Pillar Arts Dispatch | August Exhibitions & Special Announcements August 6, 2026
Posted In: Newsletter Archives, News, Events | Posted by: Pillar Arts
Happy August from Pillar Arts! Summer is still here, but we’re already looking ahead to an exciting season of creativity, connection, and new opportunities. With the school year beginning again and our calendar filling up, we’re excited to welcome more artists, visitors, and programming to our gallery spaces.
This month, the Arts Alliance Center welcomes Unreferencing Fields 3.x by Charles Pearce, an exhibition exploring digital art through movement, composition, and creative technology. Join us for the closing reception on Saturday, August 29, from 6–8 PM to view the exhibition and meet the artist. At the By Hand Gallery, Inside, Outside,featuring the work of Carol Rhodes and Henry Leck remains on display through August 26 before a new exhibition by Kwang Cha Brown arrives in September.
As the school year begins and our community enters a busier season, we’re excited for what’s ahead at Pillar Arts! With new exhibitions, programs, and creative opportunities coming to both gallery spaces, we look forward to welcoming you and continuing to celebrate the incredible artists who make our community so vibrant.
WHAT’S COMING UP
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.
Arts Alliance Center
August 2026
Bloomington, IN
Learn More about Charles Pearce
HAPPENING NOW
Inside, Outside by Henry Leck & Carol Rhodes
This exhibition showcases the work of Bloomington artists Carol Rhodes and Henry Leck.
Explore during First Friday on August 7 from 5-8 PM and connect with the local arts community.
Pillar Arts Alliance Center
Friday July 3-Wednesday August 26
Bloomington, IN
Unreferencing Fields 3.X by Charles Pearce
On view throughout the month of August, Charles Pearce uses digital art to explore color, composition, and movement.
See you at the reception on Saturday, August 29 from 6–8 PM at the Arts Alliance Center to celebrate the exhibition and meet the artist.
Arts Alliance Center
Saturday August 1-Monday August 31
Bloomington, IN
Learn More about Charles Pearce
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
EXHIBITING @ BY HAND GALLERY
At By Hand Gallery, Inside, Outside brings together the artwork of Henry Leckand Carol Rhodes in a celebration of the natural world. Leck’s expressive plein air landscapes and Rhodes’ dreamy, nature-inspired watercolors offer two distinct yet complementary approaches to the beauty, atmosphere, and connection found in the places around us.
Visit the gallery through Wednesday, August 26 to experience the exhibition and explore a wide selection of handcrafted artwork by local and regional artists. Join for First Friday on August 7 from 5–8 PM for an evening of art, conversation, and connection with the local arts community. Also, get ready for a new exhibition featuring the work of Kwang Cha Brown at the gallery on Tuesday, September 1!
Learn More about By Hand Gallery
MEMBER SPOTLIGHTS
DAVE COSENTINO
Dave Cosentino is a Bloomington-based woodturner who has been creating handcrafted pieces for more than 25 years. Working with locally sourced hardwoods, he enjoys letting the natural character of each piece of wood guide the design, resulting in one-of-a-kind functional and decorative works that celebrate the beauty of Indiana’s forests.
Dave also creates custom commissions from family heirloom trees, crafting meaningful keepsakes that preserve family memories for generations. As an active member of the American Association of Woodturners and its local chapter, The Village Woodturners, he enjoys sharing his knowledge with fellow woodturners. His work is on display at the Pillar Arts Alliance Center and The Nashville House in Nashville, Indiana.
Upland Plein Air
Upland Plein Air is a friendly and inclusive community of visual artists who gather to create, learn, and connect with fellow artists. Members range from beginners to professionals working in a variety of mediums, including oil, watercolor, pastels, printmaking, and drawing. The group meets for outdoor paint outs at parks, gardens, historic sites, farms, urban spaces, and other inspiring locations throughout south-central Indiana.
Beyond painting outdoors, Upland Plein Air provides opportunities for artists to grow their skills, share their work, and build connections through exhibitions, educational activities, and social gatherings. Whether you’re new to plein air painting or a seasoned artist, the group welcomes anyone looking to explore creativity and community.
View Upland Plein Air’s Profile
PILLAR ARTS ARTISTS DIRECTORY
SHOUTOUTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
Call for Artists Downtown Mural Project
Downtown Bloomington, Inc. and the City of Bloomington are seeking an artist to design and install a new public mural this fall. Artists are invited to submit proposals that celebrate Bloomington’s arts, history, nature, and vibrant community spirit.
Whether you’re an artist ready to share your vision or know someone who is, this is a great opportunity to leave a lasting mark on downtown. Proposal submissions are due August 21.
Constellation Presents Heist
A thrilling final score, a priceless ruby, and a crew of criminals with everything to lose. Heist delivers an action-packed evening of twists, double-crosses, and daring escapes.
Inspired by classic films like Ocean’s Eleven and The Sting, this fast-paced production has become a runaway hit across North America.
Off Night Productions Presents Five Times in One Night
This witty comedy follows five couples across different times and circumstances as they navigate love, intimacy, and the complexities of human connection.
Catch this hilarious and thought-provoking production at the Waldron Firebay, with performances running August 16–26.
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.
BLOOMINGTON GEM & MINERAL SHOWFriday August 7-Sunday August 9, Various times, Bloomington Convention Center BLOOMINGTON – The annual show features unique gems, minerals, fossils, and vendors displaying fascinating finds. Admission is $5 for adults, with free entry for children under 12. A silent auction benefiting BHSN Girls Soccer will also be held Saturday.
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GOSPORT LAZY DAYSThursday August 13-Sunday August 16, Various times, Downtown Gosport GOSPORT – This beloved annual festival features vendor booths, a car show, kids’ games, live entertainment, a parade, and the one-of-a-kind Gosport Bed Race. It’s a fun-filled celebration of community spirit for all ages. |
2ND FRIDAY OPEN STUDIOS NIGHTFriday August 14, 6-9 PM, Art Sanctuary of Indiana MARTINSVILLE – Visit the Art Sanctuary of Indiana during its monthly Open Studios Night to explore working artist studios, meet resident artists, and enjoy live music in the lower gallery. It’s a great way to spend an evening supporting local art and creativity. |
PAINT YOUR PETSaturday August 15, 10:30 AM-1:30 PM, Hog Molly Brewing COLUMBUS – Create a one-of-a-kind portrait of your furry (or scaly) friend during this fun, guided painting event. Choose between a vibrant pop art style or a traditional portrait, and paint your pet on a canvas or tote bag with step-by-step instruction. |
YOUNG ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: ERINYS QUARTETSunday August 16, 4-6 PM, St. Agnes Catholic Church NASHVILLE – Enjoy an evening of chamber music with the award-winning Erinys Quartet, 2025 First Prize winners of the Trondheim International Chamber Music Competition. Their evocative program features works by Beecher, Mozart, and Schubert. |
ADVERNTURESCAPES CALIFORNIA: EXPLORING 250 YEARSTuesday August 18, 6-7:30 PM, Jasper Public Library JASPER – Adults and teens are invited to explore 250 years of American history through Adventurescapes. This monthly program features hands-on activities, crafts, and regionally inspired snacks. This free program requires no registration—just bring your curiosity and a sense of adventure! |
IU CINEMA OPEN HOUSEThursday August 20, 3:30-7:30 PM, IU Cinema BLOOMINGTON – Explore all that IU Cinema has to offer during its Open House featuring movie previews, games, a booth tour, snacks, and more. This free event is a fun opportunity to tour the space, learn about upcoming programs, and connect with the IU Cinema community. |
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