Bloomington, Indiana – As summer draws to a close and the 2025/2026 season at Constellation Stage & Screen begins, the Waldron Arts Center is rolling out a new lineup of exhibitions across its three galleries, offering visitors a rich tapestry of artistic perspectives, cultural narratives, and immersive experiences.
The Spotlight Gallery features Isabella Arp in her debut solo show, Quarantine the Past: A Retrospective of Post-Punk, Britpop, & Beyond. Through a combination of oil paints and graphite, Arp examines the divide between the polished imagery of popular media and the raw realities of musicians behind the stage. Her work highlights not only the widely recognized figures of the post-punk and Britpop scenes but also lesser-known artists, providing a nuanced look at the music world.
Arp’s pieces aim to transform the viewer’s relationship with each musician captured, evoking the nostalgia of bedroom walls adorned with posters and photographs for music-obsessed teens. In doing so, she invites audiences to consider how public personas often obscure personal stories, and how art can reclaim those hidden narratives.
“The Spotlight Gallery show represents my effort to give space to both famous and overlooked musicians, capturing their humanity beyond the performance,” Arp said.
In the Educational Gallery, the group exhibition Invisible: Art in All Forms brings together the work of Alex Quintanila, Boneger, Jingyin Che, and Alberto Sanchez. Curated collaboratively by Peilin (Judy) Qiao, Pious Amissah, and Madison Gardner, the show spans multiple disciplines including painting, jewelry, graphic design, photography, and textiles.
Centered on the concept of an invisible root, the exhibition explores how artists draw upon personal heritage, memories, and lived experience to shape their work. Visitors are encouraged to reflect on the universal yet intimate networks of influence that underpin each piece, gaining insight into the ways cultural identity and personal history inform artistic expression.
“This exhibition celebrates the unseen threads that connect all of our experiences and shape our creative voices,” said one of the curators.
Meanwhile, the Rosemary P. Miller Gallery hosts Ben Pines’ latest solo show, Present, which blends his new paintings with select atmospheric works from previous collections. Pines’ pieces invite viewers to slow down and engage with both the inner and outer dimensions of the subjects depicted. Many of his new works feature solitary figures, encouraging a reflective dialogue between the viewer and the portrayed individual.
Some of Pines’ pieces are set in Ireland, inspired by his travels, and showcase landscapes and moments that merge memory with observation. In addition to the exhibition, Pines will give an artist talk on Saturday, September 13. Doors open at 4:30 p.m., with the discussion starting at 5:00 p.m., offering the public a unique opportunity to hear directly from the artist about his process and intentions.
“Through Present, I hope to create an experience of mindfulness, inviting viewers to engage thoughtfully with each subject,” Pines said.
The Waldron Arts Center invites the community to experience all three exhibitions during September’s First Friday Gallery Walk on September 5, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. This evening event offers an opportunity to explore the new shows in a social, vibrant setting, encouraging dialogue among visitors, artists, and curators alike.
By featuring a mix of solo and group exhibitions, spanning diverse media and themes, the Waldron Arts Center continues its commitment to showcasing work that is both visually compelling and culturally resonant. From Arp’s exploration of musical heritage and celebrity culture to the multi-faceted perspectives in Invisible: Art in All Forms and Pines’ contemplative exploration of the present moment, the September lineup promises something for every visitor.
These exhibitions reflect the center’s dedication to providing platforms for both emerging and established artists, fostering creativity, and engaging the community in meaningful dialogue. Through the varied voices and techniques on display, the Waldron Arts Center encourages visitors to reflect, connect, and experience art in ways that resonate personally and collectively.
The September exhibitions mark a vibrant start to the new season, blending nostalgia, cultural reflection, and introspective experiences into a series of shows that highlight the power of art to connect individuals across time, space, and perspective.
For more information on gallery hours, exhibition details, or the artist talk, visitors are encouraged to consult the Waldron Arts Center website or contact the gallery directly.
