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!

Join Exhibit A Gallery as we host dRÉ for his exhibit Colordyme. Come explore the bold and dynamic colors of his vibrant paintings.
Exhibit dates May 2-31. Artist meet & greet Friday May 2, 5-7 PM

The Foster Gallery is pleased to present “Encounter with Minhwa” by Minah Kang. This exhibition reinterprets traditional Korean folk paintings (Minhwa) with a contemporary twist. Experience dynamic, modern interpretations of symbolic motifs like Chaekgado and Hwachohwa, using unique low-relief techniques and vibrant colors. Explore the fusion of tradition and innovation in this captivating art show.

Reception: Friday, May 2, 5-8 PM

Live Piano Music by Emanon Jazz Trio

SHOW DATES: May 1 – May 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].

Cultivate
Bradley University Photography Senior Capstone Exhibition
Project Space

Exhibition Statement:
Cultivate is the Bradley University Photography Senior Capstone Exhibition showcasing work from artists Emmily Scumaci and Jenna Zeise. This exhibition is the culmination of the students’ time in the Photography Concentration Major where they meticulously researched, photographed, printed, and framed the series presented in this show.

Scumaci’s Hidden Hands shines a light on the underappreciation of blue-collar workers. By photographing her father’s tools, dilapidated structures, and workspaces she showcases these laborers’ deteriorating work conditions as a result of industrialization. Zeise’s Reaped Abundance examines the legislative and societal censorship of the female body, reproduction, and menstruation, through use of allegorical objects such as fruits. To visually convey the censorship, she uses the digital manipulation technique of pixelation to control what sections we are forbidden to look at.

Both artists utilize still life compositions in their series, an ode to historical paintings while modernizing them through precision with studio lighting and crisp, digital photography. Scumaci’s regally lit tools elevate the worn and undervalued labor that helps build society, while Zeise’s images of fruits draw us in with their enticing vibrance and luminosity before we are confronted with their censorship, leaving us to question why something so natural would be hidden from view.

Please enjoy how the Bradley University Photography Seniors use the medium of photography to highlight the devalued and concealed parts of everyday life and labor.

Between Spaces: Work by Clark Valentine

Artist Statement:
My work explores the phenomenological experience of mark making. In my drawings, each mark becomes a unique repetition of the mark before it. Over time, the disruptions of the hand change the marks and the drawing takes itself in new directions. These variations of the marks become key compositional features. The process of drawing then becomes a balance between an active meditation of the mind and a passive response of the hand. In the making process, I seek to find moments of stillness where it feels as though my hand is moving on its own, responding to the needs of the drawing.

I am seeking a place of contemplative awareness, where my actions appear to become a passive response to the environment of the drawing. Through my studies of mysticism— the personal, experiential practice of spirituality—I am seeking a spiritual and mental state of stillness which is sought in nearly every religious tradition. Referencing Christian mystical traditions as well as Daoist traditions, these drawings become a record of time spent in silent contemplation. The slow, intentional movement of the body becomes integral to the work. Each mark becomes a piece of information, alluding not only to the time spent, but to my physical, mental and spiritual experience in that moment.

Clark Valentine Visual Voice’s Lecture – Bradley University
May 1st, 5pm Global Communication Center, Horowitz Auditorium. Free and Open to the Public.

The Rennick 2025 Art Exhibition is open to the public Tuesday-Saturday from 10-5pm and Sundays from 12-5pm at the Peoria Riverfront Museum.

Join Central Illinois Ballet for the high energy conclusion to their 2024/2025 season with a performance of Ballet to Broadway! This high-energy show celebrates the magic of Broadway through electrifying choreography set to iconic show tunes. From the jazzy stylings of Chicago to the classics of An American in Paris, this show will transport you to the dazzling lights of broadway!

