The Peoria Art Guild is thrilled to announce it has been awarded an $8,980 grant from the Community Foundation of Central Illinois to launch Art Without Boundaries in June of 2025, an exciting new initiative providing free arts education to youth across Central Illinois.

Rooted in the Wallace Foundation’s Connecting Arts Learning Framework, Art Without Boundaries will offer no cost arts experiences, ensuring that all youth under 18 have access to high-quality, diverse arts education. The program fosters creativity, critical thinking, and mentorship by engaging young artists early and empowering them to inspire the next generation.

“This grant will allow us to offer FREE art classes to ALL youth under the age of 18, removing financial and geographic barriers and ensuring that every young person has the opportunity to create, learn, and grow through art,” said Shannon Cox, Executive Director of the Peoria Art Guild. “We are thankful to the Community Foundation of Central Illinois for their support of this program.”

To further eliminate obstacles to participation, we are also partnering with the Peoria Public Library to hold classes at select library branches, and with CityLink Greater Peoria Mass Transit to provide bus passes for students and parents traveling to our class locations. This removes all barriers for children to create with us.

And there’s more, the Peoria Art Guild is excited to announce an expansion of its classroom space at The Shoppes at Grand Prairie. The new space, which will open on May 29, 2025 at 5:30pm with a celebration and ribbon cutting will accommodate more classes and create more opportunities for students to participate in arts programming. The Guild will still have its space in downtown Peoria for teaching and exhibitions.

Opening Celebration/Ribbon Cutting

Peoria Art Guild at the Shoppes at Grand Prairie
5201 W War Memorial Dr Suite 225, Peoria Il 61615
May 29, 2025 at 5:30 PM

Through Art Without Boundaries and this new classroom expansion, the Peoria Art Guild reaffirms its commitment to making the arts accessible to every young person in our community, regardless of financial means or geographic location.

The Peoria Art Guild is thrilled to announce it has been awarded an $8,980 grant from the Community Foundation of Central Illinois to launch Art Without Boundaries in June of 2025, an exciting new initiative providing free arts education to youth across Central Illinois.

Rooted in the Wallace Foundation’s Connecting Arts Learning Framework, Art Without Boundaries will offer no cost arts experiences, ensuring that all youth under 18 have access to high-quality, diverse arts education. The program fosters creativity, critical thinking, and mentorship by engaging young artists early and empowering them to inspire the next generation.

“This grant will allow us to offer FREE art classes to ALL youth under the age of 18, removing financial and geographic barriers and ensuring that every young person has the opportunity to create, learn, and grow through art,” said Shannon Cox, Executive Director of the Peoria Art Guild. “We are thankful to the Community Foundation of Central Illinois for their support of this program.”

To further eliminate obstacles to participation, we are also partnering with the Peoria Public Library to hold classes at select library branches, and with CityLink Greater Peoria Mass Transit to provide bus passes for students and parents traveling to our class locations. This removes all barriers for children to create with us.

And there’s more, the Peoria Art Guild is excited to announce an expansion of its classroom space at The Shoppes at Grand Prairie. The new space, which will open on May 29, 2025 at 5:30pm with a celebration and ribbon cutting will accommodate more classes and create more opportunities for students to participate in arts programming. The Guild will still have its space in downtown Peoria for teaching and exhibitions.

Opening Celebration/Ribbon Cutting

Peoria Art Guild at the Shoppes at Grand Prairie
5201 W War Memorial Dr Suite 225, Peoria Il 61615
May 29, 2025 at 5:30 PM

Through Art Without Boundaries and this new classroom expansion, the Peoria Art Guild reaffirms its commitment to making the arts accessible to every young person in our community, regardless of financial means or geographic location.

Bill Conger’s new artwork is often an exploration of refinement that is physical, emotional, and grandiose, and paired with a rawness where process confronts memory and myth, both belabored by today’s societal expectations and those worthy of close examination.
Conger’s work is characterized by his conversational engagement coupled with his casual accumulation of information through objects. His immediacy to process his findings is focused on urban life and how we relate to it. With awareness of his evolution and growth, change is the result of combining past processes and re-interpretation of his personal experiences, always with a nod to the present. To move forward, there must be an acceptance of the permutation of common objects. As viewers, we must acknowledge that progress is accomplished discreetly, and we must embrace the difference.

This series of photographs carries multiple objectives, representing an exploration of various methods, materials, and technologies available through the medium of Photography. It also represents a narrative that calls attention to the societal expectations placed on women, and the pressures we place on ourselves as a result. It is about how we as women interact with our world, and some of the different ways we may view ourselves.

