Pillar Arts Dispatch | Bloomington Art Events & Gallery Shows October 30, 2025
Posted In: Newsletter Archives, News, Events | Posted by: Pillar Arts
And a very Happy Halloween from Pillar Arts! As the year winds down, things are still in full swing at both of our galleries, with festive events, workshops, and new exhibitions to explore. It’s the perfect time to visit, connect, and celebrate the creativity that continues to thrive in our community as we head into the holiday season.
Our 5th Annual Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair is just around the corner, and we have exciting news! We’ve extended the deadline to apply to Friday, November 7, and we want you to join us! Now there’s even more time to be part of this local tradition. The fair kicks off Black Friday weekend, November 28, and runs Fridays through Sundays until December 21 for a celebration of local artistry and handmade gifts. Come to find the perfect gifts for friends and family, or just attend to take in the holiday spirit. Either way, we cannot wait to see you there!
There are also just a few seats left for our upcoming Oil Painting Workshop with award-winning artist Jason Bailey, happening Saturday, November 22, from 10 AM–4 PM. This immersive, hands-on class explores capturing light, color, and atmosphere in expressive oil painting. Visit pillararts.org/jason-bailey-workshop to register, get more details, and check the recommended supply list. Grab your spot before it’s gone, this is one workshop you won’t want to miss!
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
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.
Vendor applications close on Friday, November 7, so 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 as 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
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
DOROTHYANN STRANGE
Dorothyann Strange is a visual artist and photographer who captures the emotions and stories of everyday life, from portraits and landscapes to street and travel scenes. She brings a creative spin to both her in-camera work and post-production.
Her work includes documenting a Bangkok slum fire to aid fundraising, designing a CD package for musician Brenda Castles, and winning 2nd place in the 2024 Artists for Climate Awareness Exhibit. Dorothyann exhibits widely in Ohio and Indiana, and her prints and greeting cards are available at Pillar Arts Alliance Center, T.C. Steele Homestead, and online at RightOnStrange.etsy.com.
View Dorothyann Strange’s Profile
SUZANNE HALVORSON
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
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.
Haunted Mansion (2023)
Get in the Halloween spirit at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater showing Haunted Mansion today! This family-friendly film follows a doctor and her son as they move into a mysteriously affordable mansion, only to discover it’s haunted by mischievous spirits. With help from a quirky team of ghost hunters, they embark on a hilarious and heartwarming adventure full of supernatural surprises.
Starring several incredible stars, this 2023 Disney hit is the perfect mix of fright and fun for all ages. Grab your popcorn, bring the family, and celebrate the spooky season in cinematic style!
Innovation Week
Innovation Week is Bloomington’s action week where ideas become impact. Hosted by The Mill, it brings together founders, creatives, students, and civic leaders to spark collaboration and shape the city’s future as a hub for inclusive innovation.
Each day spotlights one of four clusters: HealthTech, GovTech, AI, and Creative Arts, through pitches, workshops, and community events that turn conversations into real progress. A free Festival Pass gives everyone access to the full week of innovation.
Learn More about Innovation Week
Off Night Stories: Immigrants, Refugees, & Asylum Seekers
This live storytelling event features a series of true stories about the experiences of immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers.
From choosing to pursue your dreams in a new country, to fleeing violence in a home you never thought you’d leave, the stories in this production showcase the diverse experiences of Bloomington’s immigrant community. Join us for this celebration of tenacity, resilience, and joy.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
ALLEYWEEN PARTYFri Oct 31, 4:30-7:30 PM, Antique Alley NASHVILLE – Enjoy karaoke, treats, games, and late-night shopping for all ages during Squash the Block. Bring your friends, family, and pets for a night of candy, costumes, and community fun!
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BROWN COUNTY PLAYHOUSE MURAL CELEBRATIONTues Nov 4, 10:30-11:30 AM, Brown County Playhouse NASHVILLE – Join us to unveil Sıtkı Doğan’s stunning mural at the Brown County Playhouse! Enjoy stories, special guests, and a photo-ready spot—share your moment with #BrownCountyPlayhouse. |
PORRIDGE RADIO PRESENTS ‘PIECES OF HEAVEN’ LIVE AT THE CENTRE POMPIDOUWed Nov 5, 7-8:15 PM, Buskirk-Chumley Theatre BLOOMINGTON – This show captures the band’s final performance at Paris’ Centre Pompidou, blending concert, reflection, and catharsis. Led by Dana Margolin, this hour-long farewell transforms a decade of music into a mesmerizing celebration of emotion and freedom. |
ARTS MILEFri Nov 7, 5-8 PM PM, Various galleries BLOOMINGTON – Explore Bloomington’s Arts Mile during First Friday, when select galleries stay open late to showcase live and virtual exhibits. Enjoy art, refreshments, and inspiration from local, regional, and international artists from 5–8 PM. |
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH ANNUAL CRAFT FAIRSat Nov 8, 8 AM-2 PM, First Baptist Church MARTINSVILLE – The First Baptist Church of Martinsville hosts its annual craft fair, featuring local vendors with crafts, baked goods, holiday décor, and gifts. Breakfast and lunch will be available on site. |
HAMILTON | NEW AMERICAS CINEMASun Nov 9, 4-6:45 PM, IU Cinema BLOOMINGTON – Experience Hamilton like never before with the filmed Broadway production, celebrating its 10th anniversary. Featuring the original cast, the show blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B, and Broadway to bring Alexander Hamilton’s story to life in an intimate, unforgettable way. JOSHUA REDMANMon Nov 10, 7-8:30 PM, Buskirk-Chulmey Theatre BLOOMINGTON – Joshua Redman’s Words Fall Short presents a vibrant new quartet with Paul Cornish, Philip Norris, and Nazir Ebo. The album brings Redman’s previously unheard post-pandemic compositions to life, blending improvisation, ensemble cohesion, and fresh ideas in a dynamic performance. |
THE PRICE BY ARTHUR MILLERThurs Nov 13, 7:30-9:45 PM, Waldron Rose Firebay BLOOMINGTON – Arthur Miller’s The Price explores family tensions, past regrets, and the personal cost of doing what we believe is right. A talk back will follow this performance.
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