View artwork from previous Paint The Path events at the Community Gallery Wall at Five Points Washington

Join the 2025 judge and general public for a tour of the exhibit as s/he shares insights on works featured in the Rennick 2025.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this American Federalist-style house was built in 1837 and is the oldest standing house in Peoria. Built on Peoria’s east bluff, the property offers a spectacular view of the Illinois River Valley. Collections include period furniture, china, tools, quilts and clothing.

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.

Join Central Illinois Ballet for the high energy conclusion to their 2024/2025 season with a performance of Ballet to Broadway! This high-energy show celebrates the magic of Broadway through electrifying choreography set to iconic show tunes. From the jazzy stylings of Chicago to the classics of An American in Paris, this show will transport you to the dazzling lights of broadway!

Stephanie Aaron was born and raised in our old vaudeville city of Peoria, IL and at an early age began singing and acting, ultimately receiving a Bachelor’s degree in Theatre Arts from Bradley University. After working for several years as an on-air radio talent, she moved to Chicago, where she immediately won long-running and thrilling steady gigs at Jilly’s on Rush Street and at the world famous Drake Hotel.

Stephanie has since become a fixture in Chicago jazz, appearing steadily all over the city at well-known nightclubs and hotels such as the Peninsula Hotel, Stetson’s Chophouse, and Andy’s Jazz Club; she’s also well known and respected on the southside of Chicago, where she spent countless nights honing her craft at jam sessions with the likes of Von Freeman and June Yvonne.

Stephanie’s latest project is her new cd entitled The Song of the Lark, which was recorded in Chicago with her husband, saxophone player/arranger Dan Nicholson, and other great area musicians. The record is a collection of beautifully and imaginatively arranged standards as well as a couple of surprises by writers like Bob Wills and Richard Carpenter.

The ever-popular CIJS House Band under the leadership of Larry Harms kicks off the evening, featuring outstanding jazz musicians from the area. They present a variety of jazz standards and other popular arrangements. Always a delight!

Time- 6 pm- House Band, 7:15-8:15 PM Guest Group
Location- Trailside Event Center, second floor of Trefzger’s Bakery, 4416 N. Prospect Road, Peoria Heights.
Cost- Members $8.00, Non-members $12.00, students free. Tickets sold at the door.

Beverages are available for purchase.
Food may be brought in, no drinks.

For more information on memberships, schedules etc. visit cijspeoria.org. Or call/text 309-472-3737
CIJS is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization.

This is class is offered in 2 parts. May 20th and May 27th. $60 covers both days.

We will complete several projects including: greeting cards, a color chart, several beautiful images of koi fish, trees, and florals. If time permits, we can work on 2 large landscapes. We will also learn beginning concepts of perspective and composition.
The most important ingredient for your success is attitude!
$60 covers two sessions.

Come learn how to paint with just coffee. $30 covers not only cost of materials, but your first cup of coffee from Leaves n Beans!
Instructor Ruth Inman

Five Points Washington is excited to kick off our 2025 Five Points Fridays outdoor live music series! For the month of May we have Stereo Typical headlining the event!

What is Five Points Fridays?

Five Points Fridays began during the COVID-19 pandemic as a way to safely bring the community together, offering a space for people to enjoy live music, food trucks and outdoor activities while maintaining social distancing. Over the years, these events have grown into a cherished tradition, fostering a strong sense of community while providing access to music and the arts. With live performances, arts and crafts for kids and a welcoming environment for all ages, attendees have a chance to connect with their neighbors and engage in creative activities. Each month features a new initiative, such as Mental Health Awareness Month in May, Touch-A-Truck in June and an adoption event with TCAC in July. August will feature a special Bicentennial celebration and car show. These events continue to strengthen local bonds and create lasting memories for the people of Washington.

New to Five Points Fridays this year is our monthly initiatives. The month of May is Mental Health Awareness Month, so we will be joined by Camp Dallas to help talk about their organization and how they create moments of peace, belonging and hope for kids who need it most.

We will have live music, food trucks, kids activities and more on May 23. This FREE event is open to the public and takes place from 6-9 p.m.

Food Trucks: Balco Funnel Cakes, The Station and Healthy in a Hurry

Kids Activities: Paint a Pinecone, Bozo Buckets, The Unique Twist, Bubbles, Sidewalk Chalk, Bags

Vendors: Mosquito Joe, LeFleur, Camp Dallas

2025 Five Points Fridays Dates

May 23 – Stereo Typical

June 27 – Kickapoo Junction

July 25 – Outland

August 22 – Sista and the Misters Band

Thank you to our Five Points Fridays Sponsors: Mosquito Joe, the Ryan Blackorby Team from Jim Maloof, Signature Heights Realty, Nicole Miller with Edward Jones and Kep’s Sports Bar & Grill.

Questions? Contact Banquet Manager, Paige Wise: [email protected].

Live at the Five Spot: Elvis Himselvis
May 23, 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:
Elvis impersonator Rick Dunham of Springfield has been impersonating Elvis for 37 years, performing in 33 states, and few times in Canada and Europe. He will share mostly Elvis songs with a few other Rock & Roll songs accompanied by a 5 piece band. This concert will be a lot of fun as we walk down memory lane. See more information and video at Hire Elvis Himselvis – Elvis Impersonator in Springfield, Illinois

Date: May 24, 2025
Time: 11:00 am – 11:00 pm
Location: Mackinaw Valley Vineyard
There are no advance ticket sales for this event, payment is made when entering the day of the event.

May 24 & 25, Saturday 11am to 11pm, Sunday Noon to 6pm

HELD: RAIN OR SHINE.

This year’s festival will feature over 50 wines and 60 Craft beers for tasting and purchase from around the world. The Lions Club will be providing food concessions with the proceeds going for their charity. Grandma Nana’s Cookies will be there too serving up sweets. The wine and craft beer tasting is in the pavilion building as well Artisan cheese sampling and sales by Ropp Jersey Cheese in the pavilion.

Saturday and Sunday there will be music performed throughout the day by amazing local artists and bands.

Saturday music schedule:

11-3 pm Will Spicher

3-6:30pm Turas Irish

7-11pm Stereotypical

Sunday music schedule:

12-3 Tadd Johnson

3-6pm The Flying Dorito Brothers

$15 pp admission for ages 21 includes; the concerts, a souvenir tasting glass and 5 tasting tickets, $5pp admission ages 13-20, age 12 and under free. More tasting tickets can be purchased for $1 each.

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

Make a beautiful hanging wall planter in Clay class with Judy Harvey. $35 covers all materials and firings.

Date: May 25, 2025
Time: 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Location: Mackinaw Valley Vineyard
There are no advance ticket sales for this event, payment is made when entering the day of the event.

May 24 & 25, Saturday 11am to 11pm, Sunday Noon to 6pm

HELD: RAIN OR SHINE.

This year’s festival will feature over 50 wines and 60 Craft beers for tasting and purchase from around the world. The Lions Club will be providing food concessions with the proceeds going for their charity. Grandma Nana’s Cookies will be there too serving up sweets. The wine and craft beer tasting is in the pavilion building as well Artisan cheese sampling and sales by Ropp Jersey Cheese in the pavilion.

Saturday and Sunday there will be music performed throughout the day by amazing local artists and bands.

Saturday music schedule:

11-3 pm Will Spicher

3-6:30pm Turas Irish

7-11pm Stereotypical

Sunday music schedule:

12-3 Tadd Johnson

3-6pm The Flying Dorito Brothers

$15 pp admission for ages 21 includes a souvenir tasting glass and 5 tasting tickets, $5pp admission ages 13-20, age 12 and under free. More tasting tickets can be purchased for $1 each.

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.

Date: May 26, 2025
Time: 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Come out this Holiday Monday to relax and hear great music by one of our favorite artists, Greg Williams. Greg plays his solo acoustic sets but he sounds like a full band! He covers music from the 60’s to current tunes, great vocals and guitar make for a fun day.
Come out to enjoy the day, bring a picnic or some snacks, have some wine and relax. Business hours Noon to 5pm, Music 1-4pm. NO COVER.

Join us at our new bigger location at Suite 225 The Shoppes at Grand Prairie, (Next to Designer Shoe Warehouse). We will be celebrating our new location with a ribbon cutting and also celebrating our new program “Art Without Boundaries” with a grant check presentation from The Community Foundation of Central Illinois. We will also be unveiling our Peoria County Bison that our 2025 MAP students are painting in collaboration with local artist and Councilman, Alex Carmona. Snacks and beverages will be provided.

Peoria Art Guild 2025 Chalk Art Competition

At the Shoppes at Grand Prairie

May 31, 2025

10:00 am-3:00 pm

Join us for the Peoria Art Guild Chalk Art Competition on Saturday, May 31, 2025, from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm at the Shoppes at Grand Prairie, where artists of all ages and skill levels will transform the pavement into stunning works of art!

This year’s theme is Summer Fun

Categories:

10 and Under: Square size 3 ft by 3 ft

First Prize $100

Honorable Mention (2) $50

Age 11-16: Square size 3 ft by 3 ft

First Prize $200

Honorable Mention (2) $50

Age 17 and over: Square size 4 ft by 4 ft

First Prize $300

Honorable Mention (2) $50

Professional: Square size 4 ft by 4 ft

First Prize $500

Registration is open to all participants, with a registration fee of $20 for each square and $35 for professional artists. Check in at The Peoria Art Guild at #415 at the Shoppes at Grand Prairie on the day of the event to receive square assignment.

Must provide your own chalk. Chalk suggestions can be found HERE.

Entry fees are per square. More than one participant can contribute to the artwork of the square, but all participants must fit within the age category, or will compete in the category of the oldest participant.

Join us for the Peoria Art Guild Chalk Art Competition on Saturday, May 31, 2025, from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm at the Shoppes at Grand Prairie, where artists of all ages and skill levels will transform the pavement into stunning works of art!

This year’s theme is Summer Fun

Categories:

10 and Under: Square size 3 ft by 3 ft

First Prize $100

Honorable Mention (2) $50

Age 11-16: Square size 3 ft by 3 ft

First Prize $200

Honorable Mention (2) $50

Age 17 and over: Square size 4 ft by 4 ft

First Prize $300

Honorable Mention (2) $50

Professional: Square size 4 ft by 4 ft

First Prize $500

Registration is open to all participants, with a registration fee of $20 for each square and $35 for professional artists. Check in at The Peoria Art Guild at #415 at the Shoppes at Grand Prairie on the day of the event to receive square assignment.

Must provide your own chalk. Chalk suggestions can be found HERE.

Entry fees are per square. More than one participant can contribute to the artwork of the square, but all participants must fit within the age category, or will compete in the category of the oldest participant.

Judging will begin promptly at 3:00 pm on May 31, 2025. Winners will be announced immediately, with prizes available for pickup the following week. Participants will be judged on the following criteria : 1) Creativity/ originality of design 2) Technical use of the Elements of Design 3) Composition 4) Craftsmanship/ skilled use of materials.

Minors must not be left unsupervised.

This event is weather dependent – check our Facebook page or our website on the day of event.

Family rides in the 1931 Ahrens-Fox fire truck. Free access with museum admission ticket or membership.

Ride the beautifully restored 1931 Ahrens-Fox Fire Engine – an amazing piece of Peoria history! This spectacular truck accommodates six to eight people and will run two to three times per hour. Schedule your group during your visit at the museum.

Bring your camera and we will take your picture! What an adventure this will be! Donations from riders for maintenance of this beautiful fire truck will be appreciated.

Kathy Sherman shows how to make these dreamy, loose evergreens using watercolor paints.