The Foster Gallery is pleased to present “Where Beauty Rests” by Pamela Crady & Sarah Zobrist.
This exhibit invites you to experience the beauty of the world through the eyes of two artists—Sarah Zobrist and Pamela Crady—who find deep meaning and joy in the beauty of God’s creation.
Our hope is that each viewer leaves feeling inspired, uplifted, and more deeply connected to the beauty that surrounds us all.

Reception: Friday, August 1, 5-8 PM

Live Music by Darel Monteith

SHOW DATES: August 1 – August 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].

Create a unique art piece using alcohol ink.
$30 includes all supplies needed.

Harmonize Peoria’s Garage Band Open Stage is back for another 10-week summer run! Every Tuesday, we roll up the garage door, set out our collection of donated instruments, and invite the community to create music together with the help of a different local host band each week.
Here’s how it works:
🎵 The host band kicks things off with a few songs, then opens the stage to anyone who signs up.
🎸 You can play solo, jump in with the host band, or build a band from fellow attendees.
🥁 Total beginner or just curious? Come try out the instruments—even if you’re not ready to play on stage yet.
We provide:
✅ Full back line and all instruments/gear (though you’re welcome to bring your own)
✅ A dedicated sound person
✅ A welcoming, no-pressure space to play, explore, and connect
🎯 Priority stage time is given to artists under 21, but all ages are welcome to join in or cheer from the crowd!
🪑 We’ve got lots of seating and will have chips and soda available for purchase. Feel free to bring your own chairs and snacks. No alcohol, please.
✨ Each week features a different host band and unique musical vibe—follow along for updates and get ready to plug in, jam out, and grow your love for music.
This event is happening largely thanks to the project support we’ll be receiving from Arts Dollars funds, provided by the Illinois Arts Council Agency, ArtsPartners of Central Illinois, and Community Foundation of Central Illinois.

This is a 5 week long course that runs every Tuesday from July 22 to August 19 at 6:00PM to 8:00PM. Have you been inspired by comics? Whether it’s a Garfield comic strip or the world of Marvel, comics are one of the most expressive forms of storytelling. In this class we’ll begin building up your world, which could be fantasy, sci-fi, reality, anything you choose! We’ll continue with fundamentals of comic creation such as composition, inking, character design, etc. Our end goal is to create your character reference, as well as one full page of your comic.
Materials provided by student: Sketchbook and pencil
Materials provided by Peoria Art Guild: Fine liners, paper
Ages 12-17

This is a 6 week long course that runs every Tuesday from July 15 to August 19 at 6:00PM to 8:00PM. Learn the basics of watercolor or take your skills to the next level in the 6- week class for both beginners and intermediate watercolor artists. Learn the very basics of how to get pigment on paper, understand how watercolor paint works, explore the different types of paper, brushes, and create at least one painting per class. This 6-week class includes drawing lessons, value sketches, still life paintings, and various studies on how to paint different types of objects.
Materials: All materials provided
Ages 16

Kids!! Ages 9-12 Sign up for a 2 day art camp experience or all 8 days in August! All days are 2 hour sessions 3pm – 5pm

August 6 & 7 Paper Mache ($30)
August 13 & 14 Drawing and Painting ($30)
August 20 & 21 Watercolor ($30)
August 27 & 28 Pen and Ink ($30)
All four camps (8 dates) $100 – (saves $20)

Note: You can choose a week, or all four weeks on the checkout screen. If you want multiple weeks, but not 4, contact us and we’ll make that happen!

Pixie covers a foundation in all these arts lending expertise from her30 years of teaching art.

Join us for flexible open studio printmaking experience! Designed for experienced printmakers, these sessions allow you to work independently in our fully equipped print studio.
Must have prior experience in a print studio OR completion of a Peoria Art Guild printmaking class and familiarity with printshop equipment and clean-up procedures.
An experienced printmaking monitor will be on-site to assist with questions. $10 per session covers materials like ink, paper, and studio access. Walk-ins are welcome, but pre-registration through the Peoria Art Guild Website is encouraged.
Ages 18

Aaron Sorkin’s groundbreaking debut tells the story of a group of military lawyers assigned to defend two Marines in Guantanamo Bay. During the course of the trial, they uncover a high-level conspiracy designed to eliminate weaker soldiers in the name of patriotism.

PLAYING
August 1-3 & August 6-9 at 7:30pm
AT DUNLAP HIGH SCHOOL

TICKETS
$20 | Adults
$17 | Students (18 and under)

Tickets go on sale July 11th.

