the next call for art opens Sept. 15, 2026

Each year by mid-November, thousands of American crows converge in Bloomington to roost together in the evenings, indicating a shift to cooler temperatures and marking the turn of seasons. Enamored by them, my partner and I began to celebrate Roosting Day on November 16, 2021. Crows are vastly intelligent beings, roosting to strengthen social bonds while sharing knowledge and the warmth of their collective bodies. The Roost, as a symbol, demonstrates community and resilience.

Local artists of all career levels and styles are encouraged to submit works celebrating the Roost (Bloomington's annual crow convergence), shoaling birds at dusk, the shift from fall to winter, and interpretations on the theme "community."

long live the Roost

Each year by mid-November, American crows flock to Bloomington by the thousands. They roost together in the evenings, indicating the shift to cooler temperatures and a turn of seasons in the southern-central Indiana uplands. Enamored by them, Jerome and I began to celebrate Roosting Day in 2021, making this year the fifth celebration. The Roost, as a symbol, demonstrates community and resilience. Crows are vastly intelligent beings; they roost to strengthen social bonds, sharing knowledge and the warmth of their collective bodies.

This inaugural Roosting Day Community Exhibition celebrates the Roost, the crow, other shoaling birds at dusk, and the transition into colder seasons. Other interpretations of the theme “community” were also accepted. I am thrilled by the variety of thoughtful works we received in response to this first call. If you missed the submission deadline this year, keep an eye out for the next call on Oct. 1, 2026!

Cheers,

Allyn

(Long live the Roost)