Events Calendar

It’s our 62nd year for bringing original art to central Illinois and we want you to be a part of the celebration!
As one of the oldest art events in the country, the Peoria Art Guild Fine Art Fair is nationally recognized for its organization, event marketing, and for putting artists’ needs at the top of the priority list. We offer affordable hotel rates, convenient artist parking, “grab ‘n go” breakfasts each morning, boxed lunches,Saturday Artist Award Party, snacks in the Artist Breakroom, cold water and hot coffee, along with 200 enthusiastic volunteers to take care of any artist need.
We were voted #41 in the Top Art Fairs in the Midwest by Sunshine Magazine in 2023!

“Colorful Visions” is an exhibition showcasing photographs by members of the Peoria Camera Club:
Alan Rogers, Andrea Monninger, Bennett Johnson, Bob Drake, Dan Ricks, Denise Romersberger, Jeanette Kosier, Jeramie Glass, Jill Attaway, Joe Virbickis, LaDean Spring, Lori Townzen, Marilyn Bierma, Ray Keithley, Russ Glass, Scott Dunham, Tom Ruhland, and Vicki Padesky.

Color and emotion are intimately related, and the colors in a photograph impact viewers’ emotions on many levels. The visions of the artists in the Peoria Camera Club range far and wide. Photographers have diverse collections of images, with color often playing a prominent role. In this exhibition, the Club members offer a variety of Colorful Visions for the community to enjoy.

Reception: Friday, April 5, 5-8 PM
Music by Dr. John Orfe

SHOW DATES: April 3 — April 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].

Come visit our latest art exhibit at Peoria Public Library. Sanguine by the artist Feral.

Come create art with us!

Join us each week to explore how illustrators bring imagination to life through various artistic processes. Each month features a different theme.

April’s theme is Watercolor!

This program has been made possible by a grant from the Community Foundation of Central Illinois and is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency.

Join us in our third songwriters series with a songwriter who has garnered over a million streams on Spotify!! Doors at 6. Outside food is permitted.

Chillicothe Players presents “Rainy Meadows”, and it needs you! Calling all actors and performers to star in the world premiere of this exciting new show that is sure to leave audiences enthralled!
The story follows jaded but curious meteorologist Rainy Meadows as she finds herself stuck in her weather station on the night of the end of the world! Will she pull it together for one final broadcast? Will she be able to overcome her seething regrets? What will she discover and what will she know in these final hours?

Come and join us for this family-friendly Barbie themed cabaret! A night of all of your favorite Barbie themed songs, including your favorite, “I’m Just Ken”. It will be a night to remember full of entertainment & trivia. Don’t forget to wear your favorite Barbie or Ken style!

10 Explorers. Four Boats. One Grand Canyon. A historical comedy based on the true story of John Wesley Powell’s Colorado River expedition of 1869. Powell and his eccentric boatmen are played by a decidedly non-male cast in this surreal sendup of Manly Men, Manifest Destiny, and American myth.

Bradley University Bands are excited to present BANDORAMAPALOOZAFEST 2024 on the campus of Bradley University. The event includes special guest composer Nubia Jaime Donjuan from Hermosillo, Mexico, percussion soloist Dr. Stephen Busath from the University of Arkansas at Monticello, and Columbian composer/conductor Dr. Rúben Darío Gómez from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Additionally, the BU Bands will be hosting more than 150 middle and high school student musicians from 12 middle schools and 14 high schools. Event highlights include the BU Bands concert on April 19, 2024, 7:30 pm at Dingeldine Music Center, and the culminating concert on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, 6:30 pm at Renaissance Coliseum with performances by the BU Symphonic Winds, a middle school honor band, and two high school honor bands.

The April 19th concert will include repertoire by our guest composer Nubia Jaime-DonJuan, including Homanajes—which was composed specifically for the Bradley University Symphonic Winds and is about the celebration of El Día de los Muertos, Maso Ye’eme—a danzón centered sound music of the Yaqui people of the Sonoran desert, Monarch Migration, and Magical Forest. Our guest soloist—Dr. Stephen Busath—will perform a timpani concerto by Lucas Garner with the BU Symphonic Band and a marimba concerto composed by BU student composer Jonah Sendlin. Other works on the concert include music by Viet Cuong, Erika Svanoe, José Ignacio Blesa Lull, Kenley Kristofferson, Rung-Radis Chanchampa, and a work by the BU Director of Bands, Dr. Darrell Brown. Additionally, the concert will feature four BU student conductors as well: Andy Gordon, Allie Dean, Xander Helvie, and Cale Roberts.

The April 23rd concert will feature two high school honor bands and a middle school honor band. Additionally, this concert will feature more music by our guest composer Nubia Jaime-DonJuan as well as our guest percussion soloist Dr. Stephen Busath, but will also feature music by our other guest composer—who will conduct his own works—Columbian Dr. Rúben Darío Gómez from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.

