City Hall adds new art exhibit

The atrium of Bloomington City Hall will be a little more colorful during November.

The Bloomington Entertainment and Arts District will display watercolor paintings by artists in the Bloomington Watercolor Society through Nov. 30.

Located at 401 N. Morton St., the exhibit in City Hall is open to the public from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Miah Michaelsen, assistant economic development director for the arts in the City of Bloomington Department of Economic and Sustainable Development, said in an email that BEAD’s goal with this exhibit and others at City Hall is to promote the work of local artists.

“We believe it’s great for citizens visiting our building to see art, and it also enlivens the space for our employees who are here everyday,” Michaelsen said.

The display exhibits pieces from Bloomington artists and helps the local
economy, he said.

According to a 2012 Americans for the Arts study, Bloomington’s nonprofit arts sector adds $72.3 million to the local economy each year through direct spending by arts associations and their publics.

BWS Show Chair Tricia Wente said in an email that the theme for this exhibition is “We Paint the Springs & Other Things.”

“We have a variety of works on display,” Wente said. “It is important to share our work with the public, and, in this way, further our own exposure as artists.”

Wente said artists were encouraged to submit pieces depicting subjects from their “We Paint the Springs” weekend event in French Lick, Ind., last September. However, Wente said only one-third of the 31 paintings entered reflect that theme.

The BWS display is part of City Hall’s rotating monthly atrium art exhibit.

“We hope it encourages all to consider incorporating art in their everyday life,” Michaelsen said.