Pillar Arts Dispatch | Bloomington Art Events & Gallery Shows September 5, 2025
Posted In: Newsletter Archives, News, Events | Posted by: Pillar Arts
This weekend, we’re thrilled to invite you to the Grand Opening of the Pillar Arts Alliance Center on Saturday, September 6, from 6–8 PM. The event is free and open to all, so come celebrate with us for an evening of art, live performances, and creative connections as we launch this exciting new chapter for Pillar Arts. An RSVP isn’t required, but it helps us plan so please register here if you will be attending.
Also, we are so grateful to all who helped us at the 4th Street Festival last weekend. It was an incredible experience connecting with the community, meeting new friends, and sharing the joy of art with everyone there. Your support helped make the weekend special, and we can’t thank you enough!
Looking ahead, this fall is packed with exciting activities at both Pillar Arts locations. From gallery exhibitions and dance workshops, classes, and more, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Be sure to check our calendar so you don’t miss a moment of the fun this season.
CURRENT HAPPENINGS
“Echoes of Life & Love” by Ruth Lau and John Lee
Come visit us at the Pillar Arts Alliance Center to view Echoes of Life & Love by talented artists Ruth Lau and John Lee.
We are hosting an artist reception on Saturday, September 13 from 3-5 PM, and hope to see you there.
Pillar Arts By Hand
September 1-30
Bloomington, IN
Gallery Walk with Andy Roberts
Gallery Walk has returned for the month of September, and we couldn’t be more excited. This month, we are featuring works from talented local artist Andy Roberts from September 3-30.
Please swing by to meet the artist in person and experience his incredible pieces!
Pillar Arts By Hand
September 5, 5-8 PM
Bloomington, IN
Pillar Arts Alliance Center Grand Opening
Celebrate the Grand Opening of the new Pillar Arts Alliance Center with an evening of food, art, and community.
Stop by to help us launch this next chapter for the arts in Bloomington. An RSVP is not required, but it is encouraged for us to plan for the occasion – register here!
Pillar Arts Alliance Center
September 6, 6-8 PM
Bloomington, IN
Learn More about the Pillar Arts Alliance Center
Middle-Easern Dance Classes with Donna Carlton
This lively series begins September 11 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 11-November 6, 7-8 PM
Bloomington, IN
Learn More about Donna Carlton
CD Release & Solo Show with Gabriel Jenks
Join us for a musical evening as Gabriel Jenks performs songs from his debut album Lonesome.
His folk-inspired acoustic music weaves stories with the human experience, and we hope you’ll come watch.
Pillar Arts Alliance Center
September 12, 7-8 PM
Bloomington, IN
Learn More about Gabriel Jenks
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
ARTS ALLIANCE CENTER SPOTLIGHT ARTIST
KATHY SPARKS
Kathy Sparks of Wisteria Glass discovered her passion for stained glass while restoring her old home. Wanting a custom piece for a window but unable to afford one, she took a class and created her first panel. From there, her love for the craft grew, and she has continued to refine her skills in creating beautiful stained-glass panels that bring light and color into everyday spaces.
Her work ranges from antique-inspired designs to vibrant depictions of nature, each piece carefully designed with attention to color, texture, and detail. While Kathy doesn’t take commissions, she enjoys making panels in different sizes and styles, offering art that fits seamlessly into a variety of homes and architectural settings. Her beautiful stained-glass pieces are on display at the Pillar Arts Alliance Center.
BY HAND SPOTLIGHT ARTIST
HICKORY TREE STUDIO
Hickory Tree Studio has been a creative home in the hills of southern Indiana since 1978, when potter Walt Westhues moved his practice there. Over the years, the studio has expanded to include a blacksmith shop and a weaving and painting studio run by his wife, Betty. Together, they’ve created a vibrant space where tradition and artistry come together, offering something new for visitors to discover.
Their offerings range from functional stoneware and bird feeders to artistic vases, handwoven rag rugs, and forged iron hooks. Walt’s pottery and ironwork, along with Betty’s weaving, can be found at galleries like Pillar Arts By Hand Craft Gallery in Bloomington and Brown County Craft Gallery in Nashville, as well as at local art fairs. Visitors are welcome to stop by the studio to see the work and take home a piece of handmade Indiana art.
View Hickory Tree Studio’s Profile
MEMBER SHOUTOUTS
Celebrate Bloomington Symphony Orchestra
Congratulations to the Bloomington Symphony Orchestra on its 56th season!
For over five decades, the BSO has brought exceptional music and meaningful partnerships to our community.
This year’s theme, Between Friends, is a perfect tribute to that legacy—here’s to many more seasons of music and collaboration.
Learn More about Bloomington Symphony Orchestra.
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
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THE BIRDCAGE | Q+Tues Sept 11, 7-9 PM, IU Cinema BLOOMINGTON – Robin Williams and Nathan Lane star as a Miami couple who must pretend to be straight when meeting their son’s conservative in-laws. Adapted from La Cage aux Folles, The Birdcage is a hilarious, heartwarming comedy classic. [118 min]. |
ART COLONY WEEKEND 2025Fri Sept 12-Sun Sept 14, Various Locations in Brown County NASHVILLE – Enjoy gallery hops, a historic Founders Exhibition, plein air painting contests, a community paint project, art talks, and a lively auction. For more information, call 812-988-6185 |
A FAIR OF THE ARTSSat Sept 13, 8 AM-12:30 PM, Fernandez Plaza BLOOMINGTON – Shop and support local and regional artists at “A Fair of the Arts” on second Saturdays, June–October, for handmade art and crafts. For more info, contact Crystal Ritter at 349-3725 or ritterc@bloomington.in.gov. |
“A SWINDLER OF WIDWS ALL OVER THE COUNTRY”Wed Sept 17, 4:30-7:30 PM, Lilly Library BLOOMINGTON – Join IU Libraries Lilly Library for an evening with antiquarian bookseller Garrett Scott, exploring the strange and overlooked corners of American print culture. The talk includes a pop-up exhibition and a reception. |
VEKVET GOLDMINE | Q+Thurs Sept 18, 7-9 PM, IU Cinema BLOOMINGTON – A reporter investigates glam rock star Brian Slade’s meteoric rise and mysterious fall in this dazzling tale of excess, heartbreak, and rock’s boldest era. [123 min]. |
RECENT EVENTS
PANGAEA SKY PERFORMANCE
Photo by Donna Carlton
BLOOMINGTON – Pillar Arts Alliance Center
This week, we welcomed Pangaea Sky to the performance space in the Pillar Arts Alliance Center for Close Encounters, a unique series exploring the evolution of musical ideas. It was an incredible night of creativity and discovery. Thank you to everyone who joined us and supported this special event!
4TH STREET FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS & CRAFTS
Photo by Barry Martin
BLOOMINGTON – 4th Street, Downtown Bloomington
Over Labor Day weekend, we participated in Bloomington’s annual 4th Street Fest. We connected with friends, shared our mission, and had a blast. Thank you to all who joined and helped us make the event a success!
KYLE QUASS CREATIVE RESIDENCY
Photo by Donna Carlton
BLOOMINGTON – Pillar Arts Alliance Center
Last month, Kyle Quass joined us for a series of exceptional music performances in Pillar Arts Alliance Center’s performance space featuring guest artists. It has been an amazing time and we appreciate everyone who showed up!
