TODAY is Giving Tuesday

Join us in reaching our goal of $7,000 for the Contemporary Art Center of Peoria. November 29 is Giving Tuesday, a day of Global Giving To help raise awareness of charitable causes and encourage donors’ generosity. https://www.facebook.com/donate/648982090305789/

If you have benefited from the cultural influence of a music concert, dances, fine art, poetry open mic, dance and art classes or a private event like a wedding reception, then don’t miss the opportunity to have your donation doubled or augmented! You are also welcome to give prior to or after November 29. #GivingTuesday #GiveCACPeoria

Caterpillar participates in Giving Tuesday

In support of the Caterpillar Foundation’s 70th Anniversary and Giving Tuesday, the Foundation will provide a limited-time 2:1 match through our Matching Gifts Program for global employee and U.S. retiree gifts made starting November 28 through December 12, 2022 (or once the match total reaches $2M USD). If you are interested, we recommend taking action soon after the opportunity launches the week of November 28 as this 2:1 match is on a first-come first-serve basis and we may reach our cap quickly! For program details and to submit your match request, visit the Limited-Time 2:1 Match site to review guidelines and FAQs.

Whisper & Shout: Open Mic for Poetry

Thursday, Dec 1, 2022 ~ 8:00-10:00pm BUY TICKETS

Tickets in Advance Online at 309tix: $5-members, $8-nonmembers,

$3-poets + fees (until 6pm day of event). (*No money will be taken at the door unless we don’t reach our max capacity) 

Experience a diverse open mic with artists from all backgrounds in a positive and inspiring atmosphere. Host: Ryan Lowry, DJ: Yvaine Washington

Poets from as far away as Maryland, Missouri and Florida have graced the stage. Regardless of a poet’s level of experience, everyone is welcome to share his or her work. Audiences experience more than just someone reading from a page. Poets often memorize the piece and perform it as in a stage play. These are often soul-baring performances that might make you weep or laugh out loud. One thing is for certain, this is an entertaining and stimulating event. Join us on the 2nd floor, in the Preston Jackson Gallery.

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.

1st Friday Studio Tour

Friday, Dec 2, 2022 ~ 5:00-9:00pm ~ free event

Visit the Contemporary Art Center Artist Studios where resident artists create, display and sell their work exhibited in three galleries. Enjoy the unique and creative talents of local artists.

As an added bonus, Gallery 3R is turned into a gift shop for small works of art. Just like a gift shop, buyers may take home the item at the time of purchase. Shop early for the art lover in your life. Glass, ceramics, paintings, sculpture, jewelry, original prints and photos, calendars, books and much more will be on display.

9th Annual A Small Wonder Gift Shop 

October 28 - December 17 ~ Gallery 3R

A small wonder means small work from local artists and that means work priced for holiday gifts! Gallery 3R is turned into a gift shop for small works of art. Just like a gift shop, buyers may take home the item at the time of purchase. Shop early for the art lover in your life. Glass, ceramics, paintings, sculpture, jewelry, original prints and lots more will be on display.

Click here to see photos of gift items.

Besides regular business hours: Tuesday-Saturday 11-5:00, we are open late until 9:00pm during events: First Friday and Live at the Five Spot. The Contemporary Art Center is located at 305 SW Water Street, Peoria, IL 61602. Call or text 309-674-6822 or contact us with questions for more information.

Qingjun Huang: Housed/Unhoused

November 4 - December 17 ~ Preston Jackson Gallery

Chinese artists Qingjun Huang and his wife Liu Yang recently emigrated to USA to live in Peoria. While in China, Qingjun convinced people to display all of their belongings in front of their homes to be photographed. He also created a series with unhoused people making the same request. A selection of both series will be placed side by side in the gallery as in a diptych format. All kinds of conclusions can be made from this documentation.

In this video, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tQxg2fsoSMs, Chinese photographer Qingjun Huang talks about his photographic series, "Family Stuff". See some of Qingjun's photographs in person through December 17 in the Preston Jackson Gallery at Contemporary Art Center of Peoria. Chinese artists Qingjun Huang and his wife Liu Yang recently emigrated to USA to live in Peoria. While in China, Qingjun convinced people to display all of their belongings in front of their homes to be photographed. He also created a series with unhoused people making the same request. A selection of both series will be placed side by side in the gallery as in a diptych format in an exhibit called "House/Unhoused".

You can also read an article in the Community Word by Lisa Nelson Raabe: Inland Art: Marrying mediums, Qingjun Huang and Liu Yang creating happily ever after - The Community Word