Pillar Arts Dispatch | Bloomington Art Events & Gallery Shows February 23, 2026
Posted In: Newsletter Archives, News, Events | Posted by: Pillar Arts
We’re excited to come together for our Annual Meeting on February 26 from 5:30–7:00 PM at the Pillar Arts Alliance Center. This yearly gathering is a chance to connect with each other and the arts community, reflect on the past year, and share what’s ahead for Pillar Arts. Members in attendance can also participate in voting for incoming and renewing board members.
There’s plenty to experience across both of our spaces in the coming weeks. We’re pleased to continue featuring Outside, Inside, In Between, an exhibition by Anne-Karine Bley, at Pillar Arts By Hand through the month of March. We’re also proud to welcome the talented artists of the Bloomington Watercolor Society, whose new exhibition America the Beautiful opens March 5 at the Pillar Arts Alliance Center.
If you’re interested in getting more involved with Pillar Arts, consider becoming a member. It’s a meaningful way to support the arts, enjoy member benefits, and stay connected with the creative community here in Bloomington. We’re truly grateful for our members and the energy they bring to everything we do.
JOIN PILLAR ARTS
Becoming a member of Pillar Arts Alliance is a meaningful way to stay engaged with the creative community in Bloomington while directly supporting local artists. Membership offers opportunities to share your work, connect with fellow creatives and supporters, and be part of a collaborative network. Artists also benefit from reduced fees when using our performance space.
Membership is open to all — artists and arts advocates alike. If you value the impact of the arts, joining helps sustain programs, exhibitions, and performances across the region. Your support helps create space for creativity to grow and be celebrated, and we would be delighted to welcome you as a member.
CURRENT HAPPENINGS
Overtuned Fest
We’re incredibly honored to be a part of this inaugural series bringing a variety of music and multimedia art to our creative community.
Each night features different numbers at various locations in Bloomington, and on February 25, you can catch a performance in the Arts Alliance Center!
Pillar Arts Alliance Center
Wed Feb 25, 6:00-7:30 PM
Bloomington, IN
Learn More about Overtuned Fest
Pillar Arts Annual Meeting
We are excited for this year’s annual meeting at Pillar Arts Alliance Center.
Join us to review the last year, enjoy light refreshments, and connect with fellow artists and arts advocates!
Pillar Arts Alliance Center
Thurs Feb 26, 5:30-7:00 PM
Bloomington, IN
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
Thurs Feb 12-Thurs March 12
Bloomington, IN
Learn More about Donna Carlton
Outside, Inside, In Between by Anne-Karine Bley
Come visit us during the months of February and March at Pillar Arts By Hand for an amazing exhibition by Anne-Karine Bley.
Her pieces range from thoughtful still-lifes to vibrant plain air paintings.
Pillar Arts By Hand
Mon Feb 2-Fri March 27
Bloomington, IN
Learn More about Anne-Karine Bley
America the Beautiful by Bloomington Watercolor Society
Come check out this fresh new exhibition in the Arts Alliance Center during the month of March.
It’s filled with captivating watercolor pieces that feature landscapes of the United States. You won’t want to miss it!
Pillar Arts Alliance Center
Tues March 5-Tues March 31
Bloomington, IN
Learn More about Bloomington Watercolor Society
High school student art show by young, local talent
This month we are proud to welcome incredible artwork from local high school students.
The exhibition will be featured in the Arts Alliance Center throughout February, and we can’t wait to see you there!
Pillar Arts Alliance Center
Thurs Jan 29-Sun March 1
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
DOROTHYANN STRANGE
Dorothyann Strange is a visual artist and photographer who captures the emotions and stories of everyday life, from portraits and landscapes to street and travel scenes. She brings a creative spin to both her in-camera work and post-production.
Her work includes documenting a Bangkok slum fire to aid fundraising, designing a CD package for musician Brenda Castles, and winning 2nd place in the 2024 Artists for Climate Awareness Exhibit. Dorothyann exhibits widely in Ohio and Indiana, and her prints and greeting cards are available at Pillar Arts Alliance Center, T.C. Steele Homestead, and online at RightOnStrange.etsy.com.
View Dorothyann Strange’s Profile
SUZANNE HALVORSON
Suzanne Halvorson is a textile studio artist and arts educator, who has taught weaving as a Visiting Lecturer at Indiana University and Earlham College. She has also led workshops at top craft schools across the U.S., including Penland School of Craft, Ghost Ranch, and HGA’s Convergence, as well as for numerous weavers’ guilds and conferences.
