Pillar Arts Dispatch | September Exhibitions & Special Announcements September 10, 2026
Posted In: Newsletter Archives, News, Events | Posted by: Pillar Arts
Thank you to everyone who joined us for Bloomington’s 50th Annual 4th Street Festival! It was such a great time celebrating five decades of arts and crafts alongside this incredible community. We loved seeing so many familiar faces (and meeting new ones) out and enjoying the work of so many talented artists.
This month at By Hand Gallery, we’re thrilled to feature Kwang Cha Brown’s exhibition, Flowers & Harmony, through Monday, October 26. We had an amazing time at Gallery Walk last weekend, and if you missed out this month, don’t worry! You can catch us again and meet the artist on Friday, October 2 from 5-8 PM for the second First Friday.
At the Arts Alliance Center in College Mall, we’re proud to host En Plein Air, by the talented artists of Upland Plein Air until Tuesday, September 29. This nature-inspired show promises beautiful, engaging artwork, and we can’t wait to share it with you. Be sure to visit this Saturday, September 12 for the reception from 3-5 PM.
Pillar Arts’ 6th Annual Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair is approaching more quickly than you might think! Vendor applications open on Thursday, October 1, and the fair will run every weekend from Black Friday through December 20, the last weekend before Christmas. Considering being a vendor this year? Pre-register here to get your name on the list and receive the application as soon as it’s live.
WHAT’S COMING UP
Candle Making & Sensory Painting with Larissa Danielle
Join us from 12–3:30 PM at the Arts Alliance Center for a guided candle making and sensory painting workshop led by Larissa Danielle.
This hands-on experience blends creativity and calm. Craft your own candle and explore painting in a relaxed, welcoming setting.
Arts Alliance Center
Saturday September 19
Bloomington, IN
Learn More about Larissa Danielle
HAPPENING NOW
En Plein Air by Upland Plein Air
This show features artwork inspired by artists’ firsthand experiences with the landscapes they depict.
Come celebrate the beauty and diversity of plein air painting, on display at the Arts Alliance Center in September. Visit the opening reception on Saturday, September 12 from 3–5 PM.
Arts Alliance Center
Thursday September 3-Wednesday September 30
Bloomington, IN
Learn More about Upland Plein Air
Flowers and Harmony by Kwang Cha Brown
Using bold colors, layered textures, and palette knife techniques, Kwang Cha Brown’s work captures the beauty and energy of nature.
Check out the exhibit for the reception during First Friday on September 4 from 5–8 PM.
By Hand Gallery
Tuesday September 1-Monday October 26
Bloomington, IN
Learn More about Kwang Cha Brown
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 August 6-Thursday September 17
Bloomington, IN
Learn More about Donna Carlton
CALLING HOOSIER CREATIVES
No cost. No membership. Just community. Pilot Lights Creative Incubator is a free, eight-week program open to Indiana artists, designers, musicians, authors, and performers. Pillar Arts membership not required.
Each cohort of nine meets weekly around two questions: what are you working on, and where do you feel stuck? These sessions quickly grow into shared resources, honest encouragement, and a community that understands.
Applications are open now, and spots are limited, so apply today.
TIS THE SEASON
Get ready for the 6th Annual Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair, every weekend from Black Friday through December 20! Browse handmade treasures from talented local artists and makers. It’s the perfect way to knock out holiday shopping while supporting the arts community in Bloomington.
Interested in being a vendor? Sign up today to get notified by email when the application opens on October 1.
EXHIBITING @ BY HAND GALLERY
By Hand Gallery is proud to feature Flowers & Harmony, a striking new collection from talented artist Kwang Cha Brown. Using a palette knife technique layered with rich, bold color, Brown gives each petal a dimensional, broken-color texture that feels almost sculptural. Touches of pointillism add even more depth, bringing out the lively beauty of flowers in every piece.
We want to give a big thank you to everyone who came out for last weekend’s Gallery Walk. It was wonderful to see you all there. If you couldn’t make it, no worries — the exhibit runs through October 26, so you’ll have another opportunity to see it up-close and in person at the next First Friday Gallery Walk reception on Friday, October 2.
Learn More about By Hand Gallery
MEMBER SPOTLIGHTS
Christine Missik
Christine Missik discovered painting later in life, and it became an unexpected source of joy and freedom. She paints in a loose, intuitive style, and is drawn to unusual imagery, unconventional tools and repurposed materials with the simple goal of creating art that sparks wonder and delight. Her work has earned recognition including 1st Place Emerging Artist at the Brown County Art Gallery and honors from Artists for Climate Awareness.
As an environmental advocate since 2005, Christine found a way to merge that passion with her art in 2024 by organizing Art for Earth Bloomington and, more recently, Art for Climate Protection. These efforts both channel proceeds from her paintings to environmental nonprofits, including the Environmental Voter Project. Through this work, she gets to paint, support new advocates for climate protection, and bring joy to those who view her art.
View Christine Missik’s Profile
Kim Williams
Kim Williams, the artist behind Quimco’s Palette, is a self-taught painter who discovered her love of art in high school and deepened it during the pandemic, teaching herself to paint using online resources. Her work captures the beauty and whimsy of nature from landscapes and pet portraits to flora and fauna. She later taught herself fluid painting, a technique where paint flows freely to create surprising color patterns. She applies this style to canvas as well as everyday objects like coasters and trinket boxes, even repurposing old CDs and vinyl records into unique clocks.
The name Quimco’s Palette honors Kim’s late sister, whose nickname for her inspired the business. Kim lives in Bloomington with her husband and retired from a career in insurance in 2021 to paint full time, finding joy along the way in traveling, reading, and time with her daughter.
