Pillar Arts Dispatch | May Exhibitions & Special Announcements May 14, 2026
Posted In: Newsletter Archives, News, Events | Posted by: Pillar Arts
As summer begins in Bloomington, we’re excited to continue celebrating local artists and creative events throughout the season. Thank you for supporting Pillar Arts and helping us create spaces for artists and community members to connect, explore, and share meaningful experiences together.
At Pillar Arts Alliance Center, Femina Natura by Grace Gonso remains on view until May 31, and we’re looking forward to welcoming Faces by Illica Pozzatti in June. Join us for the opening reception on Saturday, June 6 from 3–5 PM to meet the artist and experience the exhibition. This weekend, we also welcome Sara Steffey McQueen to lead Intuitive Inquiry Journaling, a thoughtful and creative workshop meant to help participants reflect, write, and connect.
At Pillar Arts By Hand, Lessons of Light and Water by Dawn Adams will be on display through June 26. Inspired by healing, the exhibition features layered oil paintings that convey a sense of depth and appreciation for the natural world. We hope you’ll join us for Gallery Walk on Friday, June 5 from 5–8 PM at Pillar Arts to explore the exhibition, meet the artist, and enjoy an evening downtown with fellow art lovers.
UPCOMING HAPPENINGS
Faces by Illica Pozzatti
We’re pleased to present “Faces” by Illica Pozzatti, on view June 6 through July 1.
Pozzatti’s work is influenced by a lifetime immersed in visual art and music, reflecting a rich creative background.
Join us at the artist reception on Saturday June 6 from 3-5 PM.
Pillar Arts Alliance Center
Saturday June 6-Wednesday July 1
Bloomington, IN
Learn More about Illica Pozzatti
Gallery Walk
Come meet the artist, explore the exhibition, and discover other incredible galleries in our community from 5-8 PM on Friday June 5!
This exhibition will be on display from May 1-June 26
Pillar Arts By Hand
Friday June 5
Bloomington, IN
Intuitive Inquiry Journaling with Sara Steffey McQueen
Explore creativity and reflection at this creative workshop led by Sara Steffey McQueen at Pillar Arts Alliance Center in College Mall.
On Saturday May 16, 1–3:30 PM bring a notebook, and other supplies are provided. The cost is $25, register at the door or online.
Pillar Arts Alliance Center
Saturday May 16
Bloomington, IN
Learn More about Sara Steffey McQueen
UPCOMING HAPPENINGS
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 May 14, 21, & 28
Bloomington, IN
Learn More about Donna Carlton
Lessons of Light and Water by Dawn Adams
This May we are proud to welcome Dawn Adams to Pillar Arts By Hand in Fountain Square Mall to showcase this exhibition of masterful artworks.
Her artwork spans from glass to paintings, with pieces featured in international venues throughout the country.
Pillar Arts By Hand
Friday May 1-Friday June 16
Bloomington, IN
Femina Natura by Grace Gonso
We’re thrilled to invite you to visit the Pillar Arts Alliance Center this May as we feature “Femina Natura” by Grace Gonso.
Meet the artist and connect with other arts advocates at the reception on Saturday May 9 from 3-5 PM.
Pillar Arts Alliance Center
Friday May 1-Sunday May 31
Bloomington, IN
PILLAR ARTS BY HAND
From May 1–June 26, Pillar Arts By Hand presents Lessons of Light and Waterby Dawn Adams, a contemplative body of work inspired by healing, reflection, and the rhythms of the natural world. Through layered oil painting techniques and abstract interpretations of skies and water, Adams creates pieces that invite stillness and connection.
As summer begins in Bloomington, stop by the gallery to experience new work from local artists and enjoy the vibrant energy of the square.
Gallery Walk is coming up on Friday, June 5 from 5–8 PM at Pillar Arts By Hand. Visitors are invited to meet the artist, explore multiple downtown galleries, and enjoy light refreshments.
MEMBER SPOTLIGHTS
PAPER PAINTING BY WEEZY
Jaclyn ‘Weezy Dragon’ is a Bloomington-based artist originally from Southern California who creates layered paper paintings using cut cardstock and painted canvas. Her colorful, handcrafted pieces blend illustration, texture, and design into playful and eye-catching works.
