A respected leader in the fine arts community, Channy Lyons has worked on numerous projects over the years that have enhanced the role of the arts. In 2013, she planned and executed the Peoria Citywide Celebration of Women Artists, collaborating with 17 community art galleries, each featuring unique exhibitions of works by and about contemporary and historic women artists. She is currently working on a sequel to her 2011 exhibit, Skirting Convention: Illinois Women Artists, 1840-1940, entitled Making Their Mark: Illinois Women Artists, 1940-1960, which is expected to open in October 2015. Lyons is project director of the Illinois Women Artists Project, an online resource dedicated to recognizing the work and experiences of Illinois women artists.