2025 Arts Dollars Winners
2025 Arts Dollars Recipients
Allison Walsh
Witches of the Midwest
Allison Walsh explores underrepresented Midwestern spiritual traditions through an intimate short documentary that blends vérité and lyrical visuals. By centering a woman-led, nature-based practice, the film destigmatizes pagan identities and deepens local conversations about land, ritual, and belonging. Community screenings and a diverse filmmaking team extend the impact beyond the screen, fostering dialogue and visibility across Central Illinois.
Whitney Johson-Lessard
Solo Multidisciplinary exhibition
Whitney Johnson-Lessard presents a thought-provoking solo exhibition weaving painting, installation, and participatory experiences that explore our interconnection with the more-than-human world. Public events invite visitors to perceive familiar materials — sap, roots, minerals — through UV/IR light, turning curiosity into hands-on discovery. By engaging audiences and hiring an emerging student photographer, the project deepens community access to contemporary art while investing in local creative careers.
Prayerful Arts, LLC
Breaking Free
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Prayerful Arts, LLC teaches the meditative folk art of pysanky, then transforms the finished eggs into mixed-media paintings that symbolize “breaking out of our shell.” Community members ages 12+ learn hands-on techniques at no cost and see their work professionally framed and exhibited. By pairing skill-building with a public showcase (and optional sales that benefit participants), the project grows confidence, voice, and visibility for emerging local artists.
Jeremy Berkley
Peoria Historical Society Silkscreen Print
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Jeremy Berkley creates an original silkscreen print for the 62nd Peoria Historical Society Art Exhibition, celebrating the people, stories, and landscapes that define Central Illinois. Displayed at the Peoria Riverfront Museum with free admission, the work will connect history and contemporary art, broadening access to local heritage while honoring a 60-year community tradition.
Marquavious Ewing
Carver Center Mural
Marquavious Ewing replaces aging murals with vibrant, community-rooted artwork that reflects today’s identities and stories. Beyond beautification, the project activates public space, builds neighborhood pride, and encourages resident input during design and installation. The result is a welcoming landmark that sparks belonging, inspires young people, and celebrates the community’s future.
Peoria High School
Pride in Every Beat
Peoria High School reenergizes the school’s drumline with new equipment that restores sound quality, confidence, and pride among student musicians. Through hands-on learning and public performances, participants develop discipline, teamwork, and technical skill. The project strengthens school spirit and amplifies the creative voice of Peoria’s youth across the community.
Valeska Hinton Early Childhood Education center
Squish & soothe: Art for calm
Valeska Hinton centers families in a playful, sensory art experience where PreK children craft soft, squeezable “calming” objects and practice simple self-regulation skills. Alongside hands-on making, caregivers learn approachable strategies like mindful squeezing and deep breathing to support big feelings at home. The event cultivates emotional awareness, creativity, and stronger family connections in an inclusive, welcoming setting.
Peoria Art Guild
Community Arts Program
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Peoria Art Guild provides free and low-cost art classes and scholarships that make creative learning accessible to all ages. Led by professional teaching artists, the program reaches participants from underserved and rural communities. It fosters creativity, confidence, and connection through inclusive, hands-on experiences.
Richwoods High School
Lights, Camera, Action
Richwoods High School brings local artists into the theatre program to mentor students in sound, lighting, set building, makeup, and costumes — turning productions into hands-on learning labs. Students step into leadership roles across technical teams, gaining real-world skills in design, collaboration, and problem-solving. The investment elevates show quality while building college- and career-ready creatives who contribute to a vibrant school arts culture.
Valeska Hinton Early Childhood Education Center
Art Knows No Bounds
Valeska Hinton celebrates inclusive, sensory-safe process art for early learners and their families through classroom experiences and a spring family art night. Partner artists introduce creative movement and a collaborative installation, while staff receive training and materials to sustain hands-on exploration. The effort nurtures self-expression, regulation, and connection for children from diverse and low-income backgrounds.
Dirksen Primary School
Art Fun for K-3
Dirksen Primary School brings hands-on art experiences to K–3 students through engaging winter recess sessions that encourage creativity, experimentation, and problem-solving. Students explore color, form, and famous artists while working with a variety of materials such as paint, clay, and weaving. The project nurtures artistic curiosity and cognitive growth among young learners in a school where many face economic barriers to arts education.
Central Illinois Youth Symphony
CIYS Masterclass Series
Central Illinois Youth Symphony invites young musicians to free, public masterclasses led by professional artists throughout the year. Students perform works-in-progress and receive real-time coaching on technique, interpretation, and stage presence, plus special sessions on composition and healthy playing. The series builds confidence, accelerates growth, and opens high-level learning to the broader community.
Peoria Fashion Week Academy
HAUS of Runway
Peoria Fashion Week Academy offers youth and adults an opportunity to explore fashion and performance through immersive runway, styling, and confidence-building workshops. Participants collaborate with industry professionals and showcase their skills during Peoria Fashion Week. By combining creativity, mentorship, and career development, the program empowers participants to express themselves and pursue opportunities in the arts.
Harmonize Peoria
Garage Band Open Stage
Harmonize Peoria creates a free summer series where more than 100 young musicians perform, learn live-sound basics, and receive mentorship from professional bands. Held in a welcoming neighborhood space, the weekly open stage removes barriers to participation and builds confidence, collaboration, and real-world experience. Many participants go on to form bands, record music, and stay active in Peoria’s growing music community.
Elmwood Center for the Humanities
Prairie Tales
Elmwood Center for the Humanities unearths the untold rural side of Peoria’s “Whiskey City” story, linking grain fields, barrel makers, and country roads to a defining chapter of local history. Premiering at the Palace Theater, the film invites residents to see their towns and families reflected on the big screen, building pride and belonging across the county. Afterward it lives online as a free learning resource, sparking classroom lessons, community conversations, and renewed interest in preserving rural heritage.
