Pillar Arts Dispatch | Bloomington Art Events & Gallery Shows July 25, 2025
Posted In: Newsletter Archives, News, Events | Posted by: Pillar Arts
We’re especially excited this month as we have officially reopened the Pillar Arts Alliance Center in a brand-new space, near the former Macy’s in College Mall. Though the doors have opened, we are still operating with limited hours. We’ll be kicking things off with an artist reception on Saturday, August 2 at 3 PM featuring the work of Upland Plein Air in their exhibition My Style. Come see their beautiful landscapes and meet the artists in person.
We’re also looking forward to Gallery Walk next weekend, Friday, August 1, where we are featuring the exhibition Cat and Lady by Dama Mora. Be sure to stop by and take in local creativity on display.
Also don’t forget to explore what’s happening in and around the community at pillararts.org/happenings where you’ll find events including exhibitions, performances, workshops, and more. There’s so much going on in the Bloomington arts scene, and we’re proud to keep you connected.
CURRENT HAPPENINGS
August Gallery Walk
Join us at Pillar Arts By Hand for August’s Gallery Walk, featuring Cat and Lady by Dama Mora. Her use of vivid colors and incorporation of furry friends encompasses her style and passion for art.
Pillar Arts By Hand
Friday, August 1, 5-8 PM
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
Saturday, August 2, 3-5 PM
Bloomington, IN
Learn More about Upland Plein Air
PILLAR ARTS ALLIANCE CENTER
We’re excited to announce that the Arts Alliance Center is now open with limited hours! After closing our doors at the old location in mid-June, we’ve been working to get our new space ready. It’s just a short walk past Target and American Eagle, near the old Macy’s in College Mall. Thanks to the support and encouragement from our community, we’ve been able to clean and remodel the space quickly, and we can’t wait to see you all again.
We’re kicking things off with an artist reception on Saturday, August 2 at 3 PM, featuring the work of the talented artists from Upland Plein Air. This is a great opportunity to experience their beautiful artwork of our local landscapes and connect with the artists in person.
We’re so grateful to everyone who helped make this new chapter possible. Whether you’re an artist, arts advocate, or just a passerby, we hope you’ll stop by, explore the new space, and help us continue building a creative, welcoming home for the arts in Bloomington.
MEMBER SPOTLIGHTS
ARTS ALLIANCE CENTER SPOTLIGHT ARTIST
VERONICA SHALLCROSS
Veronica Shallcross is a multidisciplinary artist whose creative journey began in Lawrence, Kansas, exploring film and photography. Her studies took her from the University of Kansas’ Film School to Pima Community College in Tucson, where she focused on photography and digital arts. After moving to Bloomington in 2018, Veronica found inspiration in the area’s natural beauty and began expanding her practice across mediums.
Now she is largely self-taught, working in printmaking, painting, digital art, jewelry, sewing, and more. As an artist on display at the Arts Alliance Center, she continues to explore new forms of visual expression, using the art of storytelling and experimentation.
View Veronica Shallcross’ Profile
BY HAND SPOTLIGHT ARTIST
SARA STEFFEY MCQUEEN
Maureen Pirog discovered her passion for glass art, and hasn’t looked back since. She quickly developed a unique style that utilizes light and color. Her work features crushed translucent glass that creates shimmering, multifaceted surfaces—pieces that truly come alive when illuminated.
Committed to craftsmanship and collaboration, Maureen partners with local artisans to create custom stands that beautifully complement her glasswork. Her vibrant, colorful creations are showcased at the Bloomington Creative Glass Center, Pillar Arts Alliance Center in College Mall, and Pillar Arts By Hand in Fountain Square Mall.
View Sara Steffey McQueen’s Profile
COMMUNITY EVENTS
THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEEFri July 25-Sat July 26, Studio Theatre of the Indiana University Lee Norvelle Theatre & Drama Center BLOOMINGTON – Stages Bloomington has partnered with IU Theatre to present The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Catch one of several performances happening July 25–26 at the Studio Theatre. Tickets are available online.
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THE DISAPPOINTED HOUSE: NEW WORKS BY BETHANY HABEGGERFri August 1, 5-8 PM, Waldron Arts Center BLOOMINGTON – The Disappointed House is a new exhibit by Bethany Habegger at the John Waldron Art Center, examining how our homes reflect the state of our bodies and minds over time. This show opens during Gallery Walk on August 1 from 5–8 PM in the Educational Gallery. |
ARTS MILEFri August 1, 5-8 PM, Various Galleries BLOOMINGTON – Explore downtown Bloomington’s Arts Mile on the first Friday of every month. From 5–8pm, local galleries stay open late with new exhibits, refreshments, and art for sale. Visit to enjoy the work of local artists. |
GENEALOGY DISCUSSION GROUPSat August 2, 2-3:30 PM, Monroe County History Center BLOOMINGTON – Love family history research? Join fellow enthusiasts for a monthly meeting at the Monroe County History Center. Meetings are held the first Saturday of every month from 2 to 3:30 PM. |
HURRICANE DIANESun Aug 3-Tues Aug 5 & Sun 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. |
DOG DAY AFTERNOON (1975)Fri August 8, 7-9:30 PM, Buskirk-Chumley Theater BLOOMINGTON – Tonight’s free movie is a gripping true-crime drama starring Al Pacino. When a bank robbery goes wrong, a tense hostage standoff unfolds on a sweltering NYC afternoon. This is part of Bloomington’s Performing Arts Series presented by Visit Bloomington. Runtime: 2h 10m. Rated R. |
RECENT EVENTS
VOLUNTEER SUPPORT DAYS
BLOOMINGTON – Pillar Arts Alliance Center | This month, we have completely remodeled our new Arts Alliance Center space thanks to support from artists, friends, and volunteers. Our progress would not be possible without you. We are excited to announce that we have re-opened our doors and will kick off in August with an amazing exhibition by the artists of Upland Plein Air.
