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!

Opening Reception: First Friday, May 2; this exhibition will be on display from April 28 – May 12 in both the Heuser Art Gallery and the Hartmann Center Gallery.

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.

Come explore painting with a palette knife! We will start with simple landscapes and you will learn how to block in shapes and mix paint for that beautiful sky with maybe a few clouds. From distant mountains to foreground color will be the key. You can be as abstract (loose) as you feel comfortable or detailed (tight) if that is your style. No previous experience necessary and as easy as spreading butter.

Learn the basics of the pottery wheel or take your throwing and hand building skills to the next level! This 8 week recurring class will give students the opportunity to work in an open studio environment, creating functional and food safe art. Each week features throwing demonstrations, unique hand building opportunities and individual instruction.

The Fine Arts Society of Peoria is offering a presentation by Tara Ritacco, Textile Professional and Mixed Media Artist.

Tara Ritacco will discuss a number of artists and designers who are pushing the boundaries of contemporary fashion, costuming, textiles and fiber arts. She will also share her insights from personal experience designing custom textiles.

Ritacco has worked extensively in the garment industry in Southern California, including sourcing and developing custom textiles for the Walt Disney Company. As a product developer for sportswear companies, she made conscious decisions about sustainable products. She leads workshops in dyeing and printing textiles and encourages others to participate in learning new techniques and skills. Her wearable art and art quilts have been exhibited throughout the United States.

Join Ruth Inman and make a truly unique silk scarf for yourself or as a gift. Tie it on a bag, a hat or wear it as a belt! Discover all the wonderful patterns you can make. $40 covers all materials. Limit 4 in class.

Join us for an opening reception to recognize all Rennick 2025 artists and sponsors; prize winners will be announced.

Learn the basics of the pottery wheel or take your throwing and hand building skills to the next level! This 8 week recurring class will give students the opportunity to work in an open studio environment, creating functional and food safe art. Each week features throwing demonstrations, unique hand building opportunities and individual instruction.

On Thursday, May 8th, 2025, the Peoria County Genealogical Society will hold its monthly member meeting at the Peoria Public Library North Branch to hear from Monica Vest Wheeler, local author and Peoria history aficionado. Monica will join us for an evening of discussion about the tender side of genealogy research. Most researchers can relate to this topic after interviewing family members about sensitive family history topics. Monica will be joining us in person, and this will also be on Zoom! See the link below.

In this interactive and engaging presentation, Monica will cover a unique approach to perhaps heal some old wounds of the past and discover the reasons why certain family and individual decisions were made “back then,” when life was much different from today. This program is designed to give audiences the courage to ask the who’s, what’s, when’s, where’s and why’s of family history and address the feelings attached, which is like tapping on glass and trying not to break it by filling in the hidden emotional gaps on your family tree. Monica will teach her signature method to connect emotionally with a variety of family members, which will encourage the healing of old wounds and perhaps help someone to understand at long last how AND why to “forgive and forget” and reach an understanding of the reasons as to why some life altering decisions were made in the first place.

Monica Vest Wheeler is the author of a dozen Peoria area history books, including recreation, business, medical, education, religion and more topics in articles during the last 45 years in Peoria. A journalist by trade, she has tied her love of history with a desire to delve deeper into the human emotions, including interviews with Holocaust survivors. Monica also writes and speaks about the emotional and everyday challenges of brain-related injuries, illnesses and diseases, and advocates on behalf of individuals and families coping with these challenges.
Free and open to the public. No registration is needed if attending in person.

Zoom registration:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/zBecql44TgW14XJ3ctUL-g

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 Ruth Inman and learn several of the different applications of alcohol ink.

Learn the basics of the pottery wheel or take your throwing and hand building skills to the next level! This 8 week recurring class will give students the opportunity to work in an open studio environment, creating functional and food safe art. Each week features throwing demonstrations, unique hand building opportunities and individual instruction.

Auditions for “The Hunchback of Notre Dame”

Glasford, IL –Auditions for the musical “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” with music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz produced by Arc Light Productions will be held on Friday, May 9th from 6:00pm to 9:00pm and Saturday, May 10th from 10:00am to 1:00pm at Illini Bluffs High School (Door #10) in Glasford. This is our summer/community production and will host a large cast, including 20-25 on stage roles, as well as a 30 member choir that will sing onstage with use of music. **Minimum age to participate in either group is 14.

Materials for the acting portion of the audition will be provided on site. Come prepared with a vocal audition of approximately 32-bars (1 minute) and bring music for a provided accompanist. Those who are interested in being in the on-stage choir ONLY do not need to sign-up for an audition time, but are asked to fill out the audition form to be able to collect contact information and conflicts. Selections for auditions should NOT be from “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” but are encouraged to match the style of the show musically. Auditions will consist of the prepared vocal selection, a vocal range check, the provided acting scenes, and a brief discussion with directors. Visit www.arclightpro.com to sign up for an audition time.

Performances of “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” will be held at Illini Bluffs High School on Friday, July 18 and Saturday, July 19 at 7:30pm, and Sunday, July 20 at 2:30pm.
For more information, visit our website at www.arclightpro.com or call Arc Light Productions at 309.455.4095.

It is the anniversary of the completion of America’s first transcontinental railroad when the golden spike was driven on May 10, 1869!

Join us in celebrating trains with a fun day of activities centered around the Prairie Zephyr Train and WPP Railroad!

