Pillar Arts Dispatch | September Exhibitions & Special Announcements September 24, 2026
Posted In: Newsletter Archives, News, Events | Posted by: Pillar Arts
Happy fall! The season is officially here, and there’s so much happening, so be sure to scroll all the way down because there’s a lot to see. The holidays are approaching quickly, which means it’s time to start thinking about our 6th Annual Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair. Vendor applications open next week, on Thursday, October 1.
If you’ve been considering joining us as a vendor this year, now’s the time. Pre-register here to get your name on the list and receive the application the moment it goes live.
We’re excited to share that applications are still open for Pilot Lights Creative Incubator! This free, eight-week program is open to Indiana artists, designers, musicians, writers, and performers with no Pillar Arts membership required.
Each cohort of nine gathers weekly to explore two simple questions: what are you creating, and what’s holding you back? Spots fill quickly, so if you’ve been looking for community, accountability, and real support for your creative practice, apply today.
Over at By Hand Gallery, Kwang Cha Brown’s exhibition, Flowers & Harmony, continues through Monday, October 26. If you haven’t had the chance to stop in and see her work yet, there’s still plenty of time to catch it before it comes down.
At the Arts Alliance Center in College Mall, get ready for something a little different this October. We’re featuring Above the Real: A Collection of Wearable Art by Jane Matranga, throughout the month and her opening reception is one you won’t want to miss.
It’s not just a reception – it’s a fashion runway show featuring her wearable, tangible art, with models walking the runway right alongside her pieces. Join us Saturday, October 10 from 5–7 PM, with the fashion show kicking off at 6 PM. We can’t wait to see you there!
WHAT’S COMING UP
Above the Real: A Collection of Wearable Art by Jane Matranga
Jane’s incredible wearable art takes over the Arts Alliance Center this October, as part gallery, part runway show.
Come see the work up close at her reception on Saturday, October 10, from 5-7 PM when models bring her pieces to life on the runway.
Arts Alliance Center
Tuesday October 6-Sunday November 1
Bloomington, IN
Learn More about Jane Matranga
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 for one more week.
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.
This captivating show will be on display through October, so don’t forget to visit the gallery this fall.
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 needed. Just show up and join in.
Pilot Lights Creative Incubator is a free, eight-week program open to Hoosier artists, designers, musicians, writers, and performers.
This cohort of nine meet weekly to think about two questions: what are you making, and what’s getting in the way? Week by week, those conversations grow into real tools, real support, and a community of people who understand.
Applications are open, and spaces go fast – apply today.
TIS THE SEASON
There’s just one week left until applications open for our 6th Annual Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair, running every weekend from Black Friday through December 20! Sign up today to get notified by email the moment vendor applications go live on October 1.
Once the fair begins, shoppers can browse handmade treasures from talented local artists and makers. It’s an easy way to check off holiday gifts while also supporting Bloomington’s arts community.
EXHIBITING @ BY HAND GALLERY
We’re excited to continue our fall exhibition, Flowers & Harmony by Kwang Cha Brown, into October at By Hand Gallery, with the show running through Monday, October 26. Join us Friday, October 2, for First Fridays as a great opportunity to explore the exhibit, meet the artist, and connect with the arts community.
Kwang Cha Brown creates her vivid floral textures using bold, richly colored paints applied with a palette knife, producing a broken-color, three-dimensional effect that captures the raw beauty of nature. Layering thick paint with techniques like pointillism, her work brings a tangible, textured allure to each piece, inviting viewers to experience flowers in a whole new way.
Learn More about By Hand Gallery
MEMBER SPOTLIGHTS
Faye Nixon
Faye Nixon founded Faye’s Photography in July 2025, bringing a decade of experience to the Bloomington community. Faye’s path started at Indiana University studying Media, Editing, and Post-Production, and since then she’s worn many hats, including media specialist, photographer, live stream director, teacher, and self-described admirer of dogs. Along the way, Faye has partnered with local universities, libraries, theaters, and community organizations, with an eye toward creating spaces that are welcoming and accessible to everyone.
Today, Faye’s photography focuses on the bond between animals and the people who love them, with a particular specialization capturing pet dogs alongside their owners. Sessions are available on location or in Faye’s air-conditioned, dog-friendly studio space, making it easy for clients and their four-legged companions to feel right at home.
Lotus Education & Arts Foundation
Lotus Education & Arts Foundation is a Bloomington-based non-profit dedicated to creating opportunities to experience, celebrate, and explore the diversity of the world’s cultures through music and the arts. Its flagship event, the Lotus World Music & Arts Festival, is the longest-standing world music festival in the Midwest, drawing thousands of visitors to Bloomington each fall for a perspective-changing, life-enriching experience. Each spring, they host Lotus Blossoms, four weeks of multicultural workshops and performances that connect students across south central Indiana with international artists sharing their language, culture, and traditions.