Inspired by both art and gaming culture, Weezy Dragon also creates gaming-themed pieces that she shares online through YouTube and TikTok. In addition to her paper paintings, she also creates bookmarks and continues exploring new ways to work with cardstock as an artistic medium.
JEFF TAVARES
Jeff Tavares is a longtime photojournalist and documentary photographer whose work explores the human condition through both everyday beauty and community struggles. After a 40+ year career in journalism, he continues creating event, portrait, street, and fine art photography that encourages reflection and connection.
Jeff is also the founder of Homeward Bound News, a former Indianapolis street newspaper that helped individuals experiencing homelessness earn income as vendors. His award-winning photography has appeared in publications including the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, and Boston Globe.
GET INVOLVED
PILLAR ARTS ALLIANCE CENTER
We’re seeking volunteers to welcome guests and support the Pillar Arts Alliance Center.
No experience needed — just a positive attitude. Reach out to get involved!
PILLAR ARTS MARKETING TEAM
Do you have experience in Canva, design, or social media?
Pillar Arts is looking for skilled marketing volunteers to support our outreach efforts. If that sounds like you, please get in touch and our team will follow up.
SHOUTOUTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
Constellation Presents Mamma Mia! (2008)
Calling all dancing queens and super troupers! Experience the magic of ABBA’s greatest hits in this movie musical about a bride-to-be searching for her father, set to iconic pop classics.
Playing at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater, this screening includes a pre-show costume contest, photo booth, and themed cocktails—so come dressed in your best disco or island-inspired look and join the fun.
Godzilla Weekend: Mothra Madness
Celebrate Mothra Day in Bloomington on June 12 at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater during BCT’s 2nd annual Godzilla Weekend. On June 13, enjoy multiple iconic Godzilla films, plus vendors, talks, performances, and more kaiju fun throughout the day beginning at noon.
Presented by the East Asian Studies Center, The Media School, Tattoo Kaiju, Pizza X, Upland Brewing, and Pillar Arts.
Constellation Presents Mamma Mia! (2008)
From July 24–August 2, Eclipse Productions presents Doubt: A Parableby John Patrick Shanley at the John Waldron Firebay.
Set in a 1964 Bronx Catholic school, the play follows a strict principal who suspects a priest of misconduct—sparking a tense exploration of truth, doubt, and moral certainty.
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.
SHARING WIDSOM WITH CATHERINE SHERWOOD-LAUGHLINFriday May 15, 12-3 PM, Endwright East BLOOMINGTON – This session features a brown bag lunch and guest speaker followed by a hands-on Creative Lab. Participants will explore design thinking and artistic skills through interactive activities while building community and having fun together.
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BATTLE ROYALE: 15 YEARS, 15 HITSThursday May 21, 7-9 PM, IU Cinema BLOOMINGTON – Set in a dystopian future where students are forced into a deadly government survival game, Battle Royale remains one of the most controversial and influential films of all time. Starring Chiaki Kuriyama and Takeshi Kitano, this thriller blends action, drama, and social commentary. |
TWINED BASKETRY: PATTERNED BOWLSSaturday May 23, 10 AM-12 PM, Traditional Arts Today FERDINAND – Learn the fundamentals of twined basket weaving in a beginner-friendly class while creating a set of two woven bowls. Explore techniques for shaping baskets, finishing work, and building patterns inspired by global traditions, with all materials and instruction provided. |
HOOSIER ARTIST GALLERY OPEN HOUSESaturday May 23, 5-8 PM, Hoosier Artist Gallery NASHVILLE – Stop by Hoosier Artist Gallery for an evening of art, live music, artist meet-and-greets, and light refreshments in a relaxed, creative setting. |
LIVE MUSIC: BRANDON BOERNERSunday May 24, 2-4 PM, Cedar Creek Winery MARTINSVILLE – Enjoy live music by Brandon Boerner while enjoying locally crafted wines, beers, and food from their eatery menu. This free, all-ages performance offers a relaxed evening of music and community. |
BLOOMINGTON EARLY MUSIC FESTIVALTuesday May 26-Saturday May 30, Various times, Trinity Episcopal Church BLOOMINGTON – This festival is an annual week-long celebration of music from before the mid-19th century. It features free live and virtual concerts, along with workshops, lectures, and other educational events.
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