The Mid-Illini art show celebrates the artistic talents and creative journey of our high school art students. Each artwork demonstrates the inspired vision, dedication, and potential of our emerging artists. We invite everyone to join us in recognizing the artistic achievements of our students.

Join us for the reception from 5-8 pm, April 25th.

The exhibition will be on view and open to the public April 20th-27th.

Fractured Feathers will bring owls, award-winning polymer clay artist Linda Webb will teach a class, and amazing raptor photographer Julie Dodge will be on hand to talk about owl photography! If you would like to take Linda’s class, do not wait to reserve a spot. They are going quickly!

Chillicothe Players presents “Rainy Meadows”, and it needs you! Calling all actors and performers to star in the world premiere of this exciting new show that is sure to leave audiences enthralled!
The story follows jaded but curious meteorologist Rainy Meadows as she finds herself stuck in her weather station on the night of the end of the world! Will she pull it together for one final broadcast? Will she be able to overcome her seething regrets? What will she discover and what will she know in these final hours?

Come out to the party on April 20. Everyone is welcome. If we haven’t met, make sure to say “Hey” and intro yourself. Here’s the schedule:

1 p.m. – Doors open for meet and mix and eat and drink

2 p.m. – Lauren Fitzanko Music opens with a 20-minute set

2:20 p.m. – Live performance of the album, backed by Sarah & The Underground

3 p.m. (or thereabouts) – Hang out and party on with cool people. Get your CD autographed. And don’t be a rush to go home. Third Chance opens for regular business at 4 p.m., and you’re more than welcome to stay.

Bradley University music student, Isa Luluquisin, presents a piano recital at 3:00pm on
Saturday, April 20 th at Dingeldine Music Center. Isa will be performing works for piano, violin,
and flute by various composers including Chopin, Beethoven, Bach, Saint-Saens, Supercell, and
Rieding.

Admission is free and open to public.

2nd Annual ArtHAUS Home/Studio Tour to take place on April 20 & 21, 2024

ArtHAUS is back with an exciting event that will appeal to art lovers, history buffs, and anyone interested in exploring the historical beauty and new creative relevance of Moss Ave in Peoria. On April 20 & 21, 2024 visitors can walk along the historic tree-lined street of Moss Avenue and journey inside five beautiful houses and meet seven world-renowned artists from Peoria and beyond.

Guests will have the opportunity to meet the artists in person, visit some of the artists’ actual working studios, gain insights into their processes, learn facts about the historical homes and be able to purchase incredible and creative works of art.

Come and join us for this family-friendly Barbie themed cabaret! A night of all of your favorite Barbie themed songs, including your favorite, “I’m Just Ken”. It will be a night to remember full of entertainment & trivia. Don’t forget to wear your favorite Barbie or Ken style!

The Contemporary Art Center is proud to show off the outstanding work of our area high school students April 19-26. Complimentary food & drinks, free admission, donation requested. Meet the exhibiting artists.

Bradley University piano student, Tanner Unruh, presents a piano recital at 7:30pm on
Saturday, April 20th at Dingeldine Music Center. The program features works from the classical
and ragtime traditions with piano pieces by Grieg, Satie, Debussy, Joplin and Settle.

Admission is free and open to public.

10 Explorers. Four Boats. One Grand Canyon. A historical comedy based on the true story of John Wesley Powell’s Colorado River expedition of 1869. Powell and his eccentric boatmen are played by a decidedly non-male cast in this surreal sendup of Manly Men, Manifest Destiny, and American myth.

FUNDAMENTALS OF ENCHANTED HERBALISM
6 Week Class Working with the Energetics, Elementals, and Spirit of Plants
Learn herbs though their energetic correspondence, common magical uses, ancient lore, and direct communication

Nicole will guide you through a personal healing journey and teach you how to create your own sacred botanical remedies. Each class will be hands on and provide take home resources and remedy, charm, & potion making. Classes will teach the uses of herbs from an esoteric perspective, easy herbal rituals, working with the spirit of the plants, and lots of creative fun.

Classes held at Miraspa East Peoria
Across 24 from Eastport Marina
2500 N Main St #2b, East Peoria, IL 61611

First Class of the series begins March 24, 2024.
12pm – 3pm Sundays alternating

#1 March 31- Principles of working with sacred Herbs:
Honoring, evoking, and communing with plants.
– Basic wildcrafting, building a magical apothecary, astrological timing, and ritual skills.
– Yarrow, bay leaves, St. Johnswort
– Creating a talisman, making medicinal tea

2nd Annual ArtHAUS Home/Studio Tour to take place on April 20 & 21, 2024

ArtHAUS is back with an exciting event that will appeal to art lovers, history buffs, and anyone interested in exploring the historical beauty and new creative relevance of Moss Ave in Peoria. On April 20 & 21, 2024 visitors can walk along the historic tree-lined street of Moss Avenue and journey inside five beautiful houses and meet seven world-renowned artists from Peoria and beyond.

