Pillar Arts Dispatch | Bloomington Art Events & Gallery Shows October 16, 2025
Posted In: Newsletter Archives, News, Events | Posted by: Pillar Arts
Now is the perfect time to join or renew your Pillar Arts membership! Your support fuels the growth of our creative community and helps sustain programs, galleries, and events that inspire and connect artists. Members also enjoy unique opportunities to network, display their work, and access resources to help their practice thrive.
We’re thrilled to announce we’re hosting an oil painting workshop with award-winning artist Jason Bailey on Saturday, November 22, from 10 AM–4 PM at Pillar Arts Alliance Center. This immersive workshop will guide participants through techniques in capturing light, color, and atmosphere, with a morning demonstration followed by individualized coaching in the afternoon. Students should bring their own easels and materials. Seats are limited, so register today at pillararts.org/jason-bailey-workshop to secure your spot!
Our Annual Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair returns this season each weekend from Friday, November 28 through Sunday, December 21, and we could not be more excited! We’re currently accepting artist applications until October 31, so don’t miss the chance to be part of this festive celebration of local creativity. November also brings new exhibitions to both of our galleries, adding fresh work and perspectives to explore as the holiday season begins. Stop by Pillar Arts Alliance Center or By Hand to connect with us and experience incredible local artwork.
CURRENT HAPPENINGS
Oil Painting Workshop led by Jason Bailey
This November 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 limited 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
The holiday season is fast approaching and so is our 5th annual Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair! It begins on Black Friday weekend and runs through mid-December.
We are currently accepting vendor applications until October 31. Apply to share your artwork and celebrate the magic of the season with our community.
Pillar Arts Alliance Center
November 28-December 21 (weekends only)
Bloomington, IN
November Gallery Walk
This upcoming First Friday, we are excited to feature Intuitive Inquiry, a captivating exhibition by Sara Steffey McQueen.
Swing by Pillar Arts By Hand on November 7 to meet the artist and take in her colorful and insightful pieces.
Pillar Arts By Hand
November 7, 5-8 PM
Bloomington, IN
“Intuitive Inquiry” by Sara Steffey McQueen
Get ready for another wonderful exhibition at Pillar Arts By Hand! Next month, we welcome Sara Steffey McQueen to display Intuitive Inquiry.
This exhibition will be centered around her recently launched oracle deck, and we invite you to meet the artist and experience her work up close during Gallery Walk on Friday, November 7 from 5-8 PM.
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
“Paint Bloomington Award Winner Exhibit” by local talent
After this year’s annual Paint Bloomington arts event, we are featuring award-winning entries across each category in our gallery.
Come check out these local masterpieces from now through the beginning of November!
Pillar Arts Alliance Center
October 6-November 2
Bloomington, IN
Learn More about Paint Bloomington
“Expressing My German Roots” by Jake Kujava
This October we couldn’t be more excited to invite Jake Kujava to Pillar Arts By Hand to display Expressing My German Roots.
These vibrant and abstract pieces of art will be featured until the end of October, so don’t miss your chance to check them out.
Pillar Arts By Hand
October 1-31
Bloomington, IN
“Raising Funds for Environmental Action” by Art for Earth
We are thrilled to welcome the skilled members of Art for Earth to Pillar Arts Alliance Center in October to display Raising Funds for Environmental Action.
This thought-provoking and deeply meaningful exhibition will be on display through the end of the month.
Pillar Arts Alliance Center
September 1-November 6, 7-8 PM
Bloomington, IN
Learn More about Art for Earth
Middle-Eastern Dance Classes by Donna Carlton
This lively series began last week and runs until Thanksgiving break.
Each session includes five classes that are $50 with advance registration or $60 at the door. Two sessions are offered, so you can join one or both. For details or to sign up, call (812)330-1831.
Pillar Arts Alliance Center
September 1-November 6, 7-8 PM
Bloomington, IN
Learn More about Donna Carlton
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
VERONICA SHALLCROSS
Originally from Lawrence, Kansas, Veronica Shallcross discovered her passion for the visual arts early on through filmmaking and photography. Her creative journey has taken her from studying film at the University of Kansas to exploring photography and digital arts in Tucson, Arizona.
Now based in Bloomington, Veronica continues to expand her artistic practice, embracing a wide range of mediums from printmaking and painting to jewelry making and digital art. She is inspired by the natural beauty of Indiana, and her work reflects a lifelong curiosity and love for creative expression in all its forms.
View Veronica Shallcross’ Profile
MARK RIGGINS
As lifelong Bloomington resident, Mark Riggins has spent more than 60 years drawing inspiration from the beauty and community of his hometown. Encouraged by his artist grandmother and supported by family, teachers, and local mentors, Mark developed a deep love for art at an early age. After graduating from Indiana University in 1975, he continued to capture the spirit of Bloomington through his work.
Known for his detailed pen and ink renderings, Mark’s art celebrates familiar landmarks and scenes that hold special meaning for the community. His wife, Diane, encouraged him to explore this realistic style leading to decades of work that evoke nostalgia and connection. Mark’s art pays tribute to the people, places, and natural beauty that make Bloomington such a creative and inspiring home.
MEMBER SHOUTOUTS
Pillar Arts Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair
The 5th annual Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair is returning to Pillar Arts Alliance Center and we are thrilled!
This event will begin on Black Friday weekend and run each weekend through December 21. Join us in celebrating the holiday season and local craftsmanship.
We are currently accepting vendor applications from now through Friday, October 31. Apply now before it’s too late!
Learn More About the Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair
You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown
Celebrate the 75th anniversary of Peanuts with this heartwarming and hilarious musical, running November 1–16! Follow Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the gang through a day full of laughs, school crushes, kite-flying, and unforgettable songs.
A timeless favorite for all ages, this show brings charm, humor, and plenty of “good grief!” to the stage, delighting both longtime fans and new audiences alike.
Learn More about the Production
Creative Showcase
IU Innovates is hosting a Creative Showcase, which will be a fun, fast-paced way for artists and creatives to connect, share their work, and discover new art in the Bloomington community.
Think of it like creative speed dating for the local art scene!
If you’d like to participate, fill out the form here.
Check out the flyer with the QR code to sign up and join for a creative and inspiring evening!
COMMUNITY EVENTS
REAL GENIUSThurs Oct 16, 7-9 PM, IU Cinema BLOOMINGTON – This cult favorite follows a group of brilliant but mischievous college students who turn scientific genius into pure chaos. Packed with humor, heart, and unforgettable pranks, it’s a sharp reminder that intelligence and rebellion sometimes go hand in hand.
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EINSTEIN IN GUANAJUATO: SERGEI EINSTEIN’S ¡QUE VIVA MEXICO!Tues Oct 21, 7-9:15 PM, IU Cinema BLOOMINGTON – Peter Greenaway’s film blends the making of ¡Que viva México! with a fictionalized look at Eisenstein’s personal journey. Contains sexual content and nudity. A Q&A with Jeffrey Saletnik (IU Art History) and Tim Bell (IU Media School) follows. |
MITSKI: THE LANDWed Oct 22, 7-8:30 PM, Buskirk-Chumley Theater BLOOMINGTON – Mitski: The Land brings her 2024 Atlanta shows to the big screen. 🎶 Featuring music from The Land Is Inhospitable and So Are We and reimagined favorites, this cinematic experience captures Mitski’s captivating live performance. PG-13. |
OPEN MIC NIGHTWed Oct 22, 8-10 PM, The Comedy Attic BLOOMINGTON – Catch local talent at Comedy Attic’s Open Mic Night—five-minute sets of original material from rising and seasoned comedians. Want to perform? Email comedyattic@gmail.com and bring some friends to cheer you on. |
CUADECUC, VAMPIR | ADDITIONAL FILMS AND GUESTSFri Oct 24, 7-8:15, IU Cinema BLOOMINGTON – A visually striking experimental documentary on the making of Jess Franco’s Count Dracula (starring Christopher Lee). Blending candid behind-the-scenes footage with atmospheric vampire imagery, it’s a dreamy, eerie experience—perfect for a spooky October night. [75 min; documentary, horror; English & Spanish] |
HISTORY BOOK CLUBSat Oct 25, 1-2:30 PM, Monroe County History Center BLOOMINGTON – Join us to discuss The Great Circus Train Wreck of 1918: Tragedy on the Indiana Lakeshore by Richard M. Lytle. Meetings run 1–2:30 PM at the History Center and online. Everyone is welcome—no need to attend regularly or read in order. THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW (1975): INTERACTIVE SCREENINGSat Oct 25, 7-9 PM & 11 PM-1 AM, Fernandez Plaza BLOOMINGTON – Celebrate this classic with an interactive screening from Constellation Stage & Screen! Grab your props, shout your favorite callbacks, and dance in the aisles. Don’t miss the chance to fully embrace the madness. Subtitles included for the 7 PM show. |
BEAT FALL SHOWMon Oct 27, 7-8 PM, Buskirk-Chumley Theater BLOOMINGTON – Bloomington Expressive Arts Training presents their 14th Annual BEAT Fall Show! Enjoy an evening of song and dance as members of Mini Sync, Syncopation, & Amplitude perform exciting, family-friendly numbers. Celebrate the talent and energy of these young performers!
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RECENT EVENTS
PAINT BLOOMINGTON
Photo by Babette Ballinger
BLOOMINGTON – Pillar Arts Alliance Center
On Saturday, Oct 4, Paint Bloomington returned to town welcoming local artists of all ages and skill-levels for an afternoon of fun, community, and creativity. It was an absolute blast and we’re so thankful for all who attended and supported this annual event.
“RAISING FUNDS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION” RECEPTION
Photo by Donna Carlton
BLOOMINGTON – Pillar Arts Alliance Center
On Sunday, Oct 5, we celebrated the talented artists of Art for Earth and their captivating exhibition Raising Funds for Environmental Action in Pillar Arts Alliance Center. Their incredible work will be on display until October 26, so don’t miss your chance to come check it out!
“PAINT BLOOMINGTON AWARD WINNERS” RECEPTION
Photo by Donna Carlton
BLOOMINGTON – Pillar Arts Alliance Center
Last Saturday, Oct 11, we were thrilled to welcome award-winning artists across each category from Paint Bloomington to Pillar Arts Alliance Center to feature their pieces through the month of October. It was absolutely amazing to see everyone supporting our arts community.
