Pillar Arts rebrands, takes over long-running By Hand Gallery and opens larger Bloomington space

Pillar Arts, the group formerly known as the Arts Alliance of Greater Bloomington, told the Bloomington Arts Commission on an agenda item that it has rebranded, taken ownership of the long-running By Hand Gallery and moved into a larger gallery and performance space in Bloomington.

The organization’s mission, as presented by Carol Rhodes, is “to strengthen and sustain the arts by connecting artists, cultural organizations, and artistic endeavors with patrons and the community.” Henry Leck summarized the group’s recent history and operations, saying the organization had absorbed Arts Forward and, in 2025, took over By Hand Gallery to keep the downtown collaborative from closing.

Pillar Arts said the new primary location — described during the presentation as about 8,900 square feet with multiple galleries, a special-exhibit space and a roughly 30-foot-by-30-foot performance/workshop area — nearly doubled its display and program footprint compared with its previous site. The presenters said volunteers run most gallery operations; the organization pays a contractor to manage two galleries. They also said about 48 artists currently display work in the new space and monthly juried exhibits continue.

The presenters described programming now occurring “practically every weekend,” including ongoing classes and workshops, regular performances, and community use by not-for-profit groups at no charge. They added that Pillar Arts will continue work with partner organizations, that the group has a biweekly newsletter (about 1,300 subscribers), and that its relaunched website pillararts.org went live in July 2025 and had received roughly 3,300 page views since launch.

Commissioners asked about partnerships, space rental and programming. Carol Rhodes and Henry Leck said Pillar Arts already partners with local organizations including Constellation Stage and Screen and that they are open to co-sponsorships and space use by IU students and community groups. The presenters said volunteers and a programming committee run the event schedule and that they are exploring ways to keep the large site staffed daily.

Commissioners thanked Pillar Arts for preserving By Hand Gallery and for the expanded performance and gallery capacity; Pillar Arts representatives said they will submit a support-grant application to the commission.

The presentation closed with commissioners and staff noting the organization’s reliance on mixed funding sources (member income, gallery sales, and grants), and Pillar Arts representatives encouraged commissioners to consult the website for rental and program information.

Ending: Commissioners expressed support for Pillar Arts’ preservation of the downtown gallery and its expanded public programming. Pillar Arts will pursue grant support through the grant application process and continue programming in the new space.