WPP Train Day Activities

10 am | First train departs the Main Depot
10 am | Nate Dawgs Chili Dawgs Food Vendor
3:15 pm | Last full ride departs the Main Depot
Behind the scenes Train Maintenance Pit Tour
Multiple model railroad displays
Hand cart rides
Interactive train horn and whistle display
Railroad themed arts and crafts
Photo ops in and on the park’s train locomotives; blow the whistle and ring the bell
Wildlife Prairie Park has a long history with bringing the joy and fun of trains to Central Illinois. This is only a fraction on the history of the WPP Railroad. Come learn even more about trains at WPP Train Day!

11:30 AM Meet & Greet. Bring a sack lunch if you like.
12:00 PM Roll Call with reading of original or favorite poems by members and guests.
1:00 PM Program: “Being Positive in Turbulent Times” presented by local authors Susan Grandt and Susan Sarver.
Guests are always welcome and are invited to bring a poem to read or to just come, listen, and join in our fellowship.

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

Opening Reception for the Exhibit of Pixie Jacquin’s unique style of art. Fine and Folk Art across all two-dimensional drawing and painting media. Realism to abstraction: Academic to whimsical.

Our 10-year anniversary concert will be held at the First Christian Church (6400 North University Street Peoria, IL 61614) on Saturday, May 10th at 7:00 P.M. Central Time. A livestream link will be available for remote viewing. Ticket proceeds will be donated to PHOENIX COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT SERVICES.

Load up your car and bring your family, friends and neighbors to shop for unique items and vintage treasures. Art, jewelry, linens, crystal, china, antiques and vintage collectables are waiting for a new home! The sale begins on the front porch and continues into our interior gift shop.

The Upscale Porch Sale is free to the public. House tours will be offered on the 1/2 hour. Adults: $10. Students: $5. Children 3 – 12: $3.

Access the sale via Barker @ Duryea or University St. @ Moss Ave. Due to the reconstruction of Moss Ave., we are unable to participate in the the Moss Avenue Sale, which has been relocated to the Bradley Quad in June. our support of the Peoria Historical Society and this sale helps to maintain both Pettengill-Morron House and Flanagan House Museums.

The classroom will be open from 5pm – 9pm for writing pysanky. Chicken egg, Kistka, wax and dyes will be provided. This is a time for sharing and trying new ideas. Must be at least 12, under age 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Cost $10, class maximum is 12. Instructor Cris Potthoff.

Monthly themed stories with our friends from the Dunlap Public Library District. Oriented towards preschoolers and early elementary ages. The theme changes every month and always relates to exhibitions or events at the museum (cars, planes, tractors, farming equipment, LEGO®, etc.) Meet at the gazebo then we’ll walk together to a special destination for the stories. We hope you’ll then stay to visit the rest of the museum. There is no charge for the story time, regular admission rates apply for a visit after the story time. You can bring your own picnic and have lunch at the picnic tables on the Generation Building’s veranda.

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!

Clara Schumann: Scherzo, Op. 10
Johannes Brahms: Tragic Overture, Op. 81
Robert Schumann: Symphony No. 4, Op. 120
Johannes Brahms: Piano Concerto, No. 2, Op. 83

The grand finale of the 2024-2025 concert season tells the story of the love triangle between Clara Schumann, Robert Schumann, and Johannes Brahms. Join the PSO for a musical love story from long ago.

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!

On Armed Forces Day, we honor those who are serving and those who have served our country. If you are a veteran, you and a guest receive complimentary admission today and are invited to visit our hospitality center in the Generations Building, alongside our military exhibit (home to an L-16 reconnaissance plane, a Jeep, a MUTT, numerous uniforms, ship models, and many other service-related displays). We will have refreshments for you, and there will be fellow veterans and service members to greet you. Active duty military and up to 5 guests receive complimentary admission through the Blue Star Museum program. We will have special visitors and military displays and equipment on our campus for all visitors to explore.

Part 3 of the 8 Part Wilderness Survival Series

The ability to start and maintain a fire is a vital component in any survival situation. This class the basic science of fire, and then will mostly be hands on in the field. Learn numerous ways to build, start, and maintain a fire to use for warmth, security, processing water, and cooking as well as many fire starting methods and fire safety. Topics covered also include:

The science of fire
Fire safety
Fire starting techniques
Different fire lays and their uses
The steps to building and maintaining a sustainable fire
Commercially available fire starting products
How to make your own tinder and fire-starters

Join us for our spring performance of this bear-y fun tale, where the dance is just right!

This vibrant event showcases the talents of both children and adults, highlighting the dedication and passion of our students. From ballet to tap, this performance promises an array of dance styles that will captivate audiences of all ages.

Date: Saturday, May 17th
Time: 6pm- 7:30pm (*run time is approximately 90 minutes)
Location: Five Points Washington Performing Arts Center

Don’t miss this opportunity to witness the magic of dance from the youth and adult students of Affinity Illinois Dance Center. We look forward to seeing you!

Combined Art Reception
Saturday, May 17, 2025, 6:30- 8:30 pm

free admission / donation requested; complimentary snacks & drinks. Music by Boss Duo: John Miller & Mike Nellas. Meet the exhibiting artists and view their artwork in three galleries and the 3rd floor classroom.

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

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!

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 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.

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

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.

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.

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.