Guests will have the opportunity to meet the artists in person, visit some of the artists’ actual working studios, gain insights into their processes, learn facts about the historical homes and be able to purchase incredible and creative works of art.

10 Explorers. Four Boats. One Grand Canyon. A historical comedy based on the true story of John Wesley Powell’s Colorado River expedition of 1869. Powell and his eccentric boatmen are played by a decidedly non-male cast in this surreal sendup of Manly Men, Manifest Destiny, and American myth.

The Bradley Chorale and the Bradley Community Chorus will present a joint concert entitled “Peace” on Sunday, April 21 at 3:00pm. The program will include selections from Eric Whitacre, Gwyneth Walker, Jacob Narverud, Antonio Vivaldi, Ola Gjeilo, as well as a variety of others.

The Bradley Chorale is conducted by Dr. Cory Boulton, and the Bradley Community Chorus is conducted by Dr. Lara Reem.

The concert will be held on Sunday, April 21 at 3:00 pm at First Federated Church, 3601 N. Sheridan, Peoria. Tickets are $10 (students are free) and are available at the door. For more information, please contact Dr. Boulton at [email protected], Dr. Reem at [email protected], or call (309) 677-2595.

Join in the fun APRIL 22, 2024 for an INTERACTIVE Celebration of Water!

Join local legend Garry Moore and storyteller Brian “Fox” Ellis with special guests the Peoria High School Drumline to explore the many ways that water connects us all.

Bring your rhythm and voice and join us in the songs and stories of water. Help us create a wave for celebrating the ways in which water connects us to all life. Participate in a Parade of Waters: Each school brings a small water sample of their source water supply to participate in the Parade of Waters. A student representative from each school will go on stage to pour a water sample from their community and announce the school and the water sample source. Interactive graphics will pin the location and show the path that this water normally takes to the ocean.

The Clean Water Celebration is the world’s largest clean water festival and has become a model for other water festivals across the country.

“Since 1994 Sun Foundation in partnership with Illinois American Water has provided participants of the Clean Water Celebration a look at water from many perspectives,” said Navigating Committee Chair, Karen Zuckerman. “They interact with scientists, artists, community college and university instructors, government agencies, conservation groups, youth activists and come away with not only how important water as a resource is and actions that they can take to care for it, but the many career paths it supports and why science, technology, engineering, art and math are among the skills needed in these fields.”

The 31st Clean Water Celebration takes place Monday, April 22 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Peoria Civic Center with an emphasis on educating local students, grades 4 -12, their teachers and the community as a whole. The event is free for all. Participants may choose from presentations on green initiatives, sustainability and conservation, storytelling, STEM and STEAM activities and interactive, hands-on exhibits.

Free and open to all, registration for schools and groups is required to ensure seating. School and group registration can be found https://www.sunfoundation.org/clean-water-celebration-school-group-registration. Members of the public can attend without registering and a walk-in schedule will be available the day of the event.

Teachers are encouraged to make the Clean Water Celebration a field trip as all parts of the event meet Illinois Learning Standards. For questions contact Karen Zuckerman at 309-231-7451 or email [email protected]. Funds are available to assist in school transportation costs.

Enjoy Jazz from the talented middle school students of Chillicothe, Dunlap and Germantown Hills at the beautiful Riverfront Museum during your lunch hour! Kicking off the Gerald M Brookhart Arts in education spring celebration April 23 to May 15 involving hundreds of students at the Peoria County Courthouse during lunch hour!

Welcome to the 38th annual Gerald M. Brookhart Arts in Education Series Spring Celebration! This year, each weekday from April 22nd, 2024 to May 15th, 2024, the talents of students from local schools across central Illinois will resonate across the Peoria County Courthouse! Starting at 11:00AM through 1:00PM each weekday, arts in education will come alive and we hope you will join us!

The first day, April 22nd, the program kicks off at the Peoria Riverfront museum, featuring jazz performances from three local schools in recognition of International Jazz Month at 11:00AM.

Then, Tuesday April 23rd through May 15th, the program moves to the grounds of the Peoria County Courthouse. Lunchtime will mean so much more if you come out to support the arts in education! The attached flyer explains it all!

For updated and detailed information, please go to www.springcelebration.org and we will see you downtown in April!

2 session workshop:
Using collage and other mediums we will create interesting backgrounds and foregrounds for this Cityscape piece. If desired you can bring a photo of a favorite city as a guide of your abstract interpretation. $65 covers materials for 2 Monday night sessions (April 22 & 29). Must reserve your seat in advance.