Pillar Arts Dispatch | Bloomington Art Events & Gallery Shows November 13, 2025
Posted In: Newsletter Archives, News, Events | Posted by: Pillar Arts
Our galleries are buzzing with creativity, inspiration, and festive cheer. It’s a wonderful time to explore new exhibitions, connect with local artists, and soak in the energy and warmth of our community as we welcome the season.
Mark your calendars! The 5th annual Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair begins Friday, November 28, and runs Fridays through Sundays until December 21. It’s a great place to discover unique gifts and celebrate the craftsmanship that makes local art so special. We look forward to sharing the holiday season with you.
As we enter this season of giving and gratitude, now is also a great time to renew your Pillar Arts membership. Your support helps keep our exhibitions, events, and workshops thriving year-round, while giving you access to perks and early event updates. Let’s step into the holidays together, surrounded by art, community, and joy.
CURRENT HAPPENINGS
Oil Painting Workshop led by Jason Bailey
This month we are so excited to invite painter and impressionist Jason Bailey to Pillar Arts Alliance Center for a half-day workshop in oil painting from 10 AM-4 PM.
Spaces are running out and this is one class you won’t want to miss! For more information and to register for the event, click here.
Pillar Arts Alliance Center
November 22, 10 AM-4 PM
Bloomington, IN
Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair
Get ready to celebrate the holiday season with us at the Arts Alliance Center in College Mall for our 5th annual Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair! It begins on Black Friday weekend and runs through mid-December.
Pillar Arts Alliance Center
November 28-December 21 (weekends only)
Bloomington, IN
“Intuitive Inquiry” by Sara Steffey McQueen
This amazing exhibition, Intuitive Inquiry, at Pillar Arts By Hand is by Sara Steffey McQueen.
It has a special focus on her recently launched oracle deck, and encourage and experience her work up close through the month of November.
Pillar Arts By Hand
November 1-26
Bloomington, IN
Learn More about Sara Steffey McQueen
“Middle School Student Art Show” by local talent
In November, we are proud to feature incredible artwork submitted my local middle school students at Pillar Arts Alliance Center.
Explore the work from October 28-November 15, and vote in the People’s Choice Award! Winners will be announced on November 16 at 3 PM, and the exhibition will end on November 25. See you there!
Pillar Arts Alliance Center
October 28-November 25
Bloomington, IN
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
HEATHER O’CONNOR
Heather O’Connor is the creative force behind Homegrown Handies, a Bedford-based small business specializing in vibrant, hand-dyed apparel and accessories. From cozy hoodies and breezy dresses to playful onesies, each piece is made with care and a love for color, offering something truly unique for everyone from newborns to 4XL adult.
Her work brings a sense of joy and individuality to everyday wear, celebrating the beauty of handmade craft and local creativity. You can find Heather’s colorful creations on display at Pillar Arts Alliance Center in College Mall, or explore more of her work on Instagram.
View Heather O’Connor’s Instagram
JOANNE SHANK
Joanne Shank’s art reflects her deep connection to nature and movement. Her watercolor paintings, often featuring local birds and plants, are influenced by Chinese brush techniques that emphasize simplicity and flow. With each piece, she captures the energy of the moment.
Beyond watercolor, Joanne’s creativity expands into abstract painting and musician gesture drawings. Her acrylic works use rich color and organic movement to create forms that evoke landscapes or cosmic scenes, while her quick, expressive sketches of musicians translate sound into line as if a visual dance inspired by rhythm and emotion.
MEMBER SHOUTOUTS
Jason Bailey Workshop
This month, award-winning painterJason Bailey leads a half-day oil painting workshop at Pillar Arts Alliance Center on November 22 from 10 AM–4 PM. Participants will explore techniques for capturing light, color, and atmosphere through live demonstrations and hands-on guidance.
The workshop offers a supportive, creative setting for refining plein air and studio painting skills. Spaces are very limited, and the session is $75 for Pillar Arts members and $90 for non-members.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
“THE PLACES AND HOUSES WE LOVE” BY KATHY TRUELOVE BARTONTues Nov 4-Tues Dec 23, Cancer Support Community South Central Indiana BLOOMINGTON – The Bloomington Watercolor Society and the Cancer Support Community present The Places and Houses We Love, a solo exhibition by Kathy Truelove Barton. The opening reception is on Friday, November 14, from 4–7 PM.
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ADULT BEST FRIENDS W/ FILMMAKER | JORGENSEN GUEST FILMMMAKER SERIESTues Nov 18, 7-9:30 PM, IU Cinema BLOOMINGTON – Follow Katie and Delaney on a nostalgic, hilarious trip that tests the limits of friendship, and stick around for a Q&A with filmmaker Delaney Buffett. |
OPEN MIC NIGHTWed Nov 19, 8-10 PM, The Comedy Attic BLOOMINGTON – Open Mic Night at The Comedy Attic features local comedians performing original five-minute sets in one of Bloomington’s best comedy scenes. Laugh, cheer, and support emerging talent in a night full of fresh jokes and energy. |
RIBBON CUTTING AT KNITTING ROMANCEFri Nov 21, 11:30 AM-12:30 PM, Knitting Romance ELLETTSVILLE – Join us as we welcome Knitting Romance to Historic Downtown Ellettsville! Stop by for some cozy vibes, enjoy free pizza from Domino’s, and enter to win fun giveaways. |
18TH ANNUAL HOLIDAY BAZAAR & CRAFT FAIRSun Nov 23, 10 AM-3 PM, Congregation Beth Shalom BLOOMINGTON – Find clothing, jewelry, pottery, paintings, woodworking, and more, plus home-baked sweets, challah, and Chanukah goodies. Don’t miss the special guest food truck, Bloomington Planted, and support local artists and makers. |
A TUDOR ROOM THANKSGIVINGThurs Nov 27, 10 AM-2:15 PM, Indiana Memorial Union BLOOMINGTON – Celebrate Thanksgiving with an elegant feast on IU’s campus. Enjoy carved meats, classic sides, and a dessert bar with fresh treats, plus a cash bar with wine, beer, and brunch favorites. ANNUAL CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING 2025Fri Nov 28, 5-7 PM, Brown County History Center NASHVILLE – Enjoy music, homemade cookies, hot chocolate and tea – and be sure to receive your 2025 wooden nickel! Mr. and Mrs. Claus will be at the Gnaw Bone Log Cabin! |
SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY MAKERS MARKETSat Nov 29, 9 AM-3 PM, Art Sanctuary of Indiana MARTINSVILLE – Celebrate Small Business Saturday at the Art Sanctuary’s Makers Market! Browse handmade goods from local and regional artists, crafters, and makers. It’s the perfect spot to find one-of-a-kind holiday gifts while supporting local creativity. |
