Pillar Arts Dispatch | Bloomington Art Events & Gallery Shows March 5, 2026
Posted In: Newsletter Archives, News, Events | Posted by: Pillar Arts
Thank you to everyone who joined us for our Annual Meeting! It was such a meaningful evening of connection, reflection, and excitement for what’s ahead. We’re grateful for community we’re a part of and to everyone who helps bring Pillar Arts to life. This past weekend, we also kicked off the Solace project with local students as a public art display outside Pillar Arts Alliance Center that will continue to grow in the weeks ahead.
March brings two incredible exhibitions to both of our galleries that we’re proud to share. At the Pillar Arts Alliance Center in College Mall, we’re featuring America the Beautiful: Celebrating 250 Years of America’s Beauty, a new show by Bloomington Watercolor Society featuring thoughtful and captivating pieces that showcase landscapes and scenes across the United States. We’re also continuing Anne-Karine Bley’s exhibition Outside, Inside, In Between, at Pillar Arts By Hand through March 27. This show features still-lifes, plein air pieces, and more.
We hope you’ll join us for Gallery Walk tomorrow, March 6, from 5-8 pm for a chance to experience several exhibitions, connect with fellow art lovers, and enjoy a vibrant evening in the community.
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
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
Almost Spring Social Shimmy
Pay a visit to Pillar Arts Alliance Center this weekend from 12-2 PM for a musical afternoon with Indy Raqs.
From lively music to captivating dance performances, we know it will be a fun time for all who attend.
Pillar Arts Alliance Center
Sun Mar 8
Bloomington, IN
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
Saving the Hoosier: the Fight for America’s Forests Concert
Join us at Pillar Arts Alliance Center from 2-4 PM for this exciting fundraiser concert to bring the new film documentary “Saving the Hoosier” to completion.
The event will also feature a sneak peek of the film, silent auction, and light refreshments.
Pillar Arts Alliance Center
Sun Mar 29
Bloomington, IN
GET INVOLVED
PILLAR ARTS ALLIANCE CENTER
We’re seeking volunteers to welcome guests and support the Pillar Arts Alliance Center.
No experience needed — just a positive attitude. Reach out to get involved!
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.
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!
MEMBER SPOTLIGHTS
RUTH HAYES
Ruth Hayes has spent more than 65 years exploring art in her own thoughtful, winding way. She earned degrees in biology and ethology, and her creative spark was rekindled while working for a construction company, where she created pen and ink drawings with color overlays for architectural projects. That work led to many commissions and deepened her fascination with the detail and character found in buildings.
Over the years, Ruth began taking her camera everywhere, using photos of architecture and nature as inspiration for new paintings and drawings. Today, she continues creating architectural and pet portrait commissions, along with acrylic paintings inspired by lily ponds and ginkgo leaves. Her work reflects a lifelong dedication to observing the world closely and turning those moments into art.
SIMONE CABRAL VILACA
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
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
AlgoRhythms: AI, Music, and Human-Centered Creativity
Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, partnered with the Maurer School of Law, IU Innovates, Music Tectonics, and the AI+Digital Futures Team, presents AlgoRhythms 2026, March 26–28 in Bloomington and online.
This multi-day conference brings together artists, scholars, technologists, educators, and industry professionals to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming music creation, ownership, and the future of creative work.
Saving the Hoosier: The Concert
Join us Sunday, March 29 from 2–4 PM at Pillar Arts Alliance Center for Saving the Hoosier: The Concert, a benefit supporting the protection of the Hoosier National Forest. The afternoon features live music, a preview of Saving the Hoosier: The Fight for America’s Forests, and a chance to meet the filmmakers.
Produced by Women with Guts Productions, the film highlights grassroots efforts to defend Indiana’s forests. Tickets are $30, including pizza and beverages.
CDFI Partners with Allies for Community Business
Through a partnership with Allies for Community Business, entrepreneurs in Bloomington — including artists and creatives — can access loan funding to start and grow their small businesses.
The $50,000 loan initiative prioritizes businesses in the city’s Urban Enterprise Zone and pairs capital with coaching and support services, with loans available from $500 to $500,000.
Learn More About the Partnership
Making Midwest 2026
Making Midwest is a one-day gathering celebrating human creativity in an age of automation. Bringing together designers, filmmakers, motion artists, marketers, educators, and emerging creators, the event champions craft, originality, and meaningful creative work.
Join us June 27, 2026, in Columbus, Ohio for a day of inspiration and connection. Tickets are available now, secure yours and be part of the movement.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Submit your event to our community calendar to share it with a wider creative audience and help keep our local arts scene connected and thriving.
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.
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MCCT’S “A GRAND NIGHT FOR SINGING”Fri Mar 13-Sun Mar 15, Various times, Waldron Firebay BLOOMINGTON – Experience the timeless romance of musical theatre in this revue of beloved songs by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II. Presented by Monroe County Civic Theatre, this fresh production showcases the duo’s enduring lyrics and soaring melodies through a modern lens. |
COLUMBUS BLUEGRASS JAMBOREEFri Mar 13, 4-7 PM, The REC at Nexus Park COLUMBUS – Enjoy a free, all-ages afternoon of live bluegrass and community connection with open jam at 4 PM, performances at 5 PM. Held at The REC at NexusPark, this welcoming gathering invites musicians of all skill levels to play, listen, and connect (donations accepted). |
MET PRESENTS “GONE WITH THE WIND”Sun Mar 15, 2-6 PM, Martinsville Entertainment Theatre MARTINSVILLE – A landmark of classic cinema, Gone with the Wind stars Vivien Leigh and Clark Gable in one of Hollywood’s most iconic epics. See this sweeping film on the big screen at Martinsville Entertainment Theatre. |
LIVE MUSIC: SUPERTRADTues Mar 17, 3-5 PM, Morgenstern Books BLOOMINGTON – Join us for the dynamic sounds of traditional Irish music with Supertrad, featuring Sam Bartlett and Eric Schedler. Rooted in Bloomington’s vibrant music scene, the duo brings their richly layered Celtic style to audiences across the U.S. and Canada. |
KARAOKE AT THE POTTERY HOUSE STUDIOThurs Mar 19, 7-9 PM, Pottery House Studio BLOOMINGTON – Spend a laid-back evening filled with creativity and lively entertainment! Karaoke and light refreshments are provided, and a variety of fun bisque will be available for purchase. |
EAGLES TRIBUTE “TAKE IT TO THE LIMIT”Fri Mar 20, 7:30-10 PM, Buskirk-Chumley Theater BLOOMINGTON – Celebrate the music and legacy of Eagles as acclaimed tribute act “Take It To The Limit” makes its Bloomington debut. Experience beloved hits performed live with the harmony and energy fans know and love—praised coast to coast (even by NHL Hall of Famer Glenn Anderson). |