Produced as the Peoria Players Summer Youth Theatre, the ghost-with-the-most comes to the stage in Beetlejuice JR., the frightfully funny musical based on the beloved motion picture turned Broadway phenomenon. With music and lyrics by Tony Award-nominee Eddie Perfect and a book by Tony Award-nominated pair Anthony King and Scott Brown, Beetlejuice was nominated for eight 2019 Tony Awards including Best New Musical. A viral “sucks-yes” on social media, this musical struck a chord with young theatre lovers who adored its unabashed humor and emotional honesty. Created for the generation that made it a hit, Beetlejuice JR. is a wacky theatrical party for all! Beetlejuice, JR. is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International.
Performances: August 6, 7, 8 & 9 – 7:30 pm; August 10 – 2:00 pm
Tickets on sale July 14

August 1-9 *Regional Premiere of Adult Cast*

In the beautiful mountainous kingdom of Arendelle, Princesses Anna and Elsa grow up sheltered inside their castle, isolated from the world and increasingly distant from each other. When Elsa is crowned queen, the magical powers she’s desperately tried to conceal from her sister take control, and she flees into the mountains. As a ferocious winter descends on Arendelle, Anna sets off on an epic journey to find Elsa and bring her home – with the help of hardworking ice harvester Kristoff, his loyal reindeer Sven, and a happy-go-lucky snowman named Olaf.

This Second Empire-style house was built in 1868 for hardware merchant Moses Pettengill and completely renovated in 1945. It now showcases a fine collection of objects owned by its last owner, Jean Morron—including mid-18th century furnishings, artwork, artifacts and textiles—as well as earlier items belonging to the Pettengill family.

Cost: $10

This is a 6 week course that runs every Thursday from July 17 to August 21 at 4:30PM to 5:30PM. In this beginner drawing class, we will be covering how to draw what we see by understanding how to build from shapes while also measuring. We will mostly be doing still-lifes so we can learn how to render shadows and get various tones out of an object with just graphite. The basics of both one point and two-point perspective will be taught so we can create minor illustrations set to a fun prompt in order to flex our creativity. Along the way, we will also cover the basics of the figure. By the end of the course, I hope the artist in attendance can more comfortably draw things that they both see with their eyes, and in their head!
Materials: All materials provided
Ages 8-13

August 1-9 *Regional Premiere of Adult Cast*

In the beautiful mountainous kingdom of Arendelle, Princesses Anna and Elsa grow up sheltered inside their castle, isolated from the world and increasingly distant from each other. When Elsa is crowned queen, the magical powers she’s desperately tried to conceal from her sister take control, and she flees into the mountains. As a ferocious winter descends on Arendelle, Anna sets off on an epic journey to find Elsa and bring her home – with the help of hardworking ice harvester Kristoff, his loyal reindeer Sven, and a happy-go-lucky snowman named Olaf.

Aaron Sorkin’s groundbreaking debut tells the story of a group of military lawyers assigned to defend two Marines in Guantanamo Bay. During the course of the trial, they uncover a high-level conspiracy designed to eliminate weaker soldiers in the name of patriotism.

PLAYING
August 1-3 & August 6-9 at 7:30pm
AT DUNLAP HIGH SCHOOL

TICKETS
$20 | Adults
$17 | Students (18 and under)

Tickets go on sale July 11th.

Produced as the Peoria Players Summer Youth Theatre, the ghost-with-the-most comes to the stage in Beetlejuice JR., the frightfully funny musical based on the beloved motion picture turned Broadway phenomenon. With music and lyrics by Tony Award-nominee Eddie Perfect and a book by Tony Award-nominated pair Anthony King and Scott Brown, Beetlejuice was nominated for eight 2019 Tony Awards including Best New Musical. A viral “sucks-yes” on social media, this musical struck a chord with young theatre lovers who adored its unabashed humor and emotional honesty. Created for the generation that made it a hit, Beetlejuice JR. is a wacky theatrical party for all! Beetlejuice, JR. is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International.
Performances: August 6, 7, 8 & 9 – 7:30 pm; August 10 – 2:00 pm
Tickets on sale July 14

Whisper & Shout: Open Mic for Poetry
Thursday, August 7, 2025 ~ 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: Butta Biscuittt and Radio Raheema
Butta Biscuittt is an erotic poet originally from Peoria, Illinois, now based in Dallas, Texas. Known for her bold, sultry wordplay and unapologetic authenticity, she uses poetry to explore themes of desire, empowerment, and intimacy. Her performances captivate audiences with a mix of raw emotion, humor, and sensual energy. Through her art, Butta Biscuittt creates a safe space for self-expression, liberation, and celebration of the feminine.
Radio Raheema is a passionate poet from Chicago, IL whose work centers on Black womanhood, resistance, and cultural pride, often weaving in musical influences and historical references. With each performance, Radio Raheema creates space for healing, connection, and unapologetic authenticity. Together, Butta Biscuittt and Radio Raheema represent a new wave of poetic voices—fearless, unfiltered, and deeply rooted in truth.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Susi Butler Email: [email protected] Phone: 309-696-5558

