Pillar Arts Dispatch | Bloomington Art Events & Gallery Shows April 2, 2026
Posted In: Newsletter Archives, News, Events | Posted by: Pillar Arts
We have a busy April ahead at Pillar Arts. At Pillar Arts Alliance Center, we’re hosting a full month of programming, including Climate Co-Lab: Art as Inquiry by Artists for Climate Awareness on display April 2–29, along with multiple artist receptions and nature walk performances featuring IU students and Professor Roger Hangarter. The gallery is open Thursday through Saturday from 12–8 PM and Sunday from 12–6 PM.
Over at Pillar Arts By Hand, we’re proud to welcome Martina Celerin in the month of April to showcase Fiber Feast, a thoughtful curation of 3D fiber weavings on view April 1–25. Pillar Arts By Hand is open Monday through Saturday from 11 AM–5:30 PM.
Don’t forget to join us tomorrow for Gallery Walk on Friday, April 3 from 5–8 PM. Thanks for following along with Pillar Arts—we’re so grateful to have you as part of this creative community. Your support helps keep local art thriving.
JOIN PILLAR ARTS
Becoming a Pillar Arts member is a meaningful way to stay engaged with Bloomington’s creative community while supporting local artists. Members can share their work, build connections with other creatives and supporters, and tap into a growing collaborative network. Artists and arts organizations also receive discounted access to our performance space.
Membership is open to anyone who values the arts. By joining, you help support exhibitions, programs, and performances throughout the region, helping to make space for creativity to continue to grow. We’d love to welcome you to the Pillar Arts community.
CURRENT HAPPENINGS
Fiber Feast by Martina Celerin
We’re so excited to feature incredible 3D artworks by Martina Celerin this April.
Be sure to visit us on Friday, April 3 for Gallery Walk at Pillar Arts By Hand from 5-8 PM to meet the artist, connect with the arts community, and explore the exhibition.
Pillar Arts Alliance Center
Wednesday April 1-Saturday April 25
Bloomington, IN
Learn More about Martina Celerin
Climate Co-Lab: Art as Inquiry by Artists for Climate Awareness
Next month, we are will feature a deeply thoughtful exhibition by Artists for Climate Awareness.
Join us for both receptions at the Arts Alliance Center from 3-5 PM on Sunday April 12 and April 19 to connect with the artists and experience their masterpieces.
Pillar Arts Alliance Center
Thursday April 2-Wednesday April 29
Bloomington, IN
Learn More about Artists for Climate Awareness
Gallery Walk
This month we are proud to welcome Martina Celerin to Pillar Arts By Hand to showcase “Fiber Feast,” a thoughtful curation of 3D pieces.
Be sure to explore all the other incredible galleries along Arts Mile as well from 5-8 PM.
Pillar Arts By Hand
Friday April 3
Bloomington, IN
Music’s Marionette: An Immersive Evening of Live Classical Music and Animation
Join clarinetist and multimedia artist Nikki Pet for a one-of-a-kind performance blending live classical music with responsive animation.
Experience this immersive concert at the Pillar Arts Alliance Center from 6-7 PM on Friday, April 10.
Pillar Arts Alliance Center
Friday April 10
Bloomington, IN
Learn More about the Performance
Nature Walk
Student composers created original musical pieces reflecting the seasonal awakening of southern Indiana with inspiration from IU professor Roger Hangarter.
The performances blend science and art, and take place from 2-3 PM on April 12 and 3-5 PM on April 19.
Pillar Arts Alliance Center
Sunday April 12 & Sunday April 19
Bloomington, IN
Solace: A Multi-Sensory Healing Experience
Come experience this immersive, multi-arts installation series featuring interactive works across visual art, sound, movement, and more.
This unique exhibit will be at Pillar Arts Alliance Center from 4–6 PM on April 18, 25, and 26.
Pillar Arts Alliance Center
Saturday April 18, Saturday April 25 & Sunday April 26
Bloomington, IN
The Lunchbox Project by Reimagining Opera for Kids
Reimagining Opera for Kids presents “The Lunchbox Project”, a lively show at Pillar Arts Alliance Center on Saturday April 25 from 12-12:30 PM.
The cast explores food and cultures through music by six contemporary composers. It’s fun, interactive, and fast-paced.
Pillar Arts Alliance Center
Saturday April 25
Bloomington, IN
Learn More about Reimagining Opera for Kids
Intro to Bellydance with Donna Carlton
Join us at the Arts Alliance Center for a month-long creative dance series led by Donna Carlton!
Whether you’re an experienced dancer or just getting started, this class will help you grow and learn the basics of bellydance.
Pillar Arts Alliance Center
Thursday March 19-Thurs April 23
Bloomington, IN
Learn More about Donna Carlton
PILLAR ARTS BY HAND
Stop into Pillar Arts By Hand in Fountain Square Mall this April and discover Fiber Feast, a vibrant showcase of 3D artworks and woven pieces by talented local artist Martina Celerin. On view from April 1–25, the exhibition invites you to explore texture, form, and the beauty of fiber art up close. Don’t forget to join us Friday April 3 from 5-8 PM for the reception during Gallery Walk to meet Martina, take in the atmosphere, and enjoy light refreshments.
