Reception for Art Show, “Art as Inquiry”
We’re hosting a reception for our annual show of climate art in the Pillar Arts Alliance Center in Bloomington, Indiana. The exhibition, “Art as Inquiry”, is displaying 2-D and 3-D artwork during the month of April 2026 at the Pillar Arts Alliance Center in the College Mall, Bloomington, IN. This juried exhibition, a featured part of our Earth Month celebrations, is intended to raise awareness about urgent climate and environmental issues through artistic expression and community engagement. The show represents Artists for Climate Awareness members in several states.
The theme is intended to make climate-related research more accessible through the experience of art.
Note: Artwork produced by the Climate Co-lab, the artist/scientist project, will join the exhibition and hold its reception along with the Art as Inquiry works on April 19.
The month-long event will host additional climate awareness events, including:
- Reception for Climate Co-lab art show (a special project between artists and research scientists) on April 19 at Pillar Arts Center. Public invited.
- “Nature Walk,” a musical and narrative presentation at the Pillar Arts Alliance Center; music led by IU School of Music student Thejas Mirle and four composers; narrative provided by Distinguished IU Biology Professor Roger Hangarter. At 2 pm prior to the reception.
- Public Art Sand Art Mural in Switchyard Park on April 18: Working with the Bloomington Commission on Sustainability and a local girl scout troop, we’ll have interactive art for the public to engage with climate change in the form of a temporary sand art mural at the Switchyard Park Earth Day Event 2026
- MDWST Fable will create SOLAS, an eco-health public installation in Pillar Arts Alliance Center to allow the public to co-create and participate in healing art and climate awareness. April 18, 25, and 26, 4pm to 6 pm.
Purpose of the Show
Offering a Collective Voice: We believe that climate change is a multifaceted issue, and the more perspectives we showcase, the richer the conversation becomes. We honor all participating artists with their compelling range of ideas, skillsets, and mediums.
Honoring Excellence: While the exhibition focuses on the inclusivity of voices, we also want to celebrate outstanding contributions. Our panel of professional judges has selected works reflecting exceptional artistry and impact. These will be spotlighted within the gallery and awarded during the opening event.
Including Everyone’s Role in the Story: Each piece in the exhibition contributes to the overarching story we are telling about the urgent need to address climate change. These artistic visions play a crucial role in inspiring conversation and action.
Confirmed Partners
Prizes, Awards and Award Categories:
- $500 Best of Show
- $300 First Place
- $100 Second Place
- Honorable Mention gift certificates
Contact:
Carol Rhodes, at art4climate@carolrhodes.net
With thanks to our sponsors:
