This exhibition which, as a folio, compiles and assembles photographs from artists with a tangential relationship to the Peoria Art Guild and our community. These artists have dedicated their artistic eye to documenting their world through the lens of a camera.

Artists: Coke Mattingly, Bennett Johnson, Barb Hoffman, Steve Marx, Ann Conver, Liu Yang, Qingjun Huang, Christopher Gauthier, Jacob Gale, Robert Wilson, Natalie Jackson, Dean Poignant, Dr. Elsberg Clarke, Dr. Scott Moats, David Vernon, and Sarah Eckstine

-This exhibition will be on display January 2nd-January 30th.
-All exhibitions are free and open to the public.

1st Friday January
Gallery Talk: Barbara Hoffman, 6:30pm Gallery 3R, 3rd Floor
Celebrating Ken Hoffman Exhibit
January 2 – February 13, 2026, Preston Jackson Gallery, 2nd Floor
Ken passed away in August 2025 but will be remembered in his artwork that so many have in their homes. Largely composed of borrowed artwork, this exhibit gives us all the opportunity to collaborate, gather and express how much he and his artwork meant to so many; a visual expression of how many lives he touched.
1st Friday 5-9:00pm is a free, open house event to view art galleries, meet artist in their studios and enjoy related programming.
1st Friday events support and augment the art exhibits with programming such as artist talks, demonstrations and special performances.
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.

Breaking Free!

In this community art project, participants learn the meditative folk art of Pysanky, wax batik on eggshell. The completed eggs will be transformed into mixed-media paintings that symbolize “breaking out of our shell.”

This is a 3-session project. Participants can be ages 12+ .

Session 1: Paint the background of a canvas board, and create a Pysanky Egg to be used for the next session.

Session 2: Draw or trace the outline of your subject, then break the egg(s) and begin gluing them onto the board filling the outline.

Session 3: Finish painting and any additional gluing, then insert painting into the frame provided.

If you are interested in participating, please fill out the short form on this page, and you will receive an email with further details on how to sign up.

Thank you for your interest.

Crystal Potthoff
Prayerful Arts

WHAT to do with those Christmas Cards? Birthday Cards, Anniversary and more?

Perfect class for scrapbookers, Art Journalists, Collage lovers…

I’ll show you a great way to RE-cycle, UP-cycle and turn into something useful and beautiful!

Supplies:
Bring 6 or 8 greeting cards to class – NO Glitter Please, and it’s helful if they are close to the same size. $20

Instructor: Ruth Inman

To celebrate Elvis’ 91st birthday, Elvis impersonator Rick Dunham of Springfield will share Elvis hits with a few other Rock & Roll songs accompanied by a 5-piece band. Dunham has been impersonating Elvis since 1985, performing in 33 states, and a few times in Canada and Europe. This concert will be a lot of fun as we walk down memory lane.

Whisper & Shout: Open Mic for Poetry
Thursday, January 15, 2026 ~ 8:00 – 10:00 pm
When checking in at the door, be prepared to share your table and seat number.
Tickets in Advance Online: $5-members, $8-nonmembers,
$3-poets fees (till 6pm day of event)
If an event is not sold out, tickets will also be sold at the door.
Tickets at the door*: $9-members, $12-nonmembers, $5-poets
(*No money will be taken at the door unless we don’t reach our max capacity)
*Please Note that purchasing a Poet Ticket is a commitment to share your poetry on stage.
If you don’t plan to read, then don’t purchase a poet level ticket.
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.
Experience a diverse open mic with artists from all backgrounds in a positive and inspiring atmosphere.
Peoria’s Open Mic for Poetry is held on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month.
Hosts: Ryan Lowry and Whitney Jensen with DJ YV
Featured Poet: Louis Conphliction
Louis Conphliction promotes self-love and self-awareness centered movement, utilizing mentorship, eclectic beats and empowering words. He is the host of Pagedale’s annual Red Ribbon Drug Prevention Program. He also teaches workshops and is a mentor for several organizations, including Poetry for Personal Power, Provident Counseling and The St. Louis Juvenile Detention Center. When he’s not creating change, he’s touring/performing throughout the nation and participating in and winning poetry competitions. He performed at the 2015 Pan African Film Festival in Los Angeles. Louis was named Poet of the Year, by St. Louis Star Awards in 2016. Check out Louis’ video – Louis ConPhliction – Get Away

Friday January 16, 2026 7:30 pm; Saturday January 17, 2026 7:30 pm; Sunday January 18, 2026 2:00 pm

Friday January 16, 2026 7:30 pm; Saturday January 17, 2026 7:30 pm; Sunday January 18, 2026 2:00 pm

Friday January 16, 2026 7:30 pm; Saturday January 17, 2026 7:30 pm; Sunday January 18, 2026 2:00 pm

Live at the Five Spot: State of Mind
Friday, January 23rd, 2026 ~ 6:30-8:30pm
Tickets in Advance Online at 309tix.com: $8-members, $12-nonmembers fees (until 5pm day of event).
Tickets at the door*: $12-Members, $16-nonmembers
Tickets at door are sold only if max. capacity is not reached.
When checking in at the door, be prepared to share your table and seat number.
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.
Known for their high-powered, energetic interpretations of the most popular and notable R&B and Motown, Jazz and Blues hits, State of Mind is James Conyers on lead vocals and trombone, Tony Edison on vocals and sax, Mike Lewandowski on guitar, Chris Heroldt on keys, Steve King on bass and Barry Applewhite on drums. Don’t miss this exciting, groovalicious band!
William Butler, Executive Director
Contemporary Art Center of Peoria,
305 SW Water Street, Peoria, IL 61602
309-674-6822 [email protected] www.peoriacac.org

The Heart of Illinois Beekeepers Association (HOIBA) is pleased to offer its 2026 Beginner Beekeeping Course, designed for anyone interested in starting their beekeeping journey or strengthening their foundation in hive management.

This one-day, in-person course will cover the essentials of beekeeping in Central Illinois, including honey bee biology, hive components, seasonal management, equipment selection, and common beginner mistakes to avoid. Instruction is provided by experienced local beekeepers who understand the challenges and opportunities unique to our region.

Whether you’re still deciding if beekeeping is right for you or already planning your first hive, this course will give you practical, realistic knowledge to get started with confidence.

Date: January 24, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: Peoria County Farm Bureau
1716 N University St, Peoria, IL 61604

Cost (includes lunch):

$60 – Adults

$45 – Veterans, students, and returning HOIBA members

Lunch is included with registration.

Space may be limited, and advance registration is recommended.