Joe and Michele founded the Prairie Center of the Arts in 2003 which began as a juried Artist in Residency (AIR) program to attract emerging and established artists from Illinois and around the world. The PCA, under Joe and Michele’s care and guidance has worked to provide artists with opportunities for research and development of new work and to provide an accessible facility for art and creativity that embraces the Peoria area community offering equipment and new technologies not currently available to the general public. Working behind the scenes as advocates and supporters of the arts, Joe and Michele have supported and mentored countless artists of all disciplines through their residency program at the PCA, providing a network for emerging artists to enable them to place roots and develop careers in Central Illinois. The Richeys have been involved with countless projects throughout the community to enhance the visibility of the arts. Most recently, Joe’s vision to see Sculpture transform the Warehouse District became a reality through the launch of Sculpture Walk Peoria on June 6th, 2015. Joe chaired the Sculpture Walk Committee, and he and Michele efforts and support played an integral role in bringing the walk to life.