While you’re here, take time to browse the gallery’s thoughtfully curated selection of handmade goods by local and regional artists. Whether you’re stopping in for inspiration or a unique find, it’s the perfect way to experience Bloomington’s creative community this spring.
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.
GET INVOLVED
PILLAR ARTS ALLIANCE CENTER
We’re seeking volunteers to welcome guests and support the Pillar Arts Alliance Center.
No experience needed — just a positive attitude. Reach out to get involved!
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.
SHOUTOUTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
Constellation Presents “The DaVinci Code”
Come watch a thrilling stage adaptation of “The Da Vinci Code,” where a mysterious murder at the Louvre Museum sparks a race to decode secrets that could change history.
The Codebreakers Bash takes place Saturday, March 28 and Sunday, April 12, 2026—an immersive fundraising evening featuring dinner, interactive entertainment, and a performance of the show. Single tickets are on sale now.
IU Innovates Summer Innovation Internship
They’re bringing back the IU Innovates Summer Innovation Internship—an 8-week, paid, in-person program for IU students and recent grads to stay in Bloomington and work on innovative ideas of any kind.
This year features a team-based format built around selected projects, and you don’t need your own idea to apply. Be sure to fill out the form before at April 6 deadline.
Learn More About the Internship
Sam Grisman Project
The Sam Grisman Project is a dynamic, all-acoustic ensemble led by bassist Sam Grisman, blending bluegrass, folk, and Americana into vibrant, improvisational performances inspired by American roots music and the legacy of Jerry Garcia.
Catch them at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater on Sunday, May 3 at 7 PM (doors at 6:30 PM).
CDFI Partners with Allies for Community Business
Through a partnership with Allies for Community Business, entrepreneurs in Bloomington — including artists and creatives — can access loan funding to start and grow their small businesses.
The $50,000 loan initiative prioritizes businesses in the city’s Urban Enterprise Zone and pairs capital with coaching and support services, with loans available from $500 to $500,000.
Learn More About the Partnership
Making Midwest 2026
Making Midwest is a one-day gathering celebrating human creativity in an age of automation. Bringing together designers, filmmakers, motion artists, marketers, educators, and emerging creators, the event champions craft, originality, and meaningful creative work.
Join us June 27, 2026, in Columbus, Ohio for a day of inspiration and connection. Tickets are available now, secure yours and be part of the movement.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Submit your event to our community calendar to share it with a wider creative audience and help keep our local arts scene connected and thriving.
LADIES FIRST SPRING SHOWFriday April 3, 8-10 PM, Buskirk-Chumley Theater BLOOMINGTON – Come experience an evening of powerful vocals and connection with a talented collective that’s been part of IU’s music scene for nearly three decades. This annual spring show highlights harmony, artistry, and the strength of women in music.
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OPEN MIC NIGHTWednesday April 8, 8-10 PM, The Comedy Attic BLOOMINGTON – Explore Bloomington’s vibrant comedy scene every Wednesday at the Comedy Attic! Catch hilarious original sets or sign up to perform by emailing comedyattic@gmail.com. Newcomers, bring a few friends to cheer you on. |
A TASTE OF ART – 10TH YEARSaturday April 11, 5-8:30 PM, Salt Creek Golf Retreat NASHVILLE – Enjoy an evening of art and community at this fundraiser hosted by the Rotary Club of Brown County. Sip tastings from local vendors and bid on artwork in silent and live auctions, with proceeds supporting youth and community initiatives. Tickets are $50, or $55 at the door. |
SPRING IS IN THE AIRSunday April 12, 3:30-5 PM, The Commons COLUMBUS – Celebrate spring with the Columbus Symphony Orchestra in a vibrant concert featuring Faure’s Pavane, Rimsky-Korsakov’s Russian Easter Overture, and more. Young musicians from the Laura Andrews Strings Studio join CSO members for an uplifting evening of music. |
17TH ANNUAL TRASHION REFASHION SHOWSunday April 12, 7-9 PM, Buskirk-Chumley Theater BLOOMINGTON – Experience the 17th Annual Trashion Refashion Runway Show presented by Plato’s Closet. This eco-conscious fashion show features over 50 original designs made from at least 90% upcycled or rescued materials, highlighting sustainability, creativity, and diversity. |
STUDIO PH.D CLASS: BASIC TOOL SKILLSWednesday April 15, 6-8 PM, The Sterling Butterfly MARTINSVILLE – Join artist Pam Hurst for the Studio PH.D Basic Tool Skills class, the first of a four-part jewelry series. Learn essential tool use, safety, and basic jewelry-making techniques—no experience needed. The class costs $100, and runs April 15 at 6 PM for about 3 hours. |
MONTAGE FILM FESTIVAL | ADDITIONAL FILMS & GUESTSFriday April 17, 7-9 PM, IU Cinema BLOOMINGTON – The Seventh Annual Montage Film Festival is Indiana University’s celebration of student-produced films, featuring a juried selection reviewed by alumni and awards for categories like Best in Show, Cinematography, and Performance. |