all Private, Free & cooperative events ARE LISTED BELOW:
IOAA Private Classes/Events. Contact us for more information!
IOAA will host private classes in a variety of art areas (acrylics, watercolor, mixed media and much more)! We've held classes for fraternal groups, homeschool youth, private businesses, church groups, 4-H projects, scout badges and more. Email us at:
to schedule an event or if you have any questions. Advance notice is greatly appreciated!
WHO: Any age & skill level
WHERE: IOAA Gallery, 200 W. Monroe, Bloomington or at your business
INSTRUCTOR(S): varies by event
COST: varies by event but a per/person charge is assessed.
All equipment and supplies are included.
IOAA Birthday Parties.Contact us for more information!
IOAA will host private birthday parties and provide an art activity in your area of interest. We provide the site and take care of the mess!
Anticipate an hour for the art activity. You can bring refreshments and plan other social activities. We're flexible!
Email us at:
to schedule an event or if you have any questions. Advance notice is greatly appreciated!
WHO: Any age & skill level
WHERE: IOAA Gallery, 200 W. Monroe, Bloomington
INSTRUCTOR(S): varies by party
COST: varies by party but a per/ person charge is assessed.
All equipment and supplies are included.
First Fridays.First Friday of each Month. 5 - 8pm.
A monthly night of fun in downtown Bloomington. Most businesses are open. Activities vary to site. Snacks, free activities and many other surprises! Join us.
Email us at:
if you have any questions
WHO: Anyone
WHERE: IOAA Gallery, 200 W. Monroe, Bloomington
(and other downtown businesses)
COST: Free
Private Stained Glass Class (scheduled to suit your availability).
Want to explore a new hobby in one day without a large monetary and time investment? Then this three hour stained glass private lesson is for you! Explore and see if this is an art form for your future! You’ll learn the beginning basics of stained glass including glass selection, cutting, grinding, copper foiling, soldering and patina. Detailed instruction and handouts will be provided. You’ll make a sun catcher from the following options: cat, dog, heart, 4-leaf clover, bird, butterfly, tree, angel, tulip, Santa hat or a penguin. All material and supplies will be provided. Dress in old clothing and wear closed-toed shoes. Plan on five to seven hours.
Classes are private, 1:1 (can do two people maximum). Please contact IOAA by email at insideout318@gmail.com and Shelley will contact you about your lesson. Suggest contacting a minimum of two weeks before you’d like your lesson. Lessons can’t be scheduled on Mondays.
WHO: Ages 16+
WHERE: IOAA Gallery, 200 W. Monroe, Bloomington
INSTRUCTOR: Shelley Schultz
COST: $90
Holiday Shop. November & December Side Gallery Show.
The IOAA annual Holiday Shop opens on First Friday, November 6, from 5 - 8 pm. The shop will be open through Christmas during our regular hours and has a wonderful variety of art at exceptional prices. Participating artists include Elizabeth Bible, Peggy Dunlap, Pat Gustafson, Deb Helgeson, Mary Jo Johnson, Sherry Miller, Penny Peavler, Shelley Schultz and Cheryl Salvato.
"Intro to Watercolor". Tues. 11/10 & Wed. 11/11. 6 - 7:30 pm.
This class is full. Another one has been added. Contact us for more information!
Small Business Saturday. November 28.
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Support small businesses! Come to downtown Bloomington for some great deals and special activities.
IOAA will be ready for you!
"Paint with Me - Gingerbread House". Sunday,11/15. 1:30 - 3:30 pm.
Adults will assist their child to create a picture on an 11” x 14” canvas together. Follow along with step-by-step instructions. We'll provide all the supplies and take care of clean-up. Participants should wear a smock or old clothes since we will be using acrylic paints. Snacks and drinks will be served.
Registration is through Bloomington Parks & Recreation.
WHEN: Sunday, 10/18
TIME: 1:30 - 3:30 pm
WHO: Ages 5 - 18
(accompained by an adult for youth)
WHERE: Miller Park Pavilion, main level
COST: $35/pair - $20 each additional child
INSTRUCTOR: Mary Jo Johnson
TO REGISTER or get MORE INFORMATION: www.BloomingtonParks.org
2026 Expressions of Pride Art Classes. First or Second Sunday of the Month.
AGES: Teens: 1:30 - 2:45 pm
18+: 3 -4:15 pm
WHERE: IOAA Gallery, 200 W. Monroe, St. Bloomington
INSTRUCTOR(S): varies by class
COST: free, donations appreciated
Email Clara at:
Clara@claravarlesecounseling.com
to register for a class or to get more information. Advance registration is needed to prepare art supplies.
Thank you!
Classes are sponsored by IOAA, the Prairie Pride Coalition and Clara Varlese.