Committed to reaching underserved populations, Lotus relies on the generous support of donors, sponsors, grantors, and volunteers, and partners throughout the year with like-minded organizations to produce concerts, workshops, and other creative opportunities. Catch them downtown this October 1-4 for this year’s annual Lotus Fest, and experience the music, art, and community that make it a Bloomington tradition.
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.
Learn More About the Initiative
Apply to Greenlight Lab
Presented by Pattern and Hoodox, Greenlight Lab is a six-week accelerator that helps emerging Indiana documentary filmmakers build sustainable creative careers.
Rather than teaching technical filmmaking skills, the program focuses on the business side of the craft, combining business education, mentorship, and peer learning to help participants price their work, finance projects, and build a realistic plan for sustaining their careers over time.
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.
Honoring Charlotte Zietlow: A Memorial
Visit Switchyard Pavilion on Thursday, October 1, from 3–5 PM to celebrate the life and legacy of Charlotte Zietlow (1934–2025) – a pioneering public servant and the first woman to lead both Bloomington City Council and the Monroe County Board of Commissioners.
A devoted nonprofit leader with a lifelong love of global culture, Charlotte left a lasting mark on our community.
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.
Resilience Productions Presents Tomorrow’s Sentry
One forgotten trunk. One extraordinary life. One untold story.
Tomorrow’s Sentry uncovers Dot Weaver’s hidden history and Monroe County’s own as a reminder that today’s youth become tomorrow’s guardians of history.
Come watch at the Waldron Auditorium from October 2-4.
Paint Bloomington
The Fifth Annual Paint Bloomington returns October 3, welcoming artists of all ages and skill levels. Check in at the Bryan Park Woodlawn Pavilion to get your canvas stamped, then paint anywhere in Bloomington for a chance to win awards across several categories.
The day features free classes, supplies, and live demonstrations. Everyone is welcome to soak in the atmosphere, minors just need an adult. Free to attend, with no registration required.
Bloomington Blues & Boogie Boogie Piano Festival
Bloomington Boogies returns October 10–12, bringing acclaimed musicians to town for free and ticketed shows including boogie-woogie, blues, gospel, stride piano, zydeco, and jazz. As a top 10 festival in Indiana, it draws world-class talent across several genres.
The festival also offers free educational programming from school performances to workshops, introducing young people these artists and styles.
Jewish Theatre Bloomington Presents Fall Freilech
Fall Freilech, a joyous celebration of Jewish songwriters, takes the stage Saturday, October 24, 2026, at 7 PM at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Bloomington.
Featuring Bloomington-area vocalists performing songs by artists like Leonard Cohen, Bob Dylan, and Carole King, tickets are $50 for adults and $25 for children age 10 and under.
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.
SPENCER PRIDE CRAFT NIGHTFriday September 25, 5-7 PM, Spencer Pride Community Center SPENCER – Bring your own supplies for quilting, scrapbooking, painting, decoupage, or anything similar. Enjoy a relaxed evening of working on your project alongside others. Contact terry@spencerpride.org with any questions.
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OPEN MIC NIGHTWednesday September 30, 8-10 PM, The Comedy Attic BLOOMINGTON – Every Wednesday, catch local talent with 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! |
LOTUS FESTThursday October 1-Sunday October 4, Various times, Downtown Bloomington BLOOMINGTON – Downtown Bloomington comes alive featuring free music, dance, art activities, projection mapping, and the return of the Lotus Parade. Come celebrate cultures from around the world with music, creativity, and community right here in Bloomington. |
PUMPKIN CLAY PLATE WORKSHOPFriday October 2, 6-8 PM, Our Little World NASHVILLE – Learn simple hand-building techniques to create a cute pumpkin-shaped plate, perfect for a candle, soap, or jewelry, using clay and underglaze. Your project price includes one beverage (21+ for alcohol), and since seats are limited and non-refundable, be sure to book ahead. Ages 15+. |
TOMORROW’S SENTRYFriday October 2-Sunday October 4, Various times, John Waldron Arts Center BLOOMINGTON – Follow the discovery of a forgotten trunk left behind by 102-year-old Bloomington resident Dot Weaver, unearthing a hidden history. The film explores Monroe County’s controversial past, from post-Civil War to today, offering a reminder that today’s youth will become tomorrow’s guardians of history. |
YARD GOAT ANNIVERSARY & STREET FESTSaturday October 3, All day, Yard Goat Artisan Ales HUNTINGBURG – The street in front of the brewery will be closed for beer, food vendors, and, live music. Keep watch for our neighbors on 4th street also hosting fun events that day. Follow us for more details to come. |
MORGAN COUNTY FALL FOLIAGE FESTIVALThursday October 8-Sunday October 11, Various times, Morgan County Fairgrounds MARTINSVILLE – This Martinsville tradition brings four days of fun with carnival rides, vendor booths, a 5K run, a car show, and more. In 2026, the festival moves to the Morgan County Fairgrounds due to downtown construction, with the parade kicking off Sunday at 1 PM. |
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