We also want to extend a big thank you to everyone who joined us for Henry Leck’s artist reception last weekend. It was a fantastic time celebrating his work. His stunning pieces will be on display throughout the month of March at the Arts Alliance Center, so be sure to stop by and experience his art for yourself.

Lastly, don’t forget to register for the Color Theory for Artists Demystified Workshop led by Avon Waters. The event is on April 12, 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!

Upcoming Events with the Arts Alliance

Clouds, Barns, and Trees – Oh My! by Henry Leck – Flex Space

Friday, February 28 – Sunday, March 30

In the month of March, Clouds, Barns, and Trees – Oh My! by Henry Leck will be on display at the Arts Alliance Center. Henry is an internationally recognized choral director and a passionate artist who has found a creative outlet in oil painting. After retiring from his long career as a professor of choral music at Butler University and Founder and Conductor Laureate of the Indianapolis Children’s Choir, Henry and his wife Meredith moved to Bloomington, where he began studying painting. This beautiful exhibition features landscapes through a creative eye on oil canvases.

Clouds, Barns, and Trees – Oh My! will be on display at the Arts Alliance Center’s Flex Space from February 28–March 30. There will also be a reception on Saturday, March 1 at the Arts Alliance Center from 6-8 PM to celebrate the artist and connect with fellow creatives. Come to take in Henry’s skillful pieces, we can’t wait to see you there!

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.

You’re Invited to the Arts Alliance’s First Annual Gala

Remember to Check Out Juniper Gallery

• Acoustic Afternoon – 2nd Wednesday of each month
  March 12, 4:30–6:00 PM
  This month, enjoy a performance by The Living Rumors!
• All-Gender Writing Circle – 3rd Sunday of each month
  March 16, 4:00–5:30 PM
  A welcoming space for writers of all kinds to share and create.
• Monthly Book Share & Local Authors Corner – 3rd Wednesday of each month
  March 19, 4:00–5:00 PM
  This month’s featured book is What I Gave to the Fire by local author Kim Flowers Evans.
• Monthly Music Night – 3rd Thursday of each month
  March 20, 6:00–7:30 PM
  Enjoy live music by John Kogge and David Sharp.
• Fiber Arts & Crafts for Creatives – Last Sunday of each month
  March 30, 1:00–3:00 PM
  A fun, hands-on creative experience for fiber art enthusiasts.

Check out Jaime’s website at juniperartgallery.com to learn more about these events and stay up to date. And don’t forget to follow them on Instagram for even more exciting updates!

Thank you for your continued support and investment in our local arts community. Places like Juniper Art Gallery make Bloomington special by bringing people together through art, music, writing, and more.

Arts Alliance Center Artist: Simone Cabral Vilaca, By Soul & Hands LLC

Simone brought her craftsmanship and love for sustainable living from Brazil to Bloomington in 2015. In 2021 she discovered the vibrant potential of aluminum coffee pods as a medium, which led her to create unique, wearable art pieces. Each one is locally made with an emphasis on transforming discarded materials into thoughtful, one-of-a-kind designs. Her work has been showcased in various art shows and exhibitions throughout Bloomington, Nashville, and Columbus, IN. Connect with Simone on Instagram at @bysoul_hands or LinkedIn here.

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

First Thursdays Presents: Spring Arts Market

Thurs March 6th, 4:00-7:00pm (EDT)

Cook Center

• Join us at the Cook Center on March 6th from 4-7 pm for our Spring Arts Market! Come check out some local art and grab a new art piece for your space! Stop by for free treats and art at the Cook Center, 750 E Kirkwood Ave, in the Grand Hall. Info here.

Arts Mile

Fri March 7th, 5:00-8:00pm (EDT)

Various Galleries in Bloomington

• Experience downtown Bloomington’s vibrant Arts Mile as select galleries showcase evolving live and virtual exhibits. EVERY. FIRST. FRIDAY. Experience an exciting night of the arts as fourteen distinct galleries stay open late to host special exhibits and serve refreshments from 5-8pm. Stroll the vibrant arts scene along the sensational art mile and experience amazing art by renowned local, regional, and international artists. Discover delightful surprises, inspiration, festivities, and original works of art for purchase. Explore each distinctive gallery in-person or online all year long at your own pace. Click here to learn more.

Meet Award-Winning Illustrator and Author Matthew Cordell

Sat March 8th, 1:00-2:00pm (EDT)

Monroe County Public Library Auditorium Downtown

• Caldecott award-winning Illustrator and author Matthew Cordell will be at the Downtown Library to discuss his work and sign books! Recommended for age 5 and up. Matthew Cordell will be signing books after his talk. Books will be available for purchase in the Friends of the Library bookstore located on the first floor of the Downtown Library. This program is being presented as part of the Friends of the Library’s Marian Armstrong Exhibit of Matthew Cordell’s Neighborhood. The talk is free and open to the public. Doors to the Auditorium will open at 12:30 pm.

