Peoria, IL – The Peoria Art Guild is excited to announce the Call for Entry for the 63rd Annual Fine Art Fair, taking place September 27-28, 2025, along the stunning Peoria riverfront. As one of the longest-running and most celebrated art fairs in the Midwest, the Fine Art Fair attracts artists and attendees from across the nation, creating a significant cultural and economic impact on the region.

In 2024, the Fine Art Fair drew more than 8,000 attendees, generating an estimated $535,00 economic impact for the local community. From art sales to tourism spending on accommodations, dining, and shopping, the event continues to be a major driver of economic vitality in Peoria while spotlighting world-class artistic talent.

“The Fine Art Fair exemplifies the power of art to bring people together and invigorate a community,” said Shannon Cox, Executive Director of the Peoria Art Guild. “We look forward to welcoming another incredible group of artists to showcase their work and contribute to the cultural and economic vibrancy of our city.”

Call for Artists

The Peoria Art Guild invites artists working in diverse mediums—painting, sculpture, ceramics, photography, jewelry, fiber art, glass, mixed media, and digital art—to apply to this juried event.

Application Details:

Platform: Apply via Zapplication
Application Fee: $35 (non-refundable)
Deadline: June 1, 2025
Notification: June 24, 2025
Why Participate?

The Peoria Art Guild Fine Art Fair offers:

Visibility: Exposure to thousands of attendees, including collectors, art enthusiasts, and patrons eager to support the arts.
Professional Recognition: Inclusion in a juried event known for its high standards of quality.
Artist Amenities: Booth sitters, artist hospitality, overnight security, and more to ensure a seamless experience.
Artist Awards:
Best of Show: $3,000
3 Awards of Excellence: $1,000 each
All award winners are invited to return to the 2026 Fine Art Fair.
A Community Celebration

The Fine Art Fair is more than just an art event—it’s a vibrant festival featuring live music, interactive art activities, and a wide array of food vendors. It’s a place where art connects with community, fostering a spirit of creativity and cultural exchange.

Apply Today!

This exhibition will be featured in four different galleries in Peoria, IL.
Staggered Reception: Friday, February 7
Heuser Art Gallery – 5:00 – 6:30
Hartmann Center Gallery – 5:00 – 6:30
Peoria Riverfront Museum (Gilmore Auditorium) – 6:00 – 7:30
Peoria Art Guild – 5:00 – 8:30

While this Rock Island artist and educator employs centuries’ old techniques, her innovative use of fresh materials, organic structures and maps as design sources delights fans of weaving. Her influences include fiber work of Latin America and Africa and color field painters like Mark Rothko and Barnett Newman to inspire blending subtle transitions, despite surfaces built row by row on a 56” four-harness floor loom.

Combined Art Reception
Saturday, March 15, 2025, 6:30- 8:30 pm
free admission / donation requested; complimentary snacks & drinks. Meet the exhibiting artists and view their artwork in three galleries and the 3rd floor classroom.

1st Friday Events
Gallery Talks-April 4: Rowen Schussheim-Anderson, 6:30 and Bennett Johnson, 7:30.

Viewing Hours:
Art exhibits may also be viewed for no admission during business hours (Tuesday-Saturday 11-5:00) and prior to the start of and during some evening events.

The Contemporary Art Center is located at 305 SW Water Street, Peoria, IL 61602. Call or text 309-674-6822 or contact us with questions for more information.

For more information, contact:
William Butler, Executive Director
Contemporary Art Center of Peoria, 305 SW Water Street, Peoria, IL 61602
309-674-6822 [email protected] www.peoriacac.org

This collection of works reflects our formative years growing up in suburbia during the late 1990s. Technology at the time was shifting rapidly, shaping our outlook and artistic expression. The exhibition includes pieces that explore nostalgia as well as our current perspectives and communities.

Reception: Friday, March 7, 5-8 PM
Live Music by Alexa

SHOW DATES: March 1 – March 26

Gallery Hours:
Sundays 8:30 AM-NOON
Monday through Friday – 9 AM – 1 PM
Other showings by appointment.

For additional information, call (309) 673-3641 or email [email protected].

