Pillar Arts Dispatch | July Exhibitions & Special Announcements July 24, 2026
Posted In: Newsletter Archives, News, Events | Posted by: Pillar Arts
We can’t believe we’re in the full swing of summer here at Pillar Arts! Thank you to everyone who has stopped by our galleries and events recently. Your energy and support keep our arts community thriving, and we’re so glad that you’re along for the ride.
This month, the Arts Alliance Center continues to host Changing Colors, a vibrant exhibition by talented plein air painter Mary Ann Davis until July 31. Meanwhile at By Hand Gallery, Inside, Outside, featuring the work of Carol Rhodes and Henry Leck, remains on display through August 26, offering thoughtful reflections on the natural world through each artist’s unique lens. If you haven’t had a chance to experience these shows yet, there’s still time to check them out before they leave the gallery.
Looking ahead, we’re thrilled to welcome Unreferencing Fields 3.x by Charles Pearce to the Arts Alliance Center in August! We’d love to see you at the closing reception on Thursday, August 27 from 6–8 PM, where you can also meet the artist and take in the exhibition yourself.
WHAT’S COMING UP
Unreferencing Fields 3.X by Charles Pearce
This exhibit by Charles Pearce is coming soon to the Pillar Arts Alliance Center, exploring digital art through color, composition, and movement.
More details about the exhibition and artist reception will be announced in the coming weeks.
Arts Alliance Center
Saturday August 1-Monday August 31
Bloomington, IN
Learn More about Charles Pearce
HAPPENING NOW
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
Changing Colors by Mary Ann Davis
This incredible exhibition highlights Mary Ann Davis’ celebrated plein air paintings, capturing nature with a strong focus on color, light, and atmosphere.
Reception on Saturday, July 18 from 2–4 PM at the Arts Alliance Center.
Pillar Arts Alliance Center
Thursday July 2-Friday July 31
Bloomington, IN
Learn More about Mary Ann Davis
Inside, Outside by Henry Leck & Carol Rhodes
Inside, Outside features work by Bloomington artists Carol Rhodes and Henry Leck.
Thanks to everyone who visited and celebrated the work together during First Friday.
Pillar Arts Alliance Center
Friday July 3-Wednesday August 26
Bloomington, IN
EXHIBITING @ BY HAND GALLERY
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the opening of Inside, Outside at By Hand Gallery! Featuring works by Henry Leck and Carol Rhodes, this exhibition showcases Leck’s expressive plein air landscapes and Rhodes’ dreamy, nature-inspired watercolor paintings created from more than 30 years of experience. It was wonderful to see so many members of our community during Gallery Walk.
We also loved seeing everyone who stopped by during the 4th of July festivities! It was great to celebrate the holiday and share the gallery experience with so many members of our community.
Learn More about By Hand Gallery
MEMBER SPOTLIGHTS
RUTH LAU
Ruth Y. Lau is a Bloomington-based artist whose work reflects a lifelong passion for painting and creative exploration. After moving from China to Bloomington in 2014, Lau has continued to develop her artistic practice, drawing inspiration from the landscapes, changing seasons, and everyday beauty of southern Indiana. Her graphic design background brings a distinct sense of color, composition, and expression to her paintings.
Working across watercolor, acrylic, ink, and mixed media, Lau creates expressive works that range from landscapes and portraits to abstract compositions inspired by Chinese and Tibetan culture and classical music. Her ever-evolving approach embraces experimentation, resulting in a diverse body of work that celebrates both cultural heritage and artistic discovery.
Constellation Stage & Screen
Constellation Stage & Screen is a nonprofit performing arts organization dedicated to connecting audiences through theater, film, and storytelling. Its annual season features a diverse lineup of original productions, beloved classics, family-friendly performances, and new works that celebrate creativity and engage audiences of all ages.
Beyond the stage, Constellation is committed to expanding access to the arts through year-round education programs, workshops, camps, and community outreach initiatives. By inspiring creativity both on and off the stage, the organization continues to make a meaningful contribution to the performing arts throughout South Central Indiana.
View Constellation Stage & Screen’s Profile
PILLAR ARTS ARTISTS DIRECTORY
SHOUTOUTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
Thank You, Henry!
A heartfelt thank you to Henry Leck as he concludes his service on the Pillar Arts Board. As both Past President and Vice President, Henry’s leadership and dedication helped guide our organization through a period of tremendous growth.
Henry is an internationally recognized choral director, Founder and Conductor Laureate of the Indianapolis Children’s Choir, and Professor Emeritus of Choral Music at Butler University. He has become an accomplished painter whose work is exhibited throughout the region.
His work will remain on display at the Arts Alliance Center and By Hand Gallery including his joint exhibition, Inside, Outside, with Carol Rhodes on view through Wednesday, August 26. Be sure to stop by during First Friday on August 7 from 5–8 PM to see the incredible artwork.
Thank you, Henry, for your years of service, commitment, and contributions to Pillar Arts. We wish you all the best in your future endeavors!
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.
HUNTINGSBURG 4TH FRIDAYSFriday July 24, 5-10 PM, Market Street Park HUNTINGSBURG – Enjoy an evening of live music, food trucks, games, and family-friendly fun during Huntingburg’s 4th Friday celebration. Presented by the City of Huntingburg and Destination Huntingburg, this free event has something for all ages.
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3D PRINTING 101Thursday July 30, 6-7 PM, Bartholomew County Public Library COLUMBUS – Learn the basics of 3D printing in this beginner-friendly introductory class. No prior experience is needed—just bring your curiosity and discover the possibilities with this exciting technology. |
NATURE NIGHT: NIGHT HIKEFriday July 31, 9-10 PM, Jimmy Nash City Park MARTINSVILLE – Discover the wonders of nature through fun, themed programs hosted by Martinsville Parks and Recreation. These free events offer an opportunity to learn something new while enjoying the outdoors. |
TASTE OF BLOOMINGTONSaturday August 1, 3-10 PM, Downtown Kirkwood Ave BLOOMINGTON – Taste of Bloomington returns with local restaurants, food trucks, breweries, wineries, distilleries, live music, and activities. Admission is free, and food is capped at $5 so you can sample a variety of local flavors. |
THE GATHERING OF THE PEOPLE POW WOWSaturday August 1 & Sunday August 2, Various times, Cataract Volunteer Fire Department SPENCER – Celebrate the rich traditions of Native American culture at the Gathering of the People Pow Wow, featuring traditional dancing, drumming, singing, arts and crafts, food vendors, and family-friendly activities. All are welcome to attend this vibrant two-day celebration of culture and community. |
SILENT WRITING CLUBTuesday August 4, 5-7 PM, Bespoke Events & Experiences COLUMBUS – Join the Red Bridge Writing Community for Silent Writing Club, featuring a social hour followed by an hour of uninterrupted writing time. Writers of all genres and experience levels are welcome to this 21+ event. |
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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