Peoria’s Best Rummage Sale Returns for its 12th Year!
PEORIA, IL — July 29, 2025 — If you’re a fan of bargains, this is your moment. The First Federated Church Annual Rummage Sale is back, and it’s earned its reputation with shoppers as the best rummage sale in Peoria. Doors open at 9 AM, but the line starts forming by 6 AM!
WHEN: Friday, August 8 & Saturday, August 9
TIME: 9 AM – 3 PM
WHERE: Life Together Center, 3625 N. Sheridan Rd., Peoria, IL
(Corner of Sheridan and War Memorial)

What You’ll Find
All items are meticulously sorted and organized for display in one of our many departments inside our 13,000 square feet of event rental space!

Departments include: Antiques, Tools, Jewelry, Toys, Books, LOTS of Furniture, Artwork, Dishes, Small appliances, Housewares, Holiday décor, Linens, and preschool classroom items from our former preschool program. You can easily furnish an entire dorm, apartment or event a full home at this sale!

With 49 volunteers ages 12 to 97 working together, this event is a multigenerational labor of love that brings people together and sends every penny earned back out into the world.

Why It Matters
100% of proceeds go directly to First Federated Church’s mission programs, including:
The Center for Prevention of Abuse, Children’s Home, Central Illinois Center for the Blind & Visually Impaired, Crittenton Centers, Dream Center, Family Core, Graceland, Center for Purposeful Aging, Hult Center for Healthy Living, Midwest Food Bank, Neighborhood House of Peoria, Paws Giving Independence, Peoria Grown, Snack Pack Program, South Side Mission
In addition, FFC also supports special one-time causes, international giving, and fundraisers as part of its broader mission work.

A Sale That Enriches Lives
Not only are you giving quality items a second life and keeping them out of landfills, but every dollar raised goes to a child’s snack, area programs, or a community’s growth.
And perhaps most beautifully, this sale enriches the lives of every volunteer who helps run it. From sorting and pricing to hauling and helping, the intergenerational team builds bonds, shares laughter, and experiences the power of giving firsthand.

Don’t Miss It!
Come early. Bring bags. Expect joy. Friday, August 8 & Saturday, August 9 from 9 AM – 3 PM at the Life Together Center, where events come to life!

We will create a mini book covered in fabric without sewing.
Bring a piece of your favorite fabric (12″x8″). or use fabric provided.
Materials are included in the $30 fee.
Student Max: 6
Instructor Ruth Inman

Project 1612 (an artist-run exhibition space and residency program) is celebrating a decade of supporting and exhibiting artists. Join the co-founders (Jessica Bingham and Alexander Martin) for a panel discussion with visiting artists (listed below) to share about their work and research. This panel discussion supports the main exhibition reception on Saturday, August 9th from 6-9pm in Morton. All events are free and open to the public. Please visit their social media pages at Project 1612 and website at jessicabinghamart.com.

Event Details:
Friday, August 8th at 4:30pm
Panel discussion with Project 1612 co-founders and visiting artists Eric Anthony Berdis, Kiley Brandt, Mona Gazala, and Joey Knox
Peoria Public Library Main Branch
107 NE Monroe St, Peoria, Illinois

This event is supported by Big Picture Peoria.

Live at the Five Spot: The Sweet Nothings
Friday, August 8, 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:
The Sweet Nothings is a traditional jazz group from Bloomington, led by Trenton Perry on guitar. Backed by Allison Thabit on trumpet, Joe Sandy on accordion, Joe Holland on bass, and Eric Knutilla on percussion. They are influenced by the traditional music of New Orleans and artists such as Django Reinhardt, Fats Waller, Louis Armstrong and many others of that era. Aside from early jazz they also dabble in other genres such as Western Swing, Musette, Boleros and more. Some tunes you may recognize from their vast repertoire may include “On The Sunny Side of the Street,” “All of Me,” and “La Vie en Rose.” They bring fresh, new energy to the genre and have become a recent favorite of the swing dance groups in central Illinois. Whether it’s on a stage or street corner; retirement home or burlesque show, The Sweet Nothings have been sharing their spin on early jazz classics in every nook and cranny they can find in central Illinois.

August 1-9 *Regional Premiere of Adult Cast*

In the beautiful mountainous kingdom of Arendelle, Princesses Anna and Elsa grow up sheltered inside their castle, isolated from the world and increasingly distant from each other. When Elsa is crowned queen, the magical powers she’s desperately tried to conceal from her sister take control, and she flees into the mountains. As a ferocious winter descends on Arendelle, Anna sets off on an epic journey to find Elsa and bring her home – with the help of hardworking ice harvester Kristoff, his loyal reindeer Sven, and a happy-go-lucky snowman named Olaf.

Produced as the Peoria Players Summer Youth Theatre, the ghost-with-the-most comes to the stage in Beetlejuice JR., the frightfully funny musical based on the beloved motion picture turned Broadway phenomenon. With music and lyrics by Tony Award-nominee Eddie Perfect and a book by Tony Award-nominated pair Anthony King and Scott Brown, Beetlejuice was nominated for eight 2019 Tony Awards including Best New Musical. A viral “sucks-yes” on social media, this musical struck a chord with young theatre lovers who adored its unabashed humor and emotional honesty. Created for the generation that made it a hit, Beetlejuice JR. is a wacky theatrical party for all! Beetlejuice, JR. is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International.
Performances: August 6, 7, 8 & 9 – 7:30 pm; August 10 – 2:00 pm
Tickets on sale July 14

Aaron Sorkin’s groundbreaking debut tells the story of a group of military lawyers assigned to defend two Marines in Guantanamo Bay. During the course of the trial, they uncover a high-level conspiracy designed to eliminate weaker soldiers in the name of patriotism.

PLAYING
August 1-3 & August 6-9 at 7:30pm
AT DUNLAP HIGH SCHOOL

TICKETS
$20 | Adults
$17 | Students (18 and under)

Tickets go on sale July 11th.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Susi Butler Email: [email protected] Phone: 309-696-5558

Peoria’s Best Rummage Sale Returns for its 12th Year!
PEORIA, IL — July 29, 2025 — If you’re a fan of bargains, this is your moment. The First Federated Church Annual Rummage Sale is back, and it’s earned its reputation with shoppers as the best rummage sale in Peoria. Doors open at 9 AM, but the line starts forming by 6 AM!
WHEN: Friday, August 8 & Saturday, August 9
TIME: 9 AM – 3 PM
WHERE: Life Together Center, 3625 N. Sheridan Rd., Peoria, IL
(Corner of Sheridan and War Memorial)

What You’ll Find
All items are meticulously sorted and organized for display in one of our many departments inside our 13,000 square feet of event rental space!

Departments include: Antiques, Tools, Jewelry, Toys, Books, LOTS of Furniture, Artwork, Dishes, Small appliances, Housewares, Holiday décor, Linens, and preschool classroom items from our former preschool program. You can easily furnish an entire dorm, apartment or event a full home at this sale!

With 49 volunteers ages 12 to 97 working together, this event is a multigenerational labor of love that brings people together and sends every penny earned back out into the world.

Why It Matters
100% of proceeds go directly to First Federated Church’s mission programs, including:
The Center for Prevention of Abuse, Children’s Home, Central Illinois Center for the Blind & Visually Impaired, Crittenton Centers, Dream Center, Family Core, Graceland, Center for Purposeful Aging, Hult Center for Healthy Living, Midwest Food Bank, Neighborhood House of Peoria, Paws Giving Independence, Peoria Grown, Snack Pack Program, South Side Mission
In addition, FFC also supports special one-time causes, international giving, and fundraisers as part of its broader mission work.

A Sale That Enriches Lives
Not only are you giving quality items a second life and keeping them out of landfills, but every dollar raised goes to a child’s snack, area programs, or a community’s growth.
And perhaps most beautifully, this sale enriches the lives of every volunteer who helps run it. From sorting and pricing to hauling and helping, the intergenerational team builds bonds, shares laughter, and experiences the power of giving firsthand.

Don’t Miss It!
Come early. Bring bags. Expect joy. Friday, August 8 & Saturday, August 9 from 9 AM – 3 PM at the Life Together Center, where events come to life!

Come and learn how to paint with just coffee. $25 covers cost of materials, and instruction.

No experience needed.

Instructor: Ruth Inman

View the beauty and explore the history of some gracious homes along Grandview Drive. Learn about the area’s transportation industry, the once-thriving Pabst Brewery, and the LeTourneau all-steel homes found on the nearby streets of Peoria Heights.

This tour departs from and returns to the Peoria Heights Village Hall parking lot at 4901 N. Prospect Road

11:30 AM Meet & Greet. Bring a sack lunch if you like.
12:00 PM Roll Call with readings of original or favorite poems by members and guests.
1:00 PM Program: Roger Davis, a writer and friend of poetry, will present “My Me.”

