John Waldron Arts Center

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John Waldron Arts Center

The John Waldron Arts Center is managed by Constellation Stage & Screen. Riedel and John Nichols, and constructed by George Weaver. Cecile Waldron. Mrs.

The Ivy Tech John Waldron Arts Center is a Beaux Arts-style building designed by architects F.P. The building was erected in 1915, and opened in February, 1916. It was originally built for and used as Bloomington’s first City Hall. The building included offices for the Mayor, Treasurer, City Clerk, City Attorney, the Police Department, and the Bloomington Fire Department. It was also home to Bloom

ington’s finest public auditorium/courtroom, which was built to hold 500 people. In later years, the building became a haven for the Bloomington arts. Once the building was vacant in the late 1980s, the Bloomington Area Arts Council (BAAC) sought to make it Bloomington’s Center for the arts. Members from the Bloomington Area Arts Council approached the City Council to see if they would support and donate the building to the BAAC for a community arts center. The City Council agreed, provided the BAAC raise $750,000. The BAAC received funding from many individuals and businesses in the community, but they received a sizeable donation from Mrs. Cecile requested the building be named after her late husband, Charles’, grandfather, the late John Waldron, Sr., who was a prominent Bloomington businessman during the mid- to late 1800s. Waldron went on to make an additional donation to Bloomington Community Radio (WFHB) in order to provide a space for a community radio station. On July 31, 1990, the City handed the deed to the Bloomington Area Arts Council. The John Waldron Arts Center opened its doors on May 2, 1992. The John Waldron Arts Center, under the direction of the Bloomington Area Arts Council, became one of Bloomington’s most beloved spaces for the arts. Gone were the Mayor’s office, the Treasurer’s office, and the Police Department. In their place stood a gallery, classrooms, a gift shop, a small theatre, and a large auditorium. WFHB opened its new doors in 1993. It has remained Bloomington’s community radio station and provides programming serving young and old alike. In May, 2010, Ivy Tech Community College took ownership of the building and now provides space for credit and non credit coursework, 6 galleries, one of which is a virtual gallery, and 2 performance spaces. The building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1989 and is listed as a “notable” structure in the Courthouse Square Historic District. The building is significant for its contribution to the history of the Bloomington community—its politics, its commerce, its art, and its entertainment. Its historic significance and large interior make it a perfect venue for Ivy Tech to continue its commitment to creating an educational environment that values civic engagement and community.

08/30/2024

Come see some art this afternoon!

08/30/2024

Our artist talk with Huner Emin, scheduled for this evening, has been postponed until next Friday, September 6. The talk will begin at 8pm in the Miller Gallery, immediately following First Friday. Make us a stop on your Gallery Walk! See you there!

08/02/2024

Tonight's the night! Come out from 5-8pm to see three brilliant new exhibitions featuring artists, Huner Emin, Rebecca Woodward, and Maria Schechter!

07/30/2024

Join us this Friday, August 2, from 5-8pm for Gallery Walk!

07/08/2024

Join us this Friday, July 12, from 5-8pm, for the opening of our newest exhibit, featuring recipients of the City of Bloomington's Emerging Artist Grants. We'll have artists here to chat about their work, as well as a showcase of some of the performing artist recipients! See you there!

07/03/2024

We're closed this weekend for the holiday! Come on down next Friday, July 12, for a brand new show featuring the City of Bloomington's Emerging Artist Grant recipients!

06/04/2024

This Friday, June 7, is your second chance to see four amazing shows in our galleries for Gallery Walk! We'll be open from 5-8pm. See you there!

05/29/2024

Please join us this Friday night for a special evening with exhibiting artist, Bert Gilbert. We'll hear about his inspiration and process for his current show, Weather, Water, and Ash, as well as see a dance performance by collaborator, Kate Lyons.

05/14/2024

Keep an eye on our website to find out about more special events!

05/13/2024

After some consideration, and a look at how our art fair benefits our community of artists, Constellation Stage & Screen has decided to cancel Arts Fair on the Square for 2024. We will be working to improve the model, ensure more community partnerships, and make the experience better overall for those who participate — vendors, performers, and patrons alike!

04/29/2024

04/26/2024

https://seeconstellation.org/art-galleries/opportunities/

04/25/2024

Tomorrow is your last day to apply to join us for Arts Fair on the Square 2024. Get your applications in now! Link here and in bio! https://www.zapplication.org/event-info.php?ID=12355

03/15/2024

We'll be closed at 5pm tonight. Come check out the galleries next week! Happy spring break!

02/16/2024

Due to the weather, we're closing up early and will not be there for normal gallery hours. Come in next week to see some great work by Katha Soens, Soulaf Abas, Emily Wilson Gillespie, and Ben Pines!

01/18/2024

Join us tomorrow for a special closing reception for artists Laura Greenwood, Danny Bolton, and Jennifer Herrold.

01/05/2024

Help us welcome Laura Greenwood, Danny Bolton, and Jennifer Herrold to the Waldron tonight at Gallery Walk! We'll be there from 5-8pm!

01/05/2024

Jennifer Herrold's work is on display in the Spotlight Gallery. Stop by tomorrow during Gallery Walk, 5-8pm, to have a look!

01/05/2024

Danny Bolton has transformed the Educational Gallery. Stop by tomorrow night from 5-8pm to check it out!

12/08/2023

While you're here for Alexandra McNichols-Torroledo's artist talk, don't forget to check out our other exhibitions: IUPAI's show, Away from Here, and Jennifer Herrold's, Suspend Animation: Narratives on Pause! We'll be here from 5-8pm!

12/07/2023

Join us tomorrow for Alexandra McNichols-Torroledo's artist talk in the Miller Gallery at 5PM. You won't want to miss this incredible artist speaking of her work and experiences!

Address

122 S Walnut Street
Bloomington, IN
47404

Opening Hours

5pm - 8pm

Website

https://seeconstellation.org/art-galleries/

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Videos

Happening now… Onedrop pop up show.

Feb 17th art talk at the Waldron Arts Center.

Artist Emily Zarse during the art talk Feb17, 23.

Composer Luke Acerra kicked off last night’s Arts in Concert with a discussion about his composition selected by the #KuttnerQuartet. Luke is a senior at Indiana University. Thank you Bloomington Connect for bringing such talented musicians to #ArtsinConcert!

Thank you, Isabel Kwon (and Bloomington Connect) for sharing your inspiration for tonight’s performance. Really beautiful set that complimented the color and spiral motifs within Frank Young’s artwork. #BloomingtonConnect #ArtsinConcert