Pillar Arts Dispatch | Bloomington Art Events & Gallery Shows October 3, 2025
Posted In: Newsletter Archives, News, Events | Posted by: Pillar Arts
Membership sign-up and renewal season is upon us, and now is the perfect time to join or continue your support of Pillar Arts. Your membership helps sustain our mission of fostering creativity and connection while offering you opportunities to grow professionally, network with fellow artists, and display your work in our galleries.
The Pillar Arts Alliance Center is open to the public Tuesday and Thursday through Sunday each week, and closed on Mondays and Wednesdays. Our hours there are as follows: Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 12-8 PM, Friday from 10 AM-9 PM, and Sunday from 12-6 PM. For more information about each of our galleries, visit pillararts.org
We have an exciting season ahead at Pillar Arts! October brings three exhibitions and receptions across both our galleries, plus weekly dance classes in the Performance Space at the Arts Alliance Center, and Paint Bloomington. We have more to look forward to with an oil painting workshop in November as well as our annual Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair! Stay tuned for details on the event and how to apply as a vendor.
CURRENT HAPPENINGS
Paint Bloomington
Join us on Saturday, October 4 for another amazing year of Paint Bloomington!
With art classes, supplies, and a friendly competition, there is something for everyone, and we can’t wait to see you there.
Woodlawn Pavilion, Bryan Park
October 4, 10 AM-4 PM
Bloomington, IN
Learn More about Paint Bloomington
“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.
Celebrate the opening on Sunday, October 5 from 3-5 PM with a reception in the Arts Alliance Center.
Pillar Arts Alliance Center
October 1-26
Bloomington, IN
Learn More about Art for Earth
“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.
We invite you to meet the artist and experience his work up close during Gallery Walk on Friday, October 3 from 5-7 PM.
Pillar Arts By Hand
October 1-31
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 at the reception on Saturday, October 11 from 2-4 PM at the Arts Alliance Center!
Pillar Arts Alliance Center
October 6-November 2
Bloomington, IN
Learn More about Paint Bloomington
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
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.
For more information and to pre-register, reach out to us at contact@pillararts.org.
Pillar Arts Alliance Center
November 22, 10 AM-4 PM
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
DONETTA BREEDEN-CROSS
Donetta is a mixed-media artist whose practice spans writing, woodcraft, and welding. Since beginning her artistic journey in 2017, she has combined these skills to create unique works sold through her online store, Slick Rock Sustainables. She finds daily inspiration in the natural beauty surrounding her studio alongside her husband and pets atop Slick Rock Mountain in Greene County, Indiana.
Her art reflects a deep commitment to sustainability, transforming discarded wood and metal into pieces that honor and restore their value. Donetta describes her work as an act of love for Mother Earth, merging function with beauty. As displaying member at Juniper Art Gallery, she also shares her work with the community. Beyond her visual art, she is the author of Nymph Resurrection, available through Amazon and Book Baby Book Store.
View Donetta Breeden-Cross’ Profile
IRINA SHISHOVA
Originally from Moscow, Russia, Irina moved to Bloomington in 1998 and has continued to grow her artistic practice through local mentorship and exploration of different media, including oils, pencils, watercolors, and acrylics. Her work highlights figure drawing as well as landscapes and cityscapes, shaped by her early art school training and her eagerness to try new techniques.
As a passionate traveler and outdoor enthusiast, Irina draws inspiration from hiking, camping, and exploring sites across Europe, Asia, and the United States. She is an active member of the Bloomington Watercolor Society and the Watercolor Society of Indiana. Her exhibition, Flying Leaves and Dancing Shapes, was on display at the Arts Alliance of Greater Bloomington this February, and she is also a displaying member at Viridian Moon Art Gallery.
MEMBER SHOUTOUTS
Celebrating Sarah Asher’s Impact
We want to extend our deepest gratitude to Sarah Asher as she steps away from her role as Pillar Arts’ Gallery Manager. Sarah has gone above and beyond, accomplishing more than seems humanly possible, and leaving an incredible mark on our organization.