From May to October, every second and fourth Saturday of the month, you can visit our own resident blacksmith at work in the Farm Building, from noon to 4pm! Included with admission

August 1-9 *Regional Premiere of Adult Cast*

In the beautiful mountainous kingdom of Arendelle, Princesses Anna and Elsa grow up sheltered inside their castle, isolated from the world and increasingly distant from each other. When Elsa is crowned queen, the magical powers she’s desperately tried to conceal from her sister take control, and she flees into the mountains. As a ferocious winter descends on Arendelle, Anna sets off on an epic journey to find Elsa and bring her home – with the help of hardworking ice harvester Kristoff, his loyal reindeer Sven, and a happy-go-lucky snowman named Olaf.

COMEDY GOLD TAKES THE BARN III STAGE!
Fifty years ago, Chaunce Conklin brought TV stars to Goodfield—and we’re keeping the tradition alive!

Join us for an unforgettable night of comedy as Marc Price—beloved as Skippy from Family Ties—hits the stage with his “Love Thy Wacky Neighbor” tour.

The laughs start early with performances by local comedians and the talented Barn III troupe, serving up a dose of hometown humor before Marc takes the spotlight. It’s the perfect way to celebrate our legacy of bringing stars and smiles to Goodfield. Don’t miss this special evening of nostalgia and nonstop laughter!

TICKETS: $85
Doors Open: 5:45pm
Dinner Served: 6-6:30pm
Show Starts: 6:45pm
Ticket includes entertainment, appetizer, salad, entree, sides and dessert. Coffee, Tea and Water. Bar service available on site at additional cost.

LEARN MORE: https://www.thebarniii.com/
(309) 965-2545

Project 1612 is proud to present “Ripples: The 10th Anniversary Invitational” on Saturday, August 9th from 6:00 to 9:00pm in the backyard location in Morton, Illinois. Related programming and dates/times can be found on our linked website.

This milestone exhibition will feature seven artists from our past, including Eric Anthony Berdis (2018 alum), Kiley Brandt (2019 alum), Tyanna J. Buie (2023 alum), Adam Farcus (2017 alum), Peytin Fitzgerald (2022 alum), Mona Gazala (2018 alum), and Joey Knox (2016 & 2018 alum).

In regard to the chaotic political climate and global suffering that the world is navigating, this exhibition will connect us to where we have been, and where we are going. These artists explore and magnify themes of climate change, Blackness, Queerness, education, femininity, apartheid, immigration, and exploitation in their work. They remind us that we are all connected, that history is here, and that our choices today will impact us for years to come.

Project 1612 exhibitions are organized by co-founders Jessica Bingham and Alexander Martin. This exhibition is sponsored by Big Picture Initiative, a Peoria, Illinois grassroots 501(c)(3) organization “formed by a group of dedicated volunteers who believe that art has the power to change our community.”

Date: August 9, 2025
Time: 7:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Location: Mackinaw Vineyard
Do you like to dance?? THIS IS THE BAND FOR YOU! Big sound, big lights, and the party never stopping all night long!

Come see why Stereo Typical is one of the hottest new bands on the scene! Members hail from the Springfield & Peoria areas and birthed this band from their experiences as members of TN Borderline, The Shake, Mystery Machine, Jameson Freeway, and Vintage Daze! Playing your favorite classic rock, country, and pop favorites that are sure to get you on your feet.

Members are- Rhythm Guitar, Bethany Deem – Lead Female Vocals, Keyboards, Gary Lohrenz – Lead Guitar, Vocals, Michael Eads – Lead Guitar, Vocals, Mark Killion – Bass, Vocals and James Mangis – Drums, Vocals.

$5 per person band cover, 12 & under free. Bring a lawn chair to enjoy lawn seating or call to reserve seating for an additional $5pp,deck and patio seating is limited. You may bring your own food and snacks, just NO BEVERAGES of any kind. A beverage is defined as “any liquid” that you drink.”Wine tasting and wine, beer, sodas, pizzas, cheese & crackers and chocolates for sale.

Aaron Sorkin’s groundbreaking debut tells the story of a group of military lawyers assigned to defend two Marines in Guantanamo Bay. During the course of the trial, they uncover a high-level conspiracy designed to eliminate weaker soldiers in the name of patriotism.

PLAYING
August 1-3 & August 6-9 at 7:30pm
AT DUNLAP HIGH SCHOOL

TICKETS
$20 | Adults
$17 | Students (18 and under)

Tickets go on sale July 11th.

