Pillar Arts Dispatch | May Exhibitions & Special Announcements May 30, 2026
Posted In: Newsletter Archives, News, Events | Posted by: Pillar Arts
Welcome to another edition of Pillar Arts Dispatch! Summertime has officially arrived, and Bloomington’s arts scene is in the full swing of the season. From gallery visits to community events, there’s so much happening around the city this month. We’re especially excited for Godzilla Weekend next month, which Pillar Arts is proud to sponsor. It’s sure to be a fun and unforgettable weekend downtown for movie lovers, artists, and kaiju fans alike!
At Pillar Arts Alliance Center, we’re excited to welcome Faces by Illica Pozzatti, on view June 6–July 2, with a reception on opening day from 3-5 PM. The exhibition explores portraiture, identity, and expression through a striking collection of work. We’re also thrilled to feature artwork by students from Hundredth Hill’s annual youth arts camp in the Arts Alliance Center during a special weekend show on June 13 and 14. We hope you’ll join us for the reception on Saturday, June 13 from 12–2 PM.
At Pillar Arts By Hand, Lessons of Light and Water by Dawn Adams remains on view through June 26. Drawing from themes of restoration, memory, and the changing landscape, the exhibition invites viewers into an immersive experience through expressive abstract painting. Come visit us during Gallery Walk next Friday, June 5 from 5–8 PM for an evening of art, conversation, and celebration!
UPCOMING HAPPENINGS
Arts Exhibition by Hundredth Hill Youth Arts Camp Students
This June we are excited to feature a special weekend exhibition of artworks created by students from Hundredth Hill’s youth arts camp.
Come celebrate at the reception on Saturday June 13 at 12-2 PM.
Pillar Arts Alliance Center
Saturday June 13-Sunday June 14
Bloomington, IN
Learn More about The Hundredth Hill
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
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
Join us at Pillar Arts Alliance Center for the last few days of May for “Femina Natura,” a captivating featured exhibition by Grace Gonso.
Pillar Arts Alliance Center
Friday May 1-Sunday May 31
Bloomington, IN
PILLAR ARTS BY HAND
Pillar Arts By Hand continues to display Lessons of Light and Water, a thoughtful composition of work inspired by healing, reflection, and the rhythms of the natural world by Dawn Adams. Using rich textures and atmospheric imagery, Adams explores the emotional and restorative qualities of nature through abstract landscapes and waterscapes.
Join us during Gallery Walk 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. And stay tuned for details on our upcoming July exhibition, coming soon!
MEMBER SPOTLIGHTS
CAROL RHODES
Carol Rhodes is a Bloomington watercolor artist whose work is inspired by the beauty and serenity of the natural world. Painting for more than 30 years, she creates dreamy, representational pieces using watercolor and gouache, often focusing on outdoor landscapes, vibrant color, and soft, fluid forms.
Alongside her artistic practice, Carol has been an active leader in the local arts community as a watercolor instructor, former president of Pillar Arts, and founder of Artists for Climate Awareness. Through both her artwork and advocacy, she encourages deeper appreciation for nature, creativity, and environmental stewardship.
CRAIG BARTON
Craig Barton is a photographer whose work explores memory, emotion, and the subtle beauty of the natural world. With more than fifty years of experience behind the camera, his evolving body of work aims to create images that feel immersive, reflective, and deeply personal.
Through dreamlike landscapes and thoughtful compositions, Craig’s photography invites viewers to slow down and discover new details over time. His work has been featured in exhibitions throughout Indiana and beyond, including solo shows, juried exhibitions, and artist residencies at national parks.
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 Another Revolution
Another Revolution by Jacqueline Bircher runs June 4-21 and follows two graduate students from opposing scientific fields who are forced to share a lab at Columbia University during the political unrest of 1968.
Blending humor, tension, and heart, the play explores science, conflict, and unexpected human connection during a time of social upheaval.
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.
City of Bloomington 4th of July Parade
Pillar Arts is excited to participate in Bloomington’s 4th of July Parade on Saturday, July 4! We’re currently seeking donations of red, white, blue, gold, or silver decorations for our float. To arrange a drop-off, please contact President Danielle Bruce at danielle.bruce@pillararts.org.
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.
ART IN THE GARDENSaturday May 30, 5-8 PM, Jenny & Bill Austin’s Country Retreat NASHVILLE – Brown County Art Guild invites you to spend an evening surrounded by art, music, and spring blooms. Watch Guild artists paint en plein air in real time, enjoy live music and catered hors d’oeuvres, and browse original artwork available for purchase in a relaxed countryside setting. Tickets are $100.
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RIBBON CUTTING AT FIG TREE MARKETFriday June 5, 11 AM-1 PM, Fig Tree Market ELLETTSVILLE – 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. |
TORCHLIGHT FREE KIDS MOVIE SERIESSaturday June 6, 10 AM-12 PM, Torchlight Cinema MOORESVILLE – Join Torchlight Cinema for the monthly Kids’ Movie Series featuring a screening of Puss in Boots. Families can enjoy a fun morning at the movies while supporting local charity Churches in Mission through donations of non-perishable food, hygiene items, or free-will contributions. |
INDIANA LIMESTONE SYMPOSIUMSunday June 7-Sunday June 21, Various times, Bybee Stone Co ELLETTSVILLE – The 30th annual symposium brings together artists and sculptors of all levels at Bybee Stone Co. in Ellettsville. Participants can carve for a day or up to two weeks, with stone, tools, and instruction provided for beginners through professionals. |
OPEN MIC NIGHTWednesday June 10, 8-10 PM, The Comedy Attic BLOOMINGTON – A local open mic showcasing Bloomington’s comedy scene, where comedians share up to five minutes of original material. The night highlights new and working performers featuring jokes in a supportive, community-focused setting. |
GODZILLA WEEKENS: MOTHRA MADNESS – MOTHRA (1961)Friday June 12, 7-9:30 PM, Buskirk-Chumley Theater BLOOMINGTON – A screening of the 1961 film Mothra with introductions, a post-film discussion, and related performances and guest appearances. The evening is part of a larger celebration of classic Godzilla-era cinema. |