American Voices for All Times

Sun March 9th, 6:00-7:30pm (EDT)

Buskirk-Chumley Theater

• Take a tour of the American musical landscape with the BSO and our partners from the Bridges Youth Orchestra and the IU Archives of African-American Music and Culture (AAAMC). Gershwin’s An American in Paris, Price’s Ethiopia’s Shadow in America, and Banfield’s Symphony No. 6: “Four Songs for Five American Voices” showcase the rich variety of American musical traditions, from jazz to spirituals. More details at bloomingtonsymphony.com/voices.

The Manchurian Candidate (1962) | I Like to Watch: Voyeurism in Cinema

Tues March 11th, 7:00-9:00pm (EDT)

IU Cinema

• At the end of the Korean War, a platoon of U.S. soldiers is captured and brainwashed by the enemy. Once returned home, Sgt. Raymond Shaw (Laurence Harvey) is lauded as a hero, but platoon commander Capt. Bennett Marco (Frank Sinatra) finds himself plagued by strange nightmares. Together with fellow soldier Allen Melvin (James Edwards), they race to uncover a terrible plot. Featuring a thrilling, Oscar-nominated performance by Angela Lansbury—who would’ve turned 100 this year—like you’ve never seen her before. [126 min; thriller; English]

Acoustic Afternoon with The Living Rumours!

Wed March 12th, 4:30-6:00pm (EDT)

Juniper Art Gallery

• Join us at Juniper Art Gallery on the 2nd Wednesday of each month for Acoustic Afternoon. The Living Rumours’ February concert has been rescheduled for Juniper’s 2nd Wednesday Acoustic Afternoon on Weds, March 12, 4:30-6pm! Just in time for SPRING! Michael Johnson, Dan Selvaggi, and Vicky Helber will treat you to their beautiful blend of harmonies and acoustic instrumentals. You won’t want to miss this late afternoon musical delight! Don’t forget, Juniper serves wine and beer, as well as other libations and artful edibles by Piccoli Dolci!

Girls State w/Q&A | Additional Films and Guests

Thurs March 13th, 7:00-9:00pm (EDT)

IU Cinema

• From the Emmy Award winners behind Boys State, Jesse Moss and Amanda McBaine, comes the Emmy Award-winning Girls State. Set against the backdrop of a nation grappling with a deepening democratic crisis and heightened political polarization, this compelling documentary delves into the experiences of 500 teenage girls participating in a week-long program where they construct their own state government. It underscores the significance of civic engagement, the intricacies of democracy, and the influence of female voices in political leadership. [96 min; documentary; English]. A Q&A with Tochi Ihekona and Emily Worthmore, two of the film’s subjects, will follow the screening.

On The Lash – In celebration of St. Patrick’s Day

Fri March 14th, 7:30-9:00pm (EDT)

Buskirk-Chumley Theater

• Join In honor of Irish traditional music, On The Lash creates timeless sounds through original voices. With new takes on classic songs and original constructions of established standards, OTL aims to explore the inherent energy and versatility of the genre.

Bloomington Early Music Spring Soirée

Sat March 15th, 7:00-9:00pm (EDT)

FAR Center for Contemporary Arts

• Bloomington Early Music’s Annual Spring Soirée returns on Saturday, March 15th at the FAR Center for Contemporary Arts. In celebration of their upcoming festival, Early Music in the African Diaspora, this special evening will feature live performances, drinks and light bites, concert sponsorship opportunities, a silent auction, and an exclusive look at the upcoming festival. Tickets are $40 (student tickets are $20) . To purchase tickets or learn more: https://blemf.org/soiree-2025

Monthly Book Share & Local Author’s Corner

Wed March 19th, 4:00-5:00pm (EDT)

Juniper Art Gallery

• Join us at Juniper Art Gallery on the 3rd Wednesday of every month for our Monthly Book Share. “What I Gave to the Fire” by local author Kim Flowers Evans is our featured title and author for the month of March. Evans shares her experience of miscarriages and the barrier of silence surrounding the subject. Many women have experienced this barrier which makes it very difficult to process the loss. Kim explores her inner journey though this very engaging book. Linda Whikehart facilitates this discussion. We hope to see you there!!

An Evening with Justin Furstenfeld

Thurs March 20th, 8:00-10:00pm (EDT)

Buskirk-Chumley Theater

• Justin Furstenfeld, lead singer and creative visionary of Blue October, is renowned for being one of the most charismatic and uplifting artists of our time. Furstenfeld is known for his magnetic stage presence, an artist with an insanely pleasant voice that ranges from warm and melancholy one minute, to arm hair-raising melodies and tone, evoking deeply reflective and personal lyrics. He weaves stories that engage and endear him to thousands of loyal followers around the world. If you ask those who know you’ll hear words like ‘inspiring’, ‘genuine’, ‘a feeling’, or ‘a show I’ll never miss.’ In March 2025, Justin will embark on a 30-city tour, performing his one-man show, ‘An Open Book’ (the second act). Audiences will laugh, sing, and cry, experiencing the comedy of life while embracing the mistakes we all learn from. Each performance becomes its own unique moment because every audience has its own sensibilities.