BIRDS OF A FEATHER
Peoria Public Library Gallery
March 7 -April 25, 2025
Reception March 22, 1-3pm

“Birds of a Feather” features the work of 6 women who engage in conversation and critique. Individual work will be displayed along side collaborative pieces created together and in response to each other’s art.

Lisa Nelson Raabe
Hattie Lee Mendoza
Whitney Johnson-Lessard
Ana Fleming
Nichole Gronvold-Roller
Rose Hubbard

Choose your day and time!
We are offering several classes in different Pysanky patterns (1-5) throughout March and April.
Classes are $25 each.
Please visit our Events page by following our link for specific days and times.
Instructor: Crystal Potthoff

Rock Stars Revisited: Panel Podcast Taping w/ Live Studio Audience
| Featuring ‘Rock Star Millennials’ Podcast |

Hosted by Kathyrn Spitznagle | Facilitated by Danielle Scarzello | Produced by Jennifer Rosa
Panelists: Caroline LaHood, Samm Hutchison, Nate Domenighini, Danielle Scarzello, & Jennifer Rosa
Sponsors: Distillery Labs | ‘Rock Star Millennials’ | Flat World Productions | gener8tor

Join us for ‘Rock Stars Revisited!’ – an Engaging Live Studio Audience Experience at the Panel Podcast Taping Hosted by Kathryn Spitznagle of the ‘Rock Star Millennials’ Podcast!

Peoria, IL — Get ready for a night of innovation, entrepreneurship, and insightful conversation as we invite you to be a part of a unique, live studio audience experience at the ‘Rock Star Millennials’ Podcast Panel Taping. Hosted by Kathryn Spitznagle, this exciting event will bring together a dynamic group of small business owners, industry experts, and innovators in the entrepreneurial space. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a local business owner, or simply curious about the creative community, this is an event you won’t want to miss!

The evening will feature an eclectic panel of guests who have previously appeared on ‘Rock Star Millennials’. Join small business owners and experts from various industries, including Danielle Scarzello of gener8tor and gBETA, who will not only facilitate the discussion but also join as a panelist. Jennifer Rosa of Pretendly and Flat World Productions is producing the event as well as serving as a panelist. Other esteemed panelists include Nate Domenighini of gener8tor, Caroline LaHood of ColorForge, and Samm Hutchison of Bear’s Bites. Sound support will be provided by audio engineer J Scott Hinkley of Flat World Productions and videography by Mike Rundle. The event promises to deliver valuable insights into business, creative community-building, and entrepreneurial growth.

Event Details:
• Date: Wednesday, March 26, 2025
• Time: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
• Location: Distillery Labs, Main Lobby (201 SW Adams St.; Peoria, IL 61602)
• Cost: Free (Registration at DistilleryLabs.org recommended)

What to Expect:
• Exciting Conversation: Gain valuable knowledge from seasoned entrepreneurs and industry experts.
• Networking Opportunities: Connect with others passionate about entrepreneurship, innovation, and creativity.
• Tours of Distillery Labs: Explore the impressive co-working space where this event will take place. Discover how Distillery Labs is supporting local businesses and creative ventures in Peoria.
• Refreshments: Enjoy complimentary refreshments while you mingle and engage.

This event is more than just a podcast taping; it’s an opportunity to connect with your local entrepreneurial community, discover new ideas, and have some fun in the process. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this engaging and fun evening!

For more information, please visit DistilleryLabs.org. For media inquiries or more information about the event, please contact: Jennifer Rosa at [email protected]. Get involved. Get inspired. Get connected. Join us for an unforgettable evening of creativity, conversation, and community!

About Kathryn Spitznagle and ‘Rock Star Millennials’ Podcast: Kathryn Spitznagle is the host of the ‘Rock Star Millennials’ Podcast, a show that explores the world of entrepreneurs, innovators, and business leaders. Through candid interviews and expert advice, Kathryn highlights the stories of individuals who are making their mark on the world of business and beyond.

About Distillery Labs: Distillery Labs is a vibrant co-working space in Peoria, designed to foster collaboration, creativity, and innovation. With a commitment to supporting local startups and entrepreneurs, Distillery Labs is an ideal setting for community-focused events like this one.

