Truly a destination for great art – Explore Central Illinois’ vibrant arts scene with our directory of venues, theatres, organizations, galleries, and more!
We build awareness & strengthen the arts for the economic and cultural enrichment of Central Illinois. Learn more about us, our partners, and our publications.
Designed to connect you with the arts, and to strengthen and celebrate our arts community, here you’ll learn all about our programs and how you can get involved.
Thu01AugAll DayTue31DecCall for Entry: Grants for Creativity
Time
August 1, 2024 - December 31, 2024 (All Day)
Event Details
Fine Arts Society (FAS) offers small grants to promote creativity among underserved children in the Peoria region. The grants are available to support the visual arts and performance arts of
Event Details
Fine Arts Society (FAS) offers small grants to promote creativity among underserved children in the Peoria region. The grants are available to support the visual arts and performance arts of all kinds. A limited amount of funding is available, so early application is encouraged. Proposals must be received by December 31st in order to allow sufficient time for review and award prior to the end of our fiscal year on May 31st. Applicants will be notified in writing of the status of each grant. Not all projects can be funded; a denial should not be viewed as a negative reflection on the program, but the result of limited available available funding.
Reports are due to FAS no later than 60 days after grant program completion. Failure to fully complete this report and return it on time will prevent the grantee from grant consideration in the future.
REQUIREMENTS
The project must:
1. Align with FAS’s mission of EXPLORING, EXPANDING, and ENLIVENING the Fine Arts in the Peoria region
2. Support initiatives with well-defined objectives and measurable outcomes that improve the quality or scope of the arts in the community
3. Present programs serving within an approximately 20-mile radius of the Peoria Riverfront Museum with preference to 61602, 61603, 61604, 61605, and 61606 zip codes
4. Benefit organizations with tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code, those that operate under a fiscal agent that is a 501(c)3 organization, as well as churches, schools, units of government, or other qualified organizations
5. Support a program that positively benefit the arts in Central Illinois with priority to children, families, and/or seniors
6. Be operated and organized in such a manner that no applicable laws are violated.
CONSIDERATIONS:
1. Incomplete and/or late applications will not be considered
2. Organizations may only submit one application per grant program period per fiscal year (June 1-May 31)
3. All applications must be signed / approved by the person writing the grant and by executive level personnel
4. FAS reserves the right to make changes to application requirements up to 60 days prior to the deadline
5. FAS may request a brief mid-project report be submitted at a time to be determined upon acceptance of the grant
6. If the scope of the project changes, contact FAS promptly
7. Each grant opportunity is subject to a review process that may last 30-60 days after the submission deadline
8. FAS reserves the right to shorten or extend the process at any time
9. Grantees will allow FAS to visit a project session or otherwise observe participants/recipients of the grant; privacy rights (photos, names, etc.) will be respected.
Cost
Free
Thu19SepAll DayTue26NovNina Gospodin "Uninsulated"
Time
September 19, 2024 - November 26, 2024 (All Day)
Location
Bradley University - Heuser Art Center
1400 W Bradley Ave
Event Details
Artist Reception on September 19th at 6pm for Nina Gospodin, an Interdisciplinary artist who will arrive from Austria to mount her installation and give a lecture.
Event Details
Artist Reception on September 19th at 6pm for Nina Gospodin, an Interdisciplinary artist who will arrive from Austria to mount her installation and give a lecture.
Exhibition dates are 9/16 – 11/26.
Cost
Free and open to the public
Bradley University - Heuser Art Center
1400 W Bradley AveBradley University - Heuser Art Center
Fri01NovAll DayFri29"LEAF"- Barbara Hoffman - Main Gallery
Time
November 1, 2024 - November 29, 2024 (All Day)
Location
Peoria Art Guild
203 Harrison St
Event Details
“In school long ago, I had studied the process of photosynthesis, and the vitally important role the porous leaves play in life on earth, making oxygen to the benefit of
Event Details
“In school long ago, I had studied the process of photosynthesis, and the vitally important role the porous leaves play in life on earth, making oxygen to the benefit of all life.
As an artist and human living on this earth, I recognize how critical it is to pay attention to the small things that make life possible, to not lose sight of our responsibility to the future.
I invite you to look at each picture, find the leaf and then the shadow, and remember that each shadow represents a process so vital, so important to life on earth.”
Cost
Free and open to the public
Organizer
Fri01NovAll DayFri29"Portfolio 24" - Project Space Gallery
Time
November 1, 2024 - November 29, 2024 (All Day)
Location
Peoria Art Guild
203 Harrison St
Event Details
“Portfolio 24 represents a collection of diverse expressions through varied images–inspired by nature, abstraction, chance, and simple gestures. Each edition has its own voice but also engages in conversation with
Event Details
“Portfolio 24 represents a collection of diverse expressions through varied images–inspired by nature, abstraction, chance, and simple gestures. Each edition has its own voice but also engages in conversation with others’ prints. It is this concert that demonstrates to the public what is so incredible when it comes to contemporary art. Portfolio 24 will be available for purchase at that time.”