Her work has been featured in Handwoven, Shuttle, Spindle, and Dyepot, and Weaving for Worship. Suzanne’s textiles are represented by Pillar Arts By Hand, Columbus Visitor’s Center, Spear’s Gallery, Marigold Arts in New Mexico, and Penland Gallery in North Carolina, showcasing her reach in both regional and national craft communities.
View Suzanne Halvorson’s Profile
SHOUTOUTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
Trades District Mural: Call for Proposals
Photo by Bloomington Arts Commission
Indiana University has partnered with the Kiln Collective, the Mill, and the City of Bloomington to find a community artist or artist team to create a signature outdoor mural in Bloomington’s Trades District.
The mural site totals 648 square feet, with a project budget of $16,000. Proposals are due by February 25, 2025, and submissions should be emailed as a PDF to econdev@iu.edu.
View Guidelines and Learn More About the Project
Climate Co-Lab as Inquiry Call for Artists
Photo by Artists for Climate Awareness
Artists for Climate Awareness is presenting a juried exhibition this April at the Pillar Arts Alliance Center. The show calls for 2-D and 3-D artworks that explore climate and environmental issues through creative expression.
Artists of all backgrounds are invited to submit work digitally by March 1, with selected pieces featured as part of Earth Month programming and opportunities for awards.
View Guidelines and Learn More About the Exhibition
Call for Artists & Scientists Collaboration
Photo by Artists for Climate Awareness
Artists for Climate Awareness and partners are seeking artists to participate in the inaugural Brushes for a Better Planet CoLab, a collaborative art-and-research hackathon focused on climate justice. Selected artists will work with local environmental researchers to co-create original artworks, which will be exhibited at the Pillar Arts Alliance Center as part of Climate CoLab: Art as Inquiry in April.
View Guidelines and Connect with the Organization
Callout for Artists: Mothra Madness
Artwork by Chris McVillain
Calling all artists! Godzilla Weekend: Mothra Madness returns this June 12–13 at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater. This event celebrates kaiju culture while giving local artists the chance to showcase and sell their work.
Artists must create fully original interpretations inspired by Mothra, Godzilla, or other Toho kaiju. If you love kaiju and bold imagination, this is your moment to be part of the madness.
View Guidelines and Connect with the Organization
Overtuned Fest
Overtuned Fest is a community-driven festival blending experimental rock and contemporary classical music through genre-fusing performances, visual art, and newly commissioned works. It celebrates music as an evolving art form while supporting emerging artists.
Through workshops with MCCSC High School Orchestras, the festival also nurtures creativity and connection to help young musicians explore across musical communities.
PILLAR ARTS BY HAND
Stop by Pillar Arts By Hand this season for a little creative spark and a wander through amazing handmade work by local artists. Recently, seasoned artist Joey Forney has brought in new gold and silver jewelry—each piece one of a kind and even more captivating in person.
We’re also proud to be featuring Outside, Inside, In Between, an exhibition by Anne-Karine Bley, through the end of March. Be sure to visit during First Friday Gallery Walk on Friday, March 6, from 5–8 PM. It’s a great opportunity to experience the arts scene in Bloomington, and we’d love to see you there!
COMMUNITY EVENTS
OVERTUNED FESTMon Feb 23-Thurs Feb 26, Various times, Various locations BLOOMINGTON – A boundary-pushing festival of world premieres, interdisciplinary collaborations, and community-focused performances. Highlights include reimaginings of classical works, new compositions, and a featured recital by JIJI, designed to expand what live performance can be.
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IU LATIN JAZZ ENSEMBLEMon Mar 2, 7:30-9 PM, Buskirk-Chumley Theater BLOOMINGTON – A 25-piece Indiana University Latin Jazz Ensemble led by Wayne Wallace with rhythm coach Andy Miller brings Afro-Caribbean dance music, Latin funk, and Latin jazz to the stage. High-energy, dance-ready, and free—no tickets needed. |
OPEN MIC NIGHTWed Mar 4, 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. |
INDIANA HERITAGE QUILT SHOWThurs Mar 5-Sat Mar 7, Various times, Bloomington Convention Center BLOOMINGTON – Celebrate creativity and craftsmanship at the 33rd Annual Indiana Heritage Quilt Show, featuring more than 200 stunning quilts from across the Midwest. Browse fabrics and sewing goods, explore special exhibits, and learn from top quilting instructors. |