Produced as the Peoria Players Summer Youth Theatre, the ghost-with-the-most comes to the stage in Beetlejuice JR., the frightfully funny musical based on the beloved motion picture turned Broadway phenomenon. With music and lyrics by Tony Award-nominee Eddie Perfect and a book by Tony Award-nominated pair Anthony King and Scott Brown, Beetlejuice was nominated for eight 2019 Tony Awards including Best New Musical. A viral “sucks-yes” on social media, this musical struck a chord with young theatre lovers who adored its unabashed humor and emotional honesty. Created for the generation that made it a hit, Beetlejuice JR. is a wacky theatrical party for all! Beetlejuice, JR. is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International.
Performances: August 6, 7, 8 & 9 – 7:30 pm; August 10 – 2:00 pm
Tickets on sale July 14

The Peoria Municipal Band, under the direction of Dr. David Vroman, will begin their 88th season of summer concerts with a Memorial Day Performance at the Gateway Building on Monday, May 26th at 10:30 a.m. This brief performance will be followed at 11:00 a.m. by the Peoria Memorial Association Program to remember those who have died in service to our country. Then, on Sunday, June 1st at 7:00 p.m. in the Glen Oak Park Amphitheater in Peoria, Illinois, the Morton Civic Chorus will join the band for the summer kick-off concert.

The 2025 summer concert series will consist of 24 performances by a band of 50 musicians. Concerts by the band feature vocal soloists, instrumental soloists, marches, overtures, Broadway and film music and more. On Sundays Emack and Bolio’s Ice Cream will be there and on three special evenings a food truck will also be in attendance; June 8th is Mac Daddy Spudz, July 13th is Grill Em All and August 10th is Tony’s On Wheels/Haddads. All Sunday evening concerts will be on the Fred Huber Bandshell in the Glen Oak Park Amphitheater at 7:00 p.m. beginning June 1st and running weekly until August 10th.

Wednesday evening performances are presented at the corner of Water and State Street and begin June 8th running each Wednesday until the final concert on August 6th. Pat Sullivan and his crew at Kelleher’s Irish Pub and Eatery are our hosts and seating and food is available. All Peoria Municipal Band concerts are free of charge and parking is adjacent to the performing venues. Many bring their lawn chair or blanket to enjoy the concert on the grass.

Two special Friday evening performances will be given this season. The first is at St. Philomena’s Church and School on Friday June 27th at 7:00 p.m. Then on Friday July 18th the band will perform at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, also at 7:00 p.m. Weekly updates about the concerts can be found online at peoriamunicipalband.com.

The Peoria Municipal Band was formed in 1937 through the efforts of Local 26 of the American Federation of Musicians and interested citizens. Prior to 1937 the band was a professional municipal band complete with management and “Soloists of National Reputation”. Current band members come from all walks of life; many are currently music teachers in the local schools. They are selected by audition and then commit to a full season of rehearsals and performance. Hundreds of thousands of people have enjoyed their music since 1937. Today, with the support of the city, the band continues the long-standing tradition of excellence in music.
For more information contact:
Band Director David Vroman: [email protected]
Manager George Graves, Jr.: [email protected]
Publicity Coordinator, Liz Driscoll: [email protected]

Produced as the Peoria Players Summer Youth Theatre, the ghost-with-the-most comes to the stage in Beetlejuice JR., the frightfully funny musical based on the beloved motion picture turned Broadway phenomenon. With music and lyrics by Tony Award-nominee Eddie Perfect and a book by Tony Award-nominated pair Anthony King and Scott Brown, Beetlejuice was nominated for eight 2019 Tony Awards including Best New Musical. A viral “sucks-yes” on social media, this musical struck a chord with young theatre lovers who adored its unabashed humor and emotional honesty. Created for the generation that made it a hit, Beetlejuice JR. is a wacky theatrical party for all! Beetlejuice, JR. is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International.
Performances: August 6, 7, 8 & 9 – 7:30 pm; August 10 – 2:00 pm
Tickets on sale July 14

This is a 5 week long course that runs every Monday from July 21 to August 18 at 6:00PM to 8:00PM. Have you been inspired by comics? Whether it’s a Garfield comic strip or the world of Marvel, comics are one of the most expressive forms of storytelling. In this class we’ll begin building up your world, which could be fantasy, sci-fi, reality, anything you choose! We’ll continue with fundamentals of comic creation such as composition, inking, character design, etc. Our end goal is to create your character reference, as well as one full page of your comic.
Materials provided by student: Sketchbook and pencil
Materials provided by Peoria Art Guild: Fine liners, paper
Ages 18

Create a unique pair of earrings (or 2) using glass beads created by Leslie!