The reception is free and open to the public 5-8 pm. Refreshments available, as well as a chance to meet and converse with the artists.
Cost
Free and open to the public
Organizer
Time
November 1, 2024 9:00 AM - November 25, 2024 12:00 PM
Event Details
The Foster Gallery is excited to present “Unveiled Faces” by Aaron Boerckel with special guest artist Kayla Phillips Boerckel. This exhibition marks a significant milestone for an artist who has spent
Event Details
The Foster Gallery is excited to present “Unveiled Faces” by Aaron Boerckel with special guest artist Kayla Phillips Boerckel.
This exhibition marks a significant milestone for an artist who has spent a lifetime creating and storing art in the shadows of sketchbooks, closets, and digital folders. For years, his practice has been a private pursuit, ranging from sketches on sticky notes in a call center, to digital drawings and watercolor portraits. Now, for the first time, he is sharing his work and love for portraiture, capturing the emotions and stories found in the human face.
Reception: Friday, November 1, 5-8 PM
Live Music by Scott Anderson
Exhibition Dates: November 1 – November 25
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].
Cost
Free
Fri01Nov(Nov 1)11:00 AMFri20Dec4:00 PM11th Annual A Small Wonder Gift Shop Gallery 3R
Time
November 1, 2024 11:00 AM - December 20, 2024 4:00 PM
Event Details
A small wonder means small work from local artists and that means work priced for holiday gifts! Gallery 3R is turned into a gift shop for small works of art.
Event Details
A small wonder means small work from local artists and that means work priced for holiday gifts! Gallery 3R is turned into a gift shop for small works of art. Just like a gift shop, buyers may take home the item at the time of purchase. Shop early for the art lover in your life. Glass, ceramics, paintings, sculpture, jewelry, original prints and lots more will be on display.
Cost
FREE
Fri01Nov(Nov 1)11:00 AMFri20Dec4:00 PMTerri Shockency: Double Entendre Preston Jackson Gallery
Time
November 1, 2024 11:00 AM - December 20, 2024 4:00 PM
Location
Contemporary Art Center of Peoria
305 SW Water St
Event Details
Terri Shockency creates paintings that are illustrated puns, and the punchline is the title. In her series, If Animals Were People, she depicts famous people as their anthropomorphic selves, revealing
Event Details
Terri Shockency creates paintings that are illustrated puns, and the punchline is the title. In her series, If Animals Were People, she depicts famous people as their anthropomorphic selves, revealing our absurdly happy human relationships. She began the series during the dark days of the pandemic to cheer herself and hopefully others as well.
Cost
FREE
Wed13NovAll DaySun05Janmy watercolor journey
Time
November 13, 2024 - January 5, 2025 (All Day)
Event Details
Wherever the journey takes her, Ati Peterson seeks out locals to learn about their favorite places and traditions. Beautiful scenery and wonderful memories inspire the watercolor paintings she creates in
Event Details
Wherever the journey takes her, Ati Peterson seeks out locals to learn about their favorite places and traditions. Beautiful scenery and wonderful memories inspire the watercolor paintings she creates in Washington, IL.
Meet the artist at the exhibit reception on December 8th, 2-4pm.
View the exhibit from November 13th, 2024, until January 5th, 2025, during regular Five Points hours: Mon-Thurs 4.30am-9pm, Fri 4.30am-7pm, Sat 6am-6pm, Sun 7am-6pm. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s.
Greeting cards can be purchased at the front desk throughout the duration of the exhibit (cash only). Fine art prints available at the reception, or email: [email protected]. 20% off all proceeds from the exhibit will be donated back to Five Points.
FIVE POINTS WASHINGTON
360 N WILMOR RD.
WASHINGTON, IL 61571
Cost
Free
Organizer
Sat16NovAll DayTue31Dec11th Annual 22 Veteran Artist Gallery at the Peoria Public Library
Time
November 16, 2024 - December 31, 2024 (All Day)
Location
Peoria Public Library - Main Branch
107 NE Monroe Street, Peoria Illinois
Event Details
The 11th annual Gallery Art Exhibit by 22 Veteran Artists opening ceremony is Nov 16th at 1PM at the Peoria Public main Library branch on Monroe St. in downtown Peoria.
Event Details
The 11th annual Gallery Art Exhibit by 22 Veteran Artists opening ceremony is Nov 16th at 1PM at the Peoria Public main Library branch on Monroe St. in downtown Peoria. The exhibits run thru Dec 31.
Featuring Mixed Media Art by our own military veterans. Special this year is a Meet and Greet. Please join us! Hear their stories and take home their autographs.
