Peoria
Illinois
Contemporary Art Center News - February 11, 2025
Arts and Entertainment
February 13, 2025
From: Contemporary Art CenterSt. Valentine's Live at the Five Spot featuring Judy Page (soul, jazz)
Friday, February 14, 2025 ~ 6:30-8:30pm
We are grateful to Weston Meuth for sponsoring the band.
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.
Join us for a Special St. Valentine’s Live at the Five Spot, featuring Peoria's renowned jazz vocalist Judy Page. Her dynamic alto voice conveys the beating heart of a song and leads the audience to feel it also. Judy’s diverse set list will encourage all to dance. Since the age of 15, Judy began her career singing all over the country, even doing a stint as an “Ikette”, while traveling with the Ike & Tina Turner Revue at the early age of 17.
Treat yourselves on Valentine’s Day!
Preorder a personal cheesecake from TrippleDipple
at Order Online | Triple Dipple's to enjoy at St Valentine’s Live at the Five Spot featuring Judy Page, February 14, 6:30-8:30.
Choose from the 5 choices shown: Good Ol’ Original, Turtle,
Sweet Tator, Oreo and Strawberry.
Deadline for ordering is Wednesday, February 12 by 5pm.
To facilitate the order, add: V-DAY CAC in the ‘Add note to seller’ section.
Upon arrival on February 14, we will bring your order to your table.
Listen to William Butler on WCBU Peoria
Exhibits
LAST WEEK!
Grounded: Eric Cooney and Simon Levin
January 3 – February 14 2025 ~ Gallery 3R
Eric Cooney Gallery Talk - Gallery 3R - 6:30pm
Earth born color, pliable materials and water attract East Peorian artist Eric Cooney and Pawnee ceramicist Simon Levin to create art. Cooney’s wall reliefs depict sea creatures, inspired by his years living in Florida. Levin’s functional pottery captures the path of flame as it travels on the wind of the kiln.
LAST WEEK!
January 3 - February 14, 2025 ~ Preston Jackson Gallery - 2nd Floor
Central Illinois Artists unite to offer art for sale to support our furry friends in a group exhibition of and about our love for animals for which we all care. A portion of the sale of each artwork sold will be donated to Peoria Humane Society, dedicated to sheltering, adoption and to the prevention of cruelty to animals.
LAST WEEK!
January 3 - February 14, 2025 ~ 3rd Floor Classroom
For many years, Peoria freelance commercial artist Ken Clubb created illustrations that were used in Cats Magazine, formerly published by PJS Publications, a subsidiary of the Peoria Journal Star. For the 1st time, these original art illustrations with similar works are displayed for sale to benefit Peoria Humane Society.
Upcoming Exhibits
Contemporary Art Center of Artist Member Exhibition
February 7 - March 22, 2025 ~ Time Gallery, Morton Community Bank,
201 Clock Tower Drive, East Peoria, IL
The public is invited to attend the Closing Reception Saturday, March 22, 10-11:00am.
Contemporary Art Center of Peoria’s Artist Members have organized this group exhibition at Time Gallery. There are 33 works of art on both 2nd & 3rd floors. Each artist chose one original work of art to exhibit.
Viewing Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00am-5:00pm and Saturday 8:00am-noon. There is no charge for admission to view the exhibit.
The Judge hired to select ribbons and monetary prizes for 5 works is Jennifer Costa. Originally from Asheville, NC, Jennifer has lived in Peoria for 24 years. She is a Professor of Art and Teaching Chair of the Art Program at Illinois Central College. As a maker of studio furniture and stained glass in a modernized version of mission, art deco and art nouveau, her work often combines various materials such as wood, metal & glass.
Awards
Best in Show - Billie J. Howd, Destined End, acrylic on canvas, 18" x 22", $295
1st Place - Janet Newton, Connect, acrylic on canvas, 18" x 18"x 2”, $500
2nd Place - John Boylan, (ARTJEB), IDOT, mixed media, 23” x 17.25” x 2.5”, $900
3rd Place - Morgan Elser, Weary of the Chaos, mixed media, 68"x 19"x 26", $2,300
Honorable Mention - Tanya Bayer, Rachel and Athena, mixed media on wood, 22"x 25", $300
Link to the Judge Award Decisions
Rowen Schussheim-Anderson: Tapestries of Innovation
February 28 - April 11, 2025 ~ Preston Jackson Gallery, 2nd Floor
While this Rock Island artist and educator employs centuries’ old techniques, her innovative use of fresh materials, organic structures and maps as design sources delights fans of weaving. Her influences include fiber work of Latin America and Africa and color field painters like Mark Rothko and Barnett Newman to inspire blending subtle transitions, despite surfaces built row by row on a 56” four-harness floor loom.
Capturing Light: Bennett Johnson and Jim Scheller
February 28 - April 4, 2025 ~ Gallery 3R, 3rd Floor
Inspired by the designs of celebrated architects and painters, Peoria artist photographer Bennett Johnson is paired with Staunton glass artist Jim Scheller. They share a proclivity to focus on dynamic details of reflection and shadow that most might overlook. A former architect, Johnson captures a glimpse of structures we may pass by every day, in a mysterious interplay of color and pattern. Inspired by modern masters, Scheller emulates the designs of 20th Century painters so well they could have been created by the masters themselves.
Education
Figure Drawing / Open Studio – Tues Afternoons, Jan 21 – Mar 11
2:00-4:00pm (eight 2-hour sessions)
Ages: 18 & up, Minimum Students: 4, Maximum: 12
CAC Member: $75, Non-Member: $90, or drop-in with $15.00 fee per class
Figure Drawing / Open Studio – Tuesdays Evenings, Jan 21 – Mar 11
6:30-8:30pm (eight 2-hour sessions)
Ages: 18 & up, Minimum Students: 4, Maximum: 12
CAC Member: $75, Non-Member: $90, or drop-in with $15.00 fee per class
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.
Upcoming Events
Whisper & Shout: Open Mic for Poetry
Thursday, February 20, 2025 ~ 8:00-10:00pm
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: The Law of Huey
Friday, