Pillar Arts Dispatch | July Exhibitions & Special Announcements July 10, 2026
Posted In: Newsletter Archives, News, Events | Posted by: Pillar Arts
It has been another exciting few weeks at Pillar Arts! Thank you to everyone who visited our galleries, attended local arts events, and walked alongside our float during Bloomington’s Fourth of July Parade. We loved celebrating with our community and are so grateful for your continued enthusiasm and support of the arts.
Now on view at the Arts Alliance Center is Changing Colors, a vibrant exhibition by acclaimed plein air painter Mary Ann Davis until July 31. At By Hand Gallery, be sure to experience Inside, Outside, featuring the work of Carol Rhodes and Henry Leck, whose unique artistic perspectives offer thoughtful reflections on the natural world.
As always, thank you for supporting local artists, exhibitions, and creative opportunities throughout South Central Indiana. Your support helps our arts community continue to grow, and we look forward to seeing you at the galleries and upcoming events!
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
August 2026
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 June 11-Thursday July 23
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
NEW EXHIBIT @ 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
CHARLES PEARCE
Charles Pearce is the Executive Director of Pillar Arts, as well as a filmmaker, digital artist, creative director, and founder of the Bloomington Motion Artists Group (BMAG). With more than 15 years of experience creating content for brands, organizations, and artists, he brings a passion for storytelling, collaboration, and strengthening Indiana’s creative community.
As an Indiana University graduate, Charles has worked on projects for nationally recognized clients and earned awards for his work in film and digital media. Through his creative practice and community involvement, he continues to support emerging artists and foster a more vibrant and diverse creative ecosystem across the state.
Monroe County Civic Theater
For nearly 40 years, Monroe County Civic Theater has brought the Bloomington community together through the power of live performance. As Bloomington’s only all-volunteer nonprofit theater, MCCT welcomes people of all ages, backgrounds, experience levels, and abilities to explore the theatrical arts both on and off the stage.
From beloved Broadway musicals and Shakespeare to original works by local playwrights, MCCT celebrates creativity while providing meaningful opportunities for community members to participate in every aspect of theater. Their commitment to inclusion and accessible arts experiences continues to make them a cornerstone of Bloomington’s vibrant performing arts community.
View Monroe County Civic Theater’s Profile
PILLAR ARTS ARTISTS DIRECTORY
SHOUTOUTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
Pillar Arts Feature in Bloom Magazine
We’re grateful to Bloom Magazine for featuring Pillar Arts in its latest issue! The article explores our mission, the work we’re doing to uplift local artists, and our ongoing commitment to growing a vibrant arts community throughout the region.
Be sure to check out the feature on page 44 of the latest issue of Bloom Magazine.
Thank You, Minka!
A huge and heartfelt thank you to Minka Wiltz as she steps away from her role as Vice President of Pillar Arts. Minka’s dedication, leadership, and unwavering support have made a meaningful impact on our organization and helped strengthen the arts throughout our community.
We are deeply grateful for the time, energy, and passion she has shared. Minka will appear in Eclipse Productions’ Doubt this July/August, Resilience Productions’ Tomorrow’s Sentry in October, is in discussions for her film project Disque, and will be part of B-Town Pride Comedy ’26 this August.
Thank you, Minka, for your service, commitment, and all that you have contributed. We wish you all the best in what’s ahead!
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.
A NIGHT OF MANDOLIN MUSIC: JIM RICHTER PRESENTS THE MIDWEST MANDOLIN FESTIVALFriday July 10, 7-9 PM, Buskirk-Chumley Theater BLOOMINGTON – This free concert celebrates the rich variety of mandolin music, from bluegrass and folk to jazz, blues, and rock. Enjoy performances by acclaimed musicians and special guests during an evening of live music.
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MIKE CAMPBELL & THE DIRTY KNOBS WITH SPECIAL GUEST SARAH LEE GUTHRIEWednesday July 15, 7-10 PM, Brown County Music Center NASHVILLE – Experience an evening of rock music with Mike Campbell & The Dirty Knobs as the legendary guitarist and songwriter performs hits and new music. Best known for his work with Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, Campbell brings decades of iconic musicianship to the stage. |
JAZZ IN JULY WITH WFIUFriday July 17, 7-8:30 PM, Bartholomew County Public Library COLUMBUS – Enjoy a free evening of live jazz with the Visions Jazz Ensemble in downtown Columbus. Bring a lawn chair or blanket, grab a bite from local food trucks, and relax with family-friendly music under the summer sky. |
8TH ANNUAL ROCK LOTTOSaturday July 18, 7:30-9:30 PM, Astra Theatre JASPER – Presented by Jasper Engines, the Astra Theatre’s annual Rock Lotto fundraiser returns for an evening of live music and friendly competition. Watch local musicians form brand-new bands, and cast your votes to help choose the winning performance while supporting the theater. |
PINCH POT TEA CUPSSunday July 19, 1-4 PM, The Pottery House Studio BLOOMINGTON – Learn to create a unique set of handmade tea or coffee cups using mindful pinching techniques inspired by traditional clay work. This $55 workshop includes clay, instruction, and both bisque and glaze firings. |
SENIOR MOVIE SERIES: THELMAThursday July 23, 2-3:30 PM, Brown County Playhouse NASHVILLE – Enjoy an afternoon at the movies with a screening of Thelma, free admission for guests aged 60 and older. Also featuring complimentary popcorn and soda, with additional concessions available for purchase. |
EMINENCE COMMUNITY SUMMER MARKETFriday July 24, 6-8, Eminence Fire Barn MARTINSVILLE – Find fresh produce, baked goods, handmade goods, and more from area vendors at the Eminence Community Summer Market. Food vendors will also be on site, with proceeds from the market benefiting the local fire department. |
RECENT EVENTS
Photo by Chales Pearce
4th of July Parade
Bloomington, IN – Courthouse Square
Thank you to everyone who cheered us on at the Fourth of July parade! We had a wonderful time walking together in the parade, celebrating the holiday, and sharing our love for the arts with the community. Your support means so much, and we’re grateful to be part of such a vibrant celebration.
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
