Mark your calendars for Gallery Walk on Friday, March 7. It’s a fantastic chance to explore local art, and at 7:30 p.m., we are hosting our first Annual Member Gala in the Fountain Square Ballroom, open to the community. Enjoy a night of food, drinks, celebration, and connections with fellow creatives. RSVP is encouraged, but not required.

Also, don’t forget to check out Juniper Gallery on Kirkwood Avenue. They offer amazing events every month and have a beautiful gallery space you won’t want to miss. We’re proud of our arts community, and we hope to see you at our upcoming events!

Upcoming Events with the Arts Alliance

Flying Leaves & Dancing Shapes by Irina Shishova – Flex Space

Saturday, February 1 – Thursday, February 27

We are thrilled to feature Flying Leaves & Dancing Shapes by Irina Shishova, a talented artist whose work captures the vibrant energy and beauty of the world around us. Born in Moscow and now a Bloomington resident, Irina’s artistic journey spans diverse media, from oils and watercolors to pencils and acrylics. Her passion for human figure drawing and landscapes is deeply influenced by her travels across Europe, Asia, and the U.S., as well as her love for hiking and camping. This exhibition showcases a stunning collection of dynamic, expressive pieces that highlight the shapes and colors that flow through Irina’s work.

Flying Leaves & Dancing Shapes will be on display at the Arts Alliance Center’s Flex Space from February 1–27. Stop by and experience Irina’s captivating work, and we hope it inspires you as much as it has us.

Clouds, Barns, and Trees – Oh My! by Henry Leck – Flex Space

Friday, February 28 – Sunday, March 30

In the month of March, Clouds, Barns, and Trees – Oh My! by Henry Leck will be on display at the Arts Alliance Center. Henry is an internationally recognized choral director and a passionate artist who has found a creative outlet in oil painting. After retiring from his long career as a professor of choral music at Butler University and Founder and Conductor Laureate of the Indianapolis Children’s Choir, Henry and his wife Meredith moved to Bloomington, where he began studying painting. This beautiful exhibition features landscapes through a creative eye on oil canvases.

Clouds, Barns, and Trees – Oh My! will be on display at the Arts Alliance Center’s Flex Space from February 28–March 30. There will also be a reception on Saturday, March 1 at the Arts Alliance Center from 6-8 PM to celebrate the artist and connect with fellow creatives. Come to take in Henry’s skillful pieces, we can’t wait to see you there!

You’re Invited to the Arts Alliance’s First Annual Gala

Arts Alliance Acquires the By Hand Gallery

As we look ahead, we’re excited about the future of the gallery and our continued efforts to support the local arts community. We are proudly committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment where artists feel empowered and supported. Building on this foundation, we will use our new space to foster an evolving, engaged arts community, providing opportunities for connection, collaboration, and growth for local artists and visitors alike.

Shoutout to Our Friends at Juniper Gallery

Jaime and her team create a warm, welcoming space where the arts truly come to life. It’s the perfect place to connect with fellow creatives, enjoy unique exhibitions, and support the vibrant arts community right here in Bloomington. Check out Juniper Gallery’s website for more details on upcoming events and exhibits and follow along on Instagram @juniperartgallery for a peek into their shows and gallery space.

We’re proud to have such an amazing arts scene in our community—let’s show Juniper Gallery some love and support!

Renew Your Membership with the Arts Alliance!

Arts Alliance Center Artist: Irina Shishova

Irina has a particular love for human figure drawing, as well as capturing the beauty of landscapes and cityscapes. Her love for travel has deeply influenced her work, with subjects inspired by her hikes and camping adventures across Europe, Asia, and the U.S. Irina’s explorations have led her to discover unique perspectives, which she translates into vibrant, emotive artwork.

A proud member of the Bloomington Watercolor Society and the Watercolor Society of Indiana, Irina continues to grow and share her artistic vision with the community. Aside from her creative pursuits, she earned her MBA from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University in 2012.

Currently, you can view Irina’s latest exhibition, Dancing Leaves and Flying Shapes, at the Arts Alliance Center until February 27. Don’t miss the chance to experience her stunning interpretation of nature’s movements and forms.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Tipping Point

Fri Feb 21st, 6:00-8:30pm (EDT)

Buskirk-Chumley Theater

• When did everything change for you? TEDxIndianaUniversity is excited to present our 10th annual conference: Tipping Point. We invite you to join us in an exploration of the tipping point. What does a tipping point look like for you? For our community? Six incredible speakers spanning from across the globe to our local community will take the stage this conference to share ideas worth spreading that inspire us to conduct a reflection, contemplate action, and consider stillness.

Patron & Young Artist Exhibition Reception

Sat Feb 22nd, 2:00-4:00pm (EDT)

Brown County Art Guild

• The Brown County Art Guild invites you to our upcoming Patron & Young Artist Exhibition Reception, a celebration of creativity and community spirit! Join us on Saturday, February 22, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at our gallery, where you can immerse yourself in the beautiful works created by talented local artists. Take the opportunity to vote for the People’s Choice Award, allowing your voice to be heard in recognizing the remarkable talents of our artists. We are honored to have Guild Artist Member, Dixie Ferrer as the exhibition judge. Presentation of the awards begins at 3:00 PM. This event is free to the public, and light refreshments will be served. We look forward to welcoming you to an afternoon filled with art, community, and celebration!

