Pillar Arts Dispatch | Bloomington Art Events & Gallery Shows January 23, 2026
Posted In: Newsletter Archives, News, Events | Posted by: Pillar Arts
We’re so happy to be settling into the new year and continuing to build a vibrant, supportive arts community here in Bloomington. As we move forward together, Pillar Arts remains committed to uplifting local artists, creating meaningful opportunities, and making space for creativity to thrive in all its forms.
If you haven’t renewed your Pillar Arts membership yet, now is a great moment to do so. Membership directly supports our exhibitions, programs, and gallery spaces. It also helps us continue offering opportunities for artists at every stage. This February, we’re especially excited to feature two incredible exhibitions including local high school student artwork at the Arts Alliance Center, and Outside, Inside, In Between by Anne-Karine Bley at Pillar Arts By Hand.
Also, both of our gallery spaces will be closed on Saturday, January 24 and Sunday, January 25 due to the incoming inclement weather. The safety of our visitors, artists, and staff is always our top priority, and we appreciate your understanding!
JOIN PILLAR ARTS
Joining Pillar Arts is an easy way to stay engaged with Bloomington’s creative scene while supporting local artists as they grow and succeed. Members can promote their work, connect with art lovers, and collaborate with other creatives through networking opportunities. Artists also enjoy discounted access to gallery exhibitions.
Membership isn’t just for artists—anyone who values the arts can play a part in strengthening our local creative community. By joining, you help expand access to programs, performances, and exhibitions across South Central Indiana, ensuring the arts continue to thrive. We’re excited to welcome new members and keep building opportunities for artists to be seen, supported, and celebrated. Become a member today and help shape the future of Bloomington’s vibrant arts community!
CURRENT HAPPENINGS
Live Performance with Kyle Quass
Join us for an exciting evening of rhythm and creativity with talented local musician, Kyle Quass!
He’s coming back to the Arts Alliance Center to share more tunes, and we hope to see you there.
Pillar Arts Alliance Center
Fri Jan 23, 6-8 PM
Bloomington, IN
High school student art show by young, local talent
Next month we are proud to welcome incredible artwork from local high school students.
The exhibition will be featured in the Arts Alliance Center from Thursday, January 29 through Sunday, March 1.
We hope to see you at the reception on Sunday, February 1 from 3-5 PM!
Pillar Arts Alliance Center
Sun Feb 1, 3-5 PM
Bloomington, IN
February Gallery Walk
This February we are thrilled to present the artwork of Anne-Karine Bley at Pillar Arts By Hand.
We hope you’ll visit us on Friday, Feb 6 for the reception to celebrate this exciting exhibition!
Pillar Arts By Hand
Sun Feb 6, 5-8 PM
Bloomington, IN
Outside, Inside, In Between by Anne-Karine Bley
Come visit us during the month of February 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
Sun Feb 6, 5-8 PM
Bloomington, IN
Learn More about Anne-Karine Bley
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
MARCY NEIDITZ
Marcy Neiditz is a ceramic artist whose work ranges from functional vessels to sculptural pieces. Inspired by science, nature, biology, and even alien life forms, as well as indigenous art and mid-century modern design, Marcy creates pieces that blend organic shapes with abstract, narrative line drawings. Her lidded containers and teapots often echo her imaginative, plant-like sculptures, inviting viewers to explore the stories hidden in her forms.
Her process combines wheel-throwing and hand-building, layered glazes, slips, underglazes, and hand-painted sgraffito textures, resulting in pieces full of texture, pattern, and personality. Marcy has been working in clay since the early 1980s and turned her passion into a full-time career over 20 years ago. Her work can be seen at Pillar Arts By Hand and select galleries and art fairs throughout the year.
SHARON MOORE
Sharon Moore is a creative artist, author, and educator whose work spans painting, collage, and storytelling. She is the author of If You Could Be Anything and brings her stories to life through engaging, hands-on experiences with children, helping them act out characters and scenes. Her art and educational programs combine creativity, imagination, and learning, offering audiences of all ages a chance to explore new ideas in a fun and interactive way.
Through her initiative, Sharon Moore Fun, she shares her artwork and stories with schools, libraries, and community organizations, inspiring young artists and readers alike. Sharon’s dedication to creative education and outreach reflects her belief in the power of art and storytelling to engage, teach, and spark curiosity in children and communities across Bloomington and beyond.
SHOUTOUTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
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 Contact Organizer
PILLAR ARTS BY HAND
There’s something especially exciting about stopping by Pillar Arts By Hand this time of year. The gallery is filled with incredible, thoughtfully made pieces from ceramics and textiles to paintings, prints, and sculptures that invite you to slow down and reflect. It’s the perfect place to find something meaningful and one-of-a-kind, perfect for gifting (or keeping).
Alongside the gallery, we’re also featuring Outside, Inside, In Between, an exhibition by Anne-Karine Bley that features thoughtful still-lifes, vibrant plein air paintings, and more. Join us for Gallery Walk on Friday, February 6, to experience the exhibition in person and spend an evening surrounded by art that sparks curiosity, connection, and inspiration.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
SANTOSH W/ RECORDED FILMMAKER Q&A | INTERNATIONAL ART HOUSE SERIESFri Jan 23, 7-9 PM, IU Cinema BLOOMINGTON – A widowed woman in rural Northern India joins the police force and helps investigate a young girl’s murder with an outsider inspector. The film blends crime and social commentary to examine corruption and gender in a patriarchal system. The screening includes a recorded Q&A with director Sandhya Suri after the screening.
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WEIRD ACADEMIAThurs Jan 29, 7-9 PM, Buskirk-Chumley Theater BLOOMINGTON – Come explore ideas beyond traditional academia, from mysticism and the occult to UFOs, hauntings, and the paranormal. Join artists and scholars for an evening of bold thinking, unexpected connections, and curiosity-driven discussion. Free and open to all—no ticket required. |
HELF WRAP A TREE IN LOVE!Sat Jan 31, 11 AM-5 PM, Juniper Art Gallery BLOOMINGTON – Knitters and crocheters are invited to put their skills to work for a meaningful cause by contributing to a public art display supporting Middle Way House. Fiber artists will create a tree sweaters as part of a community-wide winter installation raising funds for survivors of violence and abuse. |
VALENTINES STAMP AND CARD MAKING WORKSHOPSun Feb 1, 1-3 PM, Second Story Studio NASHVILLE – Create handmade Valentine cards using hand-carved stamps in this beginner-friendly printmaking workshop. It’s a relaxed, creative way to learn lino-cutting, so come solo or bring a friend. All materials are provided, just bring your creativity. |
IU CINEMA FACULTY AND STAFF OPEN HOUSE | ADDITIONAL FILMS AND GUESTSThurs Feb 5, 11:30 AM-1:30 PM, IU Cinema BLOOMINGTON – Stop by IU Cinema for a fun and free open house! Enjoy snacks, games, a behind-the-scenes booth tour, sneak peeks at upcoming films, and the chance to meet new friends. Everyone is welcome! |
MET PRESENTS CASABLANCAFri Feb 6, 7:30-9:30 PM, Martinsville Entertainment Venue MARTINSVILLE – Step into a classic, timeless romance set during World War II. With unforgettable performances, sharp dialogue, and iconic moments, it’s a perfect introduction to classic cinema, or a chance to revisit a favorite on the big screen. Catch this beloved film at the Martinsville Entertainment Theatre. |