PILLAR ARTS ARTISTS DIRECTORY
SHOUTOUTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
September Is Creative Economy Month
Governor Mike Braun has proclaimed September as Indiana Creative Economy Month, recognizing creative industries like film, music, design, and fashion as key drivers of the state’s economy.
The celebration lines up with Pattern’s fourth annual Indiana Creative Economy Summit on September 15–16, bringing together leaders to help grow the sector statewide.
Learn More About the Initiative
Art Remains Is Hiring a Store Manager
Art Remains Creative Reuse Center is looking for a Store Manager/Volunteer Coordinator. This part-time role involves running the store during open hours, coordinating volunteers, and helping keep affordable creative resources accessible to the community.
To apply, email your resume and reason for interest to Kelly Cauffman at kellymc2102@yahoo.com.
4th Annual Cinema 67 Drive-In Car Show & Cruise
Rev up for the 4th Annual Cinema 67 Drive In Car Show & Cruise this weekend on Saturday, September 12, at Cinema 67 Drive-In in Spencer, Indiana. Registration runs from 2–5 p.m., so bring your ride and check out the lineup.
Stick around after dark for two classic car movies on the big screen. It’s a perfect mix of car culture and drive-in nostalgia.
Bloomington Music Collective
Join Bloomington music creators, producers, and presenters for the first networking event of the year for the Bloomington Music Collective and the Music Business Forum on September 17.
You’re invited to learn more about the community’s offerings and to meet with some of the leading innovators in town. Special guests for this event are Amy Birnbaum (A&R at Round Hill Music) and Karen Schillinger (Music Agent @ CAA – Creative Artists Agency), as well as Prof. Michael Sammis, director of the IU Music Business program.
Trades District Block Party
The Trades District Block Party is back for an afternoon of live music, art, tech, food, and fun on September 26. Enjoy performances from The Sera-Tones and Amy O, plus the official ribbon cutting for the new Trades District mural.
You’ll also get a sneak peek at new concepts for public art and wayfinding in the Trades District, with a chance to share your thoughts on what’s next. Come explore, the event is free and open to all.
Lotus Fest
Downtown Bloomington comes alive October 1–4 for Lotus World Music & Arts Festival, packed with free experiences for all ages. Enjoy interactive arts activities, dance workshops, live music, and community square dancing, plus stunning courthouse projection mapping.
Don’t miss out on the return of the Lotus Parade as well! Come celebrate cultures from around the world and make memories with music, creativity, and community right here in Bloomington.
Paint Bloomington
The Fifth Annual Paint Bloomington is back on October 3, open to artists of all ages and skill levels. Just check in at the Bryan Park Woodlawn Pavilion to get your canvas stamped, then paint anywhere in Bloomington for a chance at awards across several categories.
The day also includes free classes, supplies, and live artist demonstrations for all ages. Everyone is welcome to come enjoy the atmosphere, but minors must be accompanied by an adult. The event is free, with no advance registration needed.
Bloomington Blues & Boogie Boogie Piano Festival
Bloomington Boogies returns October 10–12 with acclaimed musicians performing boogie-woogie, blues, and related styles across free and ticketed shows. Voted a top 10 festival in Indiana, it features world-class talent in genres like Gospel, stride piano, Zydeco, and jazz.
Beyond the music, the festival offers free educational activities to introduce young people to these artists and styles, including school performances and workshops.
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.
ART COLONY WEEKEND 2026Friday September 11-Sunday September 13, Various times, Brown County Art Guild & Various locations NASHVILLE – Celebrate the fall season in Brown County with three days of art, history, and community. Explore galleries, live painting, a historic auction, and more, all while discovering the legacy of the Midwest Art Colony.
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AMERICA’S MIXTAPE: COTTONPATCHFriday September 18, 6-7:30 PM, Library Plaza COLUMBUS – Cottonpatch brings Americana and roots rock to the Plaza for a summer evening of live music. Show up, settle in, and have a great evening with neighbors and friends. |
FERDINAND FOLK FESTIVALSaturday September 19, 12-9 PM, 18th Street Park FERDINAND – This free, family (and earth) friendly festival brings together live music, art, food, and environmental and wellness education for a magical day in the community. It’s a year-round project made possible by dedicated volunteers, sponsors, and supporters. |
WINE & CRAFT WITH SUSAN: FALL BARN QUILT PLANTERSunday September 20, 11 AM-2 PM, Harvest Moon Winery & Farms GOSPORT – Choose from one of four fall inspired barn quilt designs. Paint yourself a beautiful fall planter! Have a glass of wine and enjoy the afternoon. |
TRINKET SWAPWednesday September 23, 5-7 PM, Mill Race Park COLUMBUS – Bring your trinkets to trade and stickers to help decorate the trinket box at this fun community swap. Feel free to bring chairs and blankets to relax on the lawn — everyone is welcome! |
KALIMBA THE SPIRIT OF EARH WIND AND FIRE, EARTH WIND & FIRE TRIBUTEThursday September 24, 7-8:30, Buskirk-Chumley Theater BLOOMINGTON – Experience a full-scale, live tribute that doesn’t just honor Earth, Wind & Fire’s legacy but brings it roaring back to life. Get ready for the grooves that move you and the music that never gets old. |
EMINENCE COMMUNITY SUMMER MARKETFriday September 25, 6-8 PM, Eminence Fire Barn MARTINSVILLE – Browse local vendors offering fresh produce, baked goods, handcrafted items, and more, with food vendors on site as well. Proceeds from the market support the local fire department. |
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
