Current Exhibits

Jack Crouch: An Exploration of the Figure

June 28 - August 9, 2024 - Gallery 3R

Embracing both expressionism and abstraction, intense color and free brushwork hold precedence over the artist’s preferred subject, the nude. Jack Crouch’s admiration of oil paint provides the possibility of endless exploration of the medium. A 2020 MFA graduate of Bradley University, Crouch is currently an Assistant Professor of Art at Cameron University in Lawton, Oklahoma.

Heather Ford: Transformative Manifestations

July 5 - August 16, 2024 - Preston Jackson Gallery

Heather’s art and design research and personal works merge the areas of fine

art and technology-driven interactive experiences with a scientific and spiritual process. She has been a professional designer and artist with over twenty

years of fine art, digital creative and UI/UX experience in the commercial and academic sectors.

Heather will give a Galley Talk Friday, August 2, 6:30-7:00pm, in Preston Jackson Gallery -2nd floor

Inspired from Live Models

July 5 - August 23, 2024 - 3rd floor classroom

Area artists display work in the 3rd floor classroom created during or inspired by figure drawing sessions at CAC. We offer two 8-week classes four times each year. Models are hired to pose for each two-hour session for up to 50 minutes at a time. Most drawings shown in the room were created in class in the last few years or begun in class or inspired by the experience. To learn more about the classes - Class Schedule - Contemporary Art Center of Peoria (peoriacac.org)

Current Education

Tango Practica Peoria

Sunday, 6:30-9:00pm - weekly tango practice and lesson

A weekly tango practica is offered every Sunday, at Contemporary Art Center of Peoria in the 2nd floor art gallery. Traditionally, a Tango Practica is offered for dancers of all levels who have received instruction and have desire to practice.

Admission is $5.00 per person. Please bring cash and exact change. Leaders and teachers volunteer their time. Money collected is a donation to Contemporary Art Center.

Figure Drawing Class - Tuesday Afternoons, July 23-September 10, 2:00-4:00 pm

(eight 2-hour sessions) Ages 18 & up, minimum students: 4, maximum: 12  

CAC Member: $75, nonmember: $90 or drop-in with $15.00 fee per class

Figure Drawing Class - Tuesday Evenings, July 23-September 10, 6:30-8:30 pm

(eight 2-hour sessions) Ages 18 & up, minimum students: 4, maximum: 12  

CAC Member: $75; Non-Member: $90; Drop-in: $15 fee per class.

Upcoming Education

Relief Printmaking - Wednesdays, September 4-25, 2:00-5:00 pm

Instructor: Cathie Crawford, CAC Member: $150, Non-Member: $160

Minimum students required: 6 Maximum students: 8

Registration deadline: Wednesday, August 28, by midnight

Watercolor Class - Thursdays, September 19-October 24, 6:00-8:00pm

Instructor: Maggie Martino, CAC Member: $95, Non-Member: $110

Minimum Students: 6, Maximum: 10

Registration deadline: September 12, by midnight

Upcoming Events

Live at the Five Spot: JuJu Jonny (blues/rock)

Friday, August 9 , 2024 ~ 6:30-8:30pm 

Every 2nd & 4th Fridays

BUY TICKETS in Advance Online at 309tix: $8-members, $12-nonmembers + fees

(until 5:00pm the day of event) Tickets at the door*: $12-Members, $16-nonmembers.

Whisper & Shout: Open Mic for Poetry

Thursday, August 15, 2024 ~ 8:00-10:00pm

Every 1st & 3rd Thursdays

BUY TICKETS in Advance Online at 309tix: $8-nonmembers, $5-members, $3-poets + fees (until 6pm day of event). Tickets at the door: $12-nonmembers, $9-members, $5-poets. Tickets at door are sold only if max capacity is not reached. Featured Poet: She.Unapologetic

Salsa at CAC

Friday, August 16, 2024

Every 3rd Friday

Introductory Dance Lesson: 8:30-9:30 pm

Learn the basics of several Latin Dances by Eduardo & Beverly Caballero

Open Dancing: 9:30-midnight - music by of Eduardo Caballero

ADMISSION AT THE DOOR ONLY: $8.00 nonmembers, $5.00 CAC members

Live at the Five Spot: Flying D'Rito Brothers (folk/rock)

Friday, August 23, 2024 ~ 6:30-8:30pm 

Every 2nd & 4th Fridays

BUY TICKETS in Advance Online at 309tix: $8-members, $12-nonmembers + fees

(until 5:00pm the day of event) Tickets at the door*: $12-Members, $16-nonmembers.

Upcoming Exhibits

Hot CIAO XI

August 30-September 26, 2024

Contemporary Art Center of Peoria’s Artist Member Group Exhibition

at Studios on Sheridan, 929 N. Sheridan Rd., Peoria, Illinois

Artists enrolled in the Contemporary Art Center’s Artist Membership program return to the Studios on Sheridan for a dynamic group exhibition featuring one work of art from each member covering the mediums of drawing, ceramics, fiber, sculpture, painting, printmaking, furniture and more. Most pieces are for sale, created in the last 3 years and not exhibited in a previous CAC Member Artist Group Exhibit. You can read the Prospectus and Register on the CAC website: Hot CIAO XI - Contemporary Art Center of Peoria (peoriacac.org)

Constance Estep: This Beautiful Mess

August 30 - October 18, 2024 ~ Preston Jackson Gallery

Layering, collaging and obsessing over ideas and symbols fuels Constance Estep’s investigation into the secrets, irony and self-sabotage of interpersonal relationships. Combining found objects with house shaped boxes mirrors a beautiful restoration all can experience. An Associate Professor at Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington, Estep teaches printmaking, drawing and painting.

Barbie Perry: Hope Chest

August 30 - October 18, 2024 ~ Gallery 3R

Doilies were once passed on to daughters, cradled in a hope chest while awaiting fulfillment of love and prosperity within the confines of marriage. In this installation, Barbie Perry employs doilies as mandalas encouraging women to contemplate the dissonance of their hope and suppression throughout history and to celebrate the limitless potential of their spirits.

FREE Framing Materials

The CAC has a variety of frames and glass for framing artwork.

You can stop in and take a look at what we have. They are located in the 2nd floor back room. Donated by Martha Herm

Sponsor a Band

Please consider sponsoring your favorite band. It is possible that a band may not be booked unless they are sponsored. Listed below are bands that need your full or partial sponsorship to make the event successful.

Contact William Butler, Executive Director, at 309-674-6822 to discuss sponsorship.

JuJu Jonny-Local, Flying D'Rito Brothers-Local