Though she is moving on from this role, she will continue her journey as a practicing artist and passionate supporter of the arts in Bloomington. We are so thankful for all she has given and wish her the very best in this next chapter.
Come and Paint Bloomington!
The fourth annual Paint Bloomington is happening Saturday, October 4, 9:30 AM–4 PM at Woodlawn Pavilion in Bryan Park!
This free community event offers supplies, painting and printing classes (10 AM–12 PM and 1–3 PM), live artist demonstrations, and plein air painting all over town.
Artists of all ages and skill levels can create original work in any medium, then submit stamped pieces by 3 PM for judging, with awards in professional, emerging, teen, youth, and collaborative categories.
Learn More about Paint Bloomington
COMMUNITY EVENTS
ARTS MILEFri Oct 3, 5-8 PM, Various Galleries BLOOMINGTON – Visit Bloomington’s monthly Gallery Walk on First Fridays for a night of live and virtual exhibits, refreshments, and art from local, regional, and international artists. Explore galleries in person or online and enjoy a vibrant evening celebrating creativity.
|
THE LIBRARIANS (2025)Tues Oct 7, 7-8:30 PM, Burkirk-Chumley Theater BLOOMINGTON – Join the Friends of the Library and BCT for a screening of “The Librarians”, a documentary highlighting librarians on the front lines of the fight against book bans and the defense of our freedom to read. |
OPEN MIC NIGHTWed Oct 8, 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. |
FRED ARMISEN: COMEDY FOR MUSICIANS BUT EVERYONE IS WELCOMEThurs Oct 9, 7-8:30 & 9:30-11 PM, Buskirk-Chumley Theater BLOOMINGTON – Catch comedian, writer, and musician Fred Armisen live as he brings his unique blend of humor, music, and storytelling to the stage. Starring in Portlandia, Documentary Now, and Saturday Night Live, Armisen delivers a performance full of wit, charm, and unexpected surprises. |
A FAIR OF THE ARTSSat Oct 11, 8 AM-12:30 PM, Fernandez Plaza BLOOMINGTON – Discover and support local and regional artists at A Fair of the Arts! Enjoy browsing a variety of handmade art and crafts, from paintings and prints to jewelry and textiles, while connecting with the talented creators behind each piece. |
SATURDAY’S CHILDSat Oct 11, 11 AM-12 PM, Monroe County History Center BLOOMINGTON – Discover and support local and regional artists at A Fair of the Arts! Enjoy browsing a variety of handmade art and crafts, from paintings and prints to jewelry and textiles, while connecting with the talented creators behind each piece. A.RTIFICIAL I.MMORTALITY W/ Q&A | ADDITIONAL FILMS AND GUESTSTues Oct 14, 7-8:45 PM, IU Cinema BLOOMINGTON – Filmmaker Ann Shin explores AI, biotech, and a possible “post-biological” future where humans and AI merge. A panel of IU experts will follow, discussing the ethical and philosophical questions raised by this emerging technology. |
THIRD WEDNESDAY BOOK SHAREWed Oct 15, 4-5 PM, Juniper Art Gallery BLOOMINGTON – Join us for the 3rd Wednesday Book Share at Juniper Art Gallery with Meredith Crandall Brown, author of Milk and Juice: A Recycling Romance. This playful picture book follows two star-crossed fridge-mates, teaching kids about recycling with humor, heart, and clever illustrations. |
RECENT EVENTS
“ECHOES OF LIFE & LOVE RECEPTION”
Photo by Donna Carlton
BLOOMINGTON – Pillar Arts Alliance Center
On Saturday, September 13, we were thrilled to host an artist reception to celebrate “Echoes of Life & Love” by Ruth Lau and John Lee as the monthly exhibition in Pillar Arts Alliance Center. Thank you to all who came in love and support for the incredible show!
MUSICAL PERFORMANCE BY KYLE QUASS
Photo by Donna Carlton
BLOOMINGTON – Pillar Arts Alliance Center
On Friday, September 19, Kyle Quass joined us once again at the Performance Space in Pillar Arts Alliance Center for an evening of music and creativity. He performed several musical numbers and it was an amazing time!