Class fee is $20 Plus supply bag of hand made glass beads ($35) – (additional beads may be purchased.)

Instructor: Leslie Pugh Schenkel

PYSANKY – Open Studio The classroom will be open from 5pm to 9pm for writing pysanky. This is not a class, practice eggers only please. No instruction This is a time for sharing and trying new ideas. Must be at least 12, under age of 16, must be accompanied by an adult. Cost $10

Maximum 12

Instructor: Crystal Potthoff

This is a 6 week long course that runs every Tuesday from July 15 to August 19 at 6:00PM to 8:00PM. Learn the basics of watercolor or take your skills to the next level in the 6- week class for both beginners and intermediate watercolor artists. Learn the very basics of how to get pigment on paper, understand how watercolor paint works, explore the different types of paper, brushes, and create at least one painting per class. This 6-week class includes drawing lessons, value sketches, still life paintings, and various studies on how to paint different types of objects.
Materials: All materials provided
Ages 16

This is a 5 week long course that runs every Tuesday from July 22 to August 19 at 6:00PM to 8:00PM. Have you been inspired by comics? Whether it’s a Garfield comic strip or the world of Marvel, comics are one of the most expressive forms of storytelling. In this class we’ll begin building up your world, which could be fantasy, sci-fi, reality, anything you choose! We’ll continue with fundamentals of comic creation such as composition, inking, character design, etc. Our end goal is to create your character reference, as well as one full page of your comic.
Materials provided by student: Sketchbook and pencil
Materials provided by Peoria Art Guild: Fine liners, paper
Ages 12-17

KIDS!! Ages 9 – 12

Sign up for a 2 day art camp experience or all 8 days in August.

ALL DAYS ARE 2-Hour sessions. 3pm – 5pm:

Aug 6 & 7: Paper mache ($30)

Aug 13 & 14: Drawing & Painting($30)

Aug 20 & 21: Watercolor ($30)

Aug 27 & 28: Pen & Ink ($30)

All 4 camps (all dates) $100. – [saves $20]

NOTE: You can choose a week or all 4 weeks on the checkout screen. If you want multiple weeks, but not 4, contact us and we’ll make that happen.

Pixie covers a foundation in all these arts lending expertise from her 30 years of teaching art.

Instructor: Miss Pixie

This Second Empire-style house was built in 1868 for hardware merchant Moses Pettengill and completely renovated in 1945. It now showcases a fine collection of objects owned by its last owner, Jean Morron—including mid-18th century furnishings, artwork, artifacts and textiles—as well as earlier items belonging to the Pettengill family.

Cost: $10

This is a 6 week course that runs every Thursday from July 17 to August 21 at 4:30PM to 5:30PM. In this beginner drawing class, we will be covering how to draw what we see by understanding how to build from shapes while also measuring. We will mostly be doing still-lifes so we can learn how to render shadows and get various tones out of an object with just graphite. The basics of both one point and two-point perspective will be taught so we can create minor illustrations set to a fun prompt in order to flex our creativity. Along the way, we will also cover the basics of the figure. By the end of the course, I hope the artist in attendance can more comfortably draw things that they both see with their eyes, and in their head!
Materials: All materials provided
Ages 8-13

AUDITIONS
Thursday, August 14
6-7:30pm (children ages 6 to 14)
7:45-9:30pm (teens/adults ages 15 to 75)

Friday, August 15
6-8pm (children ages 6 to 14)
8-9:30pm (teens/adults ages 15 to 75)

Saturday, August 16
10:30am-12:30pm (children ages 6 to 14)
1-4pm (teens/adults ages 15 to 75)

Those auditioning for the following roles should prepare only the songs listed below:
Annie – “TOMORROW”
Oliver Warbucks -“SOMETHING WAS MISSING”
Miss Hannigan – “LITTLE GIRLS”
Rooster Hannigan – “EASY STREET”

Vocal audition — If you are auditioning for any other roles, please prepare up to two minutes of a song from a Broadway show. You may bring sheet music or a track to sing with. An accompanist and a Bluetooth speaker will be provided.

Dance audition — Please bring dance or comfortable shoes and clothes.

Join us for a nature themed educational program for children ages 7 to 12 years old to experience and appreciate wildlife.

In Mammal Tracking, learn how to identify mammals using tracks, scat, pelts, and bones. Then, they will put these skills to the test in a tracking activity!

Meeting Location: Forest Hall
FREE for Member Child; $5 for Non-Member Child
Adult Chaperone required & FREE for the class
WPP Members receive FREE park admission. Regular park admission fee still applies for Non-Members. During Wild Nights, park admission is $7/person.
Reservations Required. Purchase Tickets Online