Gather Bloomington

HISTORY

Gather Bloomington is in the historic Redman Building. The building used to be where a fraternity called the Knights of Pythias met. Fraternities were groups of people who just wanted a space to gather (which is funny because about 100 years later the same building would become what it is today). You can actually see a sign above the door for it, and a K.P. on top of the building. 

Talia Halliday started selling her crafts at the handmade market in 2009, and began helping to organize it in 2011. One night she was having dinner with some artist friends, and they agreed that Bloomington lacked a good spot for them to sell their crafts and work. She decided to start a pop up shop in Fountain Square Mall called Gathering. It was successful enough to move to a permanent spot in 2017. Gather still does pop up shops in the store for other local artists.

ROLE IN THE COMMUNITY

Gather Bloomington is a shop that sells all kinds of items from local artists, including plants, shirts, stickers, night lights, stuffed animals, and many others. Talia Halliday once said, "There are so many talented people in Bloomington and the state, but it can be hard for them to get their products to market. I want to help them be successful and help build a supportive community."

Gather also provides D.I.Y. workshops such as the pottery house studio, felting, or ornaments and trinkets. Part of gathers mission is to support local artists such as: Gean Elise, Whereabouts, Craftininista Girl, Rosmarino Candles, and more. Gather takes part in many events. Downtown Trick or Treat had 50 businesses sign up! They raise money for Pride, and host Kaleidoscope, a youth-led organization serving LGBTQIA+ and allied youth ages 9-18 in Bloomington. Gather has a sister store, Oak, just north of the courthouse. Oak sells all sorts of plants and items related to plants. Witch Fest is a festival that started in 2022 to celebrate the anniversary of Gather and Oak. It's a festival themed to witches, selling things like, broom sticks, potions, and other witchy stuff, with over 75 artists participating. Talia Halliday said Witch Fest is, quote “Special to me because I've watched so many artists grow their art into what it is today - and I get to share that with all of Bloomington.”  

Overall, Gather Bloomington is a nice store for the community with all sorts of cool art and other items!