IU Sing A Cappella

Sat Feb 22nd, 6:00-8:30pm (EDT)

Buskirk-Chumley Theater

• Join the IU Student Foundation at the Buskirk Chumley Theater for IU Sing A Cappella 2025 on Saturday February 22nd! IU Sing A Cappella will showcase talented student groups performing for the opportunity to sing at the 2025 Little 500 races. IU Sing is a campus musical competition that, for more than 80 years, has gathered student groups to create and perform original productions. With its rich history of hosting student events, IUSF is proud to revive this time-honored IU tradition for a new generation. Funds raised from IU Sing will benefit the 2025 Students Helping Students campaign.

Fiber Arts with Juniper Gallery

Sun Feb 23rd, 1:00-3:00pm (EDT)

Juniper Gallery

• Please join our monthly gathering of friendly, creative fiber artists! We meet on 4th Sundays from 1-3:00pm. So, bring your portable project for a casual get-together of fiber lovers, ask your questions and offer friendly tips and advice! Warm-up your winter afternoon with this is FUN, FREE monthly activity! Our Fiber Arts group is facilitated by artist Amy Dyken.

Windfall Celebration

Sun Feb 23rd, 4:00-5:30pm (EDT)

Switchyard Park Pavilion

• Join us for our first Windfall Celebration on February 23rd, 4pm at Switchyard Park Pavilion! This event will feature performances by the Windfall Dance Company, Windfall School of Dance, Bloomington Expressive Arts Training, Dark Side Troupe, and others in the Windfall Community as we celebrate and support Windfall! There will be light refreshments and drinks for purchase. This is a family and community friendly event. Tickets start at $20 ($15 for students, 5 and under free, family package of 4 for $60). Purchase tickets at: www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/69315a3b-acfa-46b1-81b2-9aa115ca6541

LIVE! ON STAGE: Jonathan Richmond featuring Tommy Larkins on the drums!

Wed Feb 26th, 6:30-8:30pm (EDT)

Buskirk-Chumley Theater

• This event will have a 16+ age limitation. “The music we’re doing now works well in quiet places like theaters and performing art centers. We still don’t use a program or a set list so we don’t know what we’ll do until we do it. Please do not expect old songs. Many singers my age do a retrospective; this show is not like that. It’s mostly stuff made up in the last 3 and 4 years. Some of the songs presented might be in different languages; this is not to be esoteric or clever, it’s because the different languages help me express different feelings sometimes. One last thing, my idea of a good show has nothing to do with applause. It’s about if all the songs I sang that night were ones that I felt.” – Jonathan

The African American Dance Company Presents: HIStory, HERstory, Our Story | Additional Films and Guests

Thurs Feb 27th, 7:00-:8:30pm (EDT)

IU Cinema

• The final installment of “HIStory, HERstory, Our Story” shows the evolution of the African American Dance Company since its inception in 1974. Through captivating dance and documentary, we better understand how dance is used through resistance, celebration, and transition. Paired with archival footage is a panel discussion consisting of the inaugural director, Professor Iris Rosa; current director Baba Stafford C. Berry Jr.; and AADC alum. Audience members are encouraged to participate in the Q&A after the screening.

City of Bloomington 21st Annual Black History Month Gala

Sat March 1st, 6:00am-10:00pm (EDT)

Brown County Art Guild

• Join us for an evening of fine dining, great music, and dancing, as we recognize the 2025 Living Legend Recipients, and the Commission on the Status of Black Males’ Outstanding Black Leaders of Tomorrow recipients. Reception and Silent Auction will begin at 6:00 p.m., program will begin at 7:00 p.m. Table of 8 ticket purchasers: Please complete the registration form after the purchase is complete and before February 20th to have your placement set and menu selection for the gala. CLICK HERE If your Menu selection is not received by February 20th, you will receive the chicken entrée as the menu selection.

Kevin James Thornton

Sat March 1st, 7:30-9:00pm (EDT)

Buskirk-Chumley Theater

• This show is 18+. Kevin James Thornton has built a loyal following with his hilarious, heartfelt and occasionally cringey moments of self reflection (with a splash of autotune) about growing up gay in a religious community in the 90s. His 2024 tour saw sold out shows around the world where a recent review of his show at The Stand in Newcastle UK said, “Warm, witty and disarmingly self-deprecating… There is a tender centre to Thornton that makes his comedy sing; a delicate, relatable touch that left the crowd buoyed up and thirsty for more.” (Narc Magazine, UK)

Writers Guild First Sunday Prose Reading in March

Sun March 2nd, 4:00-5:30pm (EDT)

Juniper Gallery

• Join the Writers Guild at Bloomington for the First Sunday Prose Reading Series on March 2, 2025 at the Juniper Art Gallery and Cafe from 4pm to 5:30pm. This event is in honor of Developmental Disability Awareness Month. Two writers, Virginia Baude and Cindy Brandes, along with some guests from Stonebelt, will be reading selections from their work.

Jazz @ BCT – Latin Jazz Ensemble

Mon March 3rd, 7:30-9:00pm (EDT)

Buskirk-Chumley Theater

• The Indiana University Latin Jazz Ensemble is a 25 piece ensemble led by trombonist Wayne Wallace and rhythm section coach Andy Smith. The ensemble plays the best of Afro-Caribbean dance music, and Latin Jazz with a dash of Funkified rhythms! We invite you to join us for a fun-filled high energy evening. Bring your dancing shoes and your best moves! ¡A gozar! ​THIS IS A FREE EVENT – NO TICKETS ARE NEEDED! JUST SHOW UP FIND A SEAT AND ENJOY!