Date: March 27, 2025
Time: 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Location: Mackinaw Valley Vineyard tasting room

Are you looking to add some sparkle to your life?  We have a wonderful NEW workshop we call Crushed Glass Art.  You will have the opportunity to make 1 canvas and crushed glass piece at this easy and fun workshop.

WE will paint the canvas with just some background color add our beautiful Butterfly in all her glory and then add our crushed glass to add all that beautiful sparkle, we will then resin your masterpiece and you will have to leave them overnight to let the resin cure before you can take them home.

They are so fun and beautiful and really do add a little glitz to your decor.  The $40 fee for each piece includes all the materials and instruction to make this sparkling masterpiece.

Registration Link: Go to Winery Event Page

Pick up will be at Mackinaw Valley Vineyard on 3/28,3/29,3/30 hours from 12-5pm at the Tasting Room.

Choose your day and time!
We are offering several classes in different Pysanky patterns (1-5) throughout March and April.
Classes are $25 each.
Please visit our Events page by following our link for specific days and times.
Instructor: Crystal Potthoff

Join us as we welcome new artists to feature their work in the beautiful MUSE Gallery!
March 28 and April 25: Kelly Scarfe
Lisa Nelson Raabe: May 23 and June 27
Melissa Wood: July 25 and August 22
Chris Kukla: Sept 26 and Oct 24
Heather Ford: November 21

Live at the Five Spot: Vinyl Tap
Friday, March 28, 2025~ 6:30-8:30pm
Tickets in Advance Online: $8-members, $12-nonmembers fees (until 5pm day of event).
Tickets at the door*: $12-Members, $16-nonmembers
(Tickets for walk-ins will be available until max capacity is reached)
Water and pop for $1.00 is offered at the bar. Attendees may bring their own food and drink or bring in food and drink from the Rhythm Kitchen.
About the Band:
Vinyl Tap is a Peoria-area based Classic Rock cover band that began in 2011. Brian Sharp (guitar), Bryan Gibson (drums), Russ House (bass), and Mike Yocum (keys) have played since their youth and bring their experience to exciting arrangements of songs you know and love.
Their music covers a span of 50 years, from the 1960s to the early 2000s. They play a wide variety of music that helped shape their formative years, saw them through good times and bad and provided the soundtrack to which they lived.

A crowd favorite, Remembering Janis Joplin, returns to the Peoria Players stage after a well-received premiere in the summer of 2023. The show, written and directed by Howard Gorman, touches upon just a portion of this artist’s amazing career. It stars Shannon Johnson as Janis Joplin. ‘Me and Bobby McGee,’ ‘Little Girl Blue,’ ‘Cry Baby’ and of course, ‘Piece of My Heart’ are just a few selections you’ll enjoy from her iconic song catalogue.

Sharon Somers will demonstrate how she creates beautiful watercolor rice paper on March 29th, 2025 from 11 – 11:30. Please join us for this wonderful opportunity!

Create a work of art scarf for a gift or for yourself. Tie it on a bag, a hat or wear it as a belt! Discover all the wonderful patterns you can make.

$45 covers all materials.
Limit 4 in class.

Instructor Ruth Inman

Date: March 29, 2025
Time: 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Location: Mackinaw Valley Vineyard
COME OUT TO WIN AND WINE! Walk-ins always Welcome too.

Check in and Wine Tasting between 6-7-pm, game starts at 7pm and usually ends about 9pm.

Put on your THINKING CAP for fun and prizes! Players match their wits in a strictly for fun game of trivia. It is $5 per person to play and the winning team players get weekly prizes. Teams can be a maximum of four players (less if you’re REALLY, REALLY SMART).

Check-in and wine tasting 6-7 pm and the game starts at about 7pm and usually end about 9 pm. There are eight categories and a tie-breaking ninth when needed. Teams can bring their own foods and treats and we serve wine, beer, sodas and bottled water.

We do have Ropp Cheese and crackers and Flesor’s Candy Kitchen Confection Chocolates too.

Call 309-359-9463 to reserve a spot for your team, or email us at [email protected]., or just come on over, Walk In’s Welcome too!