For more information, please contact Michael Regan 309-258-8957
Organizer
Thu21Nov10:00 AMThu2:00 PMPettengill-Morron House Museum Open House
Time
November 21, 2024 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Location
Pettengill-Morron House
1212 West Moss Ave
Event Details
Listed on the U.S National Register of Historic Places, this Second Empire-style house was built in 1868 for hardware merchant Moses Pettengill. Completely renovated in 1945, this historic home also
Event Details
Listed on the U.S National Register of Historic Places, this Second Empire-style house was built in 1868 for hardware merchant Moses Pettengill. Completely renovated in 1945, this historic home also showcases the treasures of the last owner, Jean Morron. It was donated to the Peoria Historical Society after her death in 1967, including her family collection of mid-18th century furnishings, artwork, artifacts and textiles, as well as earlier treasures belonging to the Pettengill family.
Cost
$10.00
Organizer
Thu21Nov8:00 PMThu10:00 PMWhisper & Shout: Open Mic for Poetry
Time
November 21, 2024 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Location
Contemporary Art Center of Peoria
305 SW Water St
Event Details
Whisper & Shout: Open Mic for Poetry Thursday, November 21, 2024 ~ 8:00 – 10:00 pm When checking in at the door, be prepared to share your table and seat
Event Details
Whisper & Shout: Open Mic for Poetry
Thursday, November 21, 2024 ~ 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: Tiara Nicole
Spoken word artist and author Tiara Nicole of Kansas City, Missouri was Kansas City’s People Choice Award winner for Best Spoken Word Artist in 2021. She is an author of two books: “Tell My Son, ‘Thank You’” (a collection of poems she has performed on stage) and “Bittersweet 16 Lost Soul….Naive Girl” (a project she put together after experiencing sexual assault). When Tiara is not performing, she works as a Program Manager for Poetry for Personal Power. As an advocate for mental health Tiara believes that art in its many facets can change the world and the way mental health recovery viewed.
Cost
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)
Fri22NovAll DayThu19DecCrimson Door Holiday Sale
Time
November 22, 2024 - December 19, 2024 (All Day)
Event Details
Crimson Door Holiday Sale – November 22 to December 19, 2024 Join us for the Crimson Door Holiday Sale at the Peoria Art Guild, featuring one-of-a-kind, handmade gifts from our talented
Event Details
Crimson Door Holiday Sale – November 22 to December 19, 2024
Join us for the Crimson Door Holiday Sale at the Peoria Art Guild, featuring one-of-a-kind, handmade gifts from our talented members. This unique sale runs from November 22 to December 19, 2024, and showcases art across various mediums including ceramics, fiber art, wearable art, resin art, watercolor, Jewelry, photography, and more!
It’s the perfect opportunity to find truly special holiday gifts while supporting local artists. Don’t miss out on these beautiful creations—each piece is as unique as the person you’re shopping for!
The Shoppes at Grand Prairie will also be hosting a tree light and Santa’s arrival from 5:30-7:30 that evening!
Shop hours: Monday – Friday 10-4:30pm and Saturday 10-3pm
Cost
Free and open to the public
Organizer
Fri22Nov5:00 PMFri8:00 PMCrimson Door Holiday Sale Opening Night
Time
November 22, 2024 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Event Details
Crimson Door Holiday Sale – November 22 to December 19, 2024 Join us for the Crimson Door Holiday Sale at the Peoria Art Guild, featuring one-of-a-kind, handmade gifts from our
Event Details
Crimson Door Holiday Sale – November 22 to December 19, 2024
Join us for the Crimson Door Holiday Sale at the Peoria Art Guild, featuring one-of-a-kind, handmade gifts from our talented members. This unique sale runs from November 22 to December 19, 2024, and showcases art across various mediums including ceramics, fiber art, wearable art, resin art, watercolor, Jewelry, photography, and more!
It’s the perfect opportunity to find truly special holiday gifts while supporting local artists. Don’t miss out on these beautiful creations—each piece is as unique as the person you’re shopping for!
The Shoppes at Grand Prairie will also be hosting a tree light and Santa’s arrival from 5:30-7:30 that evening!
Cost
Free and open to the public
Organizer
Fri22Nov5:30 PMFri7:30 PMOpen Studio and Sale 4th Friday
Time
November 22, 2024 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Cost
Free
Organizer
Fri22Nov6:30 PMFri9:00 PMBig Picture Peoria Film Festival Opening Night
Time
November 22, 2024 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Event Details
In honor of our host, Distillery Labs, Big Picture Peoria Film Festival opening night’s theme is “innovation.” Friday night’s filmmakers have taken on innovative approaches to telling their stories—they’ve taken
Event Details
In honor of our host, Distillery Labs, Big Picture Peoria Film Festival opening night’s theme is “innovation.” Friday night’s filmmakers have taken on innovative approaches to telling their stories—they’ve taken risks with their script, camera work, and story structures.
Following the films will be a memorable panel discussion with filmmakers about production experiences that didn’t go quite as planned— ie.
absurd behind-the-scenes stories and unexpected curveballs during shooting or editing. Free but you can help us plan on refreshments if you reserve your spot for the opening night of the festival where you can be inspired and connect with filmmakers across the Midwest! Reserve at 309Tix.com
Cost
Free