This April, we’re thrilled to welcome Artists for Climate Awareness to the Flex Space for an impactful exhibition. The show opens April 2nd, with an artist reception on April 6th at 3 PM, followed by a special performance, Ceremony for Our Lands, in collaboration with Indiana University’s First Nations Educational & Cultural Center. Be sure to join us for this thought-provoking event.

Lastly, don’t forget to register for the Color Theory for Artists Demystified Workshop led by Avon Waters. Registration ends on April 5th, and spaces are limited, so be sure to sign up soon. You won’t want to miss out on this opportunity to deepen your understanding of color theory and enhance your artistic skills. Sign up now to secure your spot!

Now Introducing Pillar Arts!

While our name and branding are evolving, our mission remains the same. Pillar Arts continues to champion artists, foster community, and support creative entrepreneurship. This new identity helps us expand our inclusivity and adaptability in response to the changing needs of our vibrant arts scene.

At Pillar Arts, we believe that creativity is at the heart of everything we do. Our rebrand ensures the arts remain accessible, impactful, and an essential part of our region’s culture and economy. We’re committed to celebrating and supporting local talent while helping make the arts a driving force for positive change in our community.

We also firmly believe that the arts do more than just enrich lives—they create real opportunities, strengthen communities, and make a difference. Whether it’s generating jobs, supporting local businesses, or creating spaces for connection, we’re committed to ensuring the arts remain a vital part of our communities..

We value your thoughts and feedback as members of our arts community. Please feel free to share your insights with us through the feedback form linked below. To stay connected and be part of the journey, follow us on Instagram and Facebook.

Upcoming Events with Pillar Arts

Ceremony for Our Land – Flex Space

Sunday, April 6, 4 – 6 PM

Join us for a unique live arts event at the Flex Space, Pillar Arts Alliance Center, presented with Artists for Climate Awareness and IU First Nations as part of the opening reception Distant Thunder, this month’s art exhibition from April 2nd-30th. Learn more here.

Building on Ceremony for Earth (April 2024), this collaboration—led by Daixuan Ai and Grace McKenzie—explores how mindfulness deepens the experience of live music. Four artists from diverse backgrounds will come together in Bloomington to reflect on place, presence, and connection through poetry, electronic soundscapes, and imagery.

Every note is improvised, making each moment unique. Step into this space, listen, and reflect on the land and the stories it holds.

Distant Thunder by Artists for Climate Awareness – Flex Space

Wednesday, April 2 – Wednesday, April 30

This April, we are excited to feature Distant Thunder presented by Artists for Climate Awareness at the Pillar Arts Alliance Center from The exhibition opens on Wednesday, April 2nd, but we will also host an artist reception on Sunday, April 6th at 3 PM, showcasing a collection of works that explore the pressing environmental issues facing our world today. Through the perspective of diverse artists, this exhibition encourages viewers to reflect on the impact of climate change and the power of art in driving social change. Such an immersive experience that highlights the role of art in raising awareness about urgent global challenges.

The event will be followed by Ceremony for Our Land, in partnership with IU First Nations. This celebration will feature four diverse interdisciplinary artists and two dynamic spoken word poetry performances. Come together, celebrate our community and land, and engage with thought-provoking artistic expressions. The exhibition and ceremony offer an opportunity to connect with the mission of Artists for Climate Awareness and learn more about their ongoing efforts in environmental advocacy.

Color Theory for Artists Demystified with Avon Waters – Flex Space

Saturday, April 12, 9 AM – 4 PM

We have teamed up with Artists for Climate Awareness to host an exciting and educational workshop on April 12, 2025, called Color Theory for Artists Demystified. This all-day, hands-on workshop will be led by talented Hoosier artist, Avon Waters, and is designed for artists of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned professionals. Avon will guide participants through understanding key concepts of color theory, such as mixing shades, tints, and tones, as well as exploring color relativity. He will work in pastel and share techniques that can be applied to any medium, including watercolor, gouache, acrylic, pastel, and oil.

Gain valuable insights into how the right color choices can elevate your artwork, even if you have already mastered other aspects of painting, and explore how art can connect with environmental conservation, particularly through the depiction of nature’s interconnectedness. Participants will walk away with a deeper understanding of how color theory can enhance their artistic practice while contributing to a larger conversation about nature and conservation. Registration is currently open with an entry fee of $140 for members of Artists for Climate and $175 for non-members. Please email Carol Rhodes at art4climate@carolrhodes.net if you are a non-member or have any questions or comments.

Pillar Arts Alliance Center Artist: Dorothyann Strange

She has earned recognition through juried art shows, winning Best of Show twice, and has exhibited in Ohio and Indiana. Her work documenting the aftermath of a fire in Bangkok helped raise funds for the rebuilding of homes in the Klong Toey neighborhood. Her photography is currently on display at Pillar Arts Alliance Center, T.C. Steele Homestead in Indiana, and a new exhibit at the Monroe County Airport in Bloomington, showcasing a variety of photographic styles from local artists.

Join the Conversation: AlgoRhythms Summit – Music & AI

The summit will feature a variety of engaging activities, including panel discussions, performances, and networking opportunities. Topics will range from AI and copyright law to AI tools empowering artists and startups. Plus, you’ll have the chance to attend pre-summit events such as presentations and demos, and enjoy performances throughout the summit. Whether you’re interested in the legal implications of AI-generated music or the creative possibilities it unlocks, there’s something for everyone. Sign up here to attend in person or here to join the panel discussions via Zoom. We hope to see you there!

RECENT EVENTS

COMMUNITY EVENTS

“The 39 Steps”: A Live Production

Thurs March 20th – Sun March 30th

Waldron Auditorium

• The 39 Steps is a fast-paced comedic thriller that follows Richard Hannay, an ordinary man who becomes entangled in a web of espionage after being wrongly accused of murder. As he races to clear his name, he encounters a series of eccentric characters and absurd situations, all while trying to uncover the mystery of the elusive 39 Steps. Get your tickets here: www.eclipseproductionscompany.com/buy-tickets.Want to know more? Check us out on Facebook: www.facebook.com/eclipse.productions.company/

Spring Sprout Food Systems Series at People’s Co-op Market

Thurs March 27th – Sun March 30th

The Fellowship Hall

• Join us for a 4 days of events including natural dying, food demos, recipe and seed swaps, film screenings, presentations from food service organizations and food producers, Q&A panel, and roundtable community food accessibility discussions with artisans & local food vendors For more information, please visit www.peoplesmarketbtown.org or email peoplesmarketmanager@gmail.com.

2025 Women’s History Month Luncheon

Thurs March 27th, 12:00-1:30pm (EDT)

Buskirk-Chumley Theater

• The Women’s History Month Luncheon is an opportunity to recognize the individual and collective accomplishments of women in the community. This event includes exhibitors from local women-owned businesses and organizations, as well as a presentation that embodies the theme of Women’s History Month 2025, “Moving Forward Together! Women Who Educate and Inspire Generations.” Also recognized will be the winners of the 2025 Women’s Achievement Awards. Table of 8 ticket purchasers: Please complete the registration form after the purchase is complete and before March 20th to have your placement set for the luncheon. CLICK HERE. ALL SALES END 3/20 at MIDNIGHT. Be sure to purchase before the deadline!

Blade Runner Final Cut | 5X Philip K. Dick

Thurs March 27th, 7:00-9:00pm (EDT)

IU Cinema

• Deckard (Harrison Ford) is forced by the police boss (M. Emmet Walsh) to continue his old job as a replicant hunter. His assignment: eliminate four escaped replicants from the colonies who have returned to Earth. In a future of high-tech possibility soured by urban and social decay, Deckard’s hunt for the fugitive, murderous replicants leads him to a mystery woman whose secrets may undermine his soul. Adapted from Philip K. Dick’s novel Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? [117 min; sci-fi, mystery; English]

Intro to Bellydance

Thurs March 27th, 7:10-8:10pm (EDT)

