar Arts Alliance Center
Each weekend since Black Friday, we have hosted several talented artists and vendors at Pillar Arts Alliance Center for our 5th Annual Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair. There’s only one weekend left, so join us this Saturday and Sunday to take in the holiday spirit together!