Pillar Arts Alliance Center, Flex Space

• Explore the joy of movement that is classic bellydance. In this 6-week session, topics include hipwork, graceful arms and hands, veil techniques and combinations to energetic music. Join in the fun/bring a friend Thursdays 7:10-8:00pm starting Feb. 6! $60/advance or $70 day of class. Since class size is limited, paying in advance holds a spot. (812) 330-1831 call or text to find out more. Meeting in the FlexSpace of the Arts Alliance Center. Registration form online at allaboutbellydance.com/news-from-all-about-bellydance

Maple and Vine

Thurs March 27th – Sun April 13th

Constellation Playhouse

• Welcome to the corner of Maple & Vine, where every day is 1955. Katha and Ryu have become allergic to their 21st-century lives. When they meet a charismatic man from a community of 1950s re-enactors, they decide to forsake cell phones and DoorDash for cigarettes and Tupperware parties. But after moving to this compulsively authentic world, Katha and Ryu are surprised by what their new neighbors – and they themselves – are willing to sacrifice for happiness.

Asianfest

Thurs March 27th, 5:00-8:30pm (EDT)

Buskirk-Chumley Theater

• Please join the IU Asian Culture Center and the City of Bloomington at the kickoff celebration of the 2025 Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month on March 27, 2025, from 5:00 to 8:30 pm at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater. The event’s featured activities represent the diversity within IU and the broader Bloomington community. It includes a showcase of Asian arts and crafts for kids and Asian food trucks outside of the Theater from 5:00pm-7:00pm, followed by cultural performances and fashion show until 8:30pm. This event is open to all ages, there will be something for everyone!

BANFF Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour

Fri March 28th – Sat March 29th, 7:00-10:00pm (EDT)

Buskirk-Chumley Theater

• BANFF Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour is coming to Bloomington on March 28-29! BANFF Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival is one of the largest and most prestigious mountain festivals in the world! Hot on the heels of the Festival that is held every fall in beautiful BANFF, Alberta, the BANFF Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour hits the road. With stops planned in over 600 communities and more than 40 countries across the globe, the BANFF World Tour celebrates amazing achievements in outdoor storytelling and filmmaking worldwide. Join IU Outdoor Adventures when Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour brings the spirit of outdoor adventure to Bloomington, at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater on March 28-29 at 7PM. Visit Outdoors.iu.edu for film specifics. For information contact IU Outdoor Adventures at hmmcconn@iu.edu.

We Need to Talk About Kevin w/Q&A | Additional Films and Guests

Sat March 29th, 4:00-6:30pm (EDT)

IU Cinema

• We Need to Talk About Kevin is a psychological drama where Eva (Tilda Swinton) relives her son Kevin’s disturbing childhood behavior through flashbacks. As Kevin’s violence escalates, the film explores their fractured relationship and society’s harsh judgment towards parents after his horrific crime at school. [112 min; drama; English] After the film, there will be a panel discussing the nature versus nurture debate and the role of early intervention in preventing such frequent school tragedies. The panel will include IU students Kendall J. Pagington, Caroline G. Adkins, Zain Abbas Khan Niazi, Laura Cameron, and Kennedy Kay Toney.

Fiber Arts & Crafts for Creatives!

Sun March 30th, 1:00-3:00pm (EDT)

Juniper Art Gallery

• Please join our monthly gathering of friendly, creative artists & artisans! We are also widening the circle to include ANY and ALL portable arts/crafts projects for these casual get-togethers! This is a FUN, FREE monthly activity facilitated by fiber artist Amy Dyken.

Blow Out | I Like to Watch: Voyeurism in Cinema

Tues April 1st, 7:00-9:00pm (EDT)

IU Cinema

• While recording sound effects for a slasher flick, Jack Terri (John Travolta) stumbles upon a real-life horror: a car careening off a bridge and into a river. While he rescues Sally (Nancy Allen) from the car, the other passenger is already dead—a governor intending to run for president. As Jack does some investigating of his tapes, and starts a perilous romance with Sally, he enters a tangled web of conspiracy that might leave him dead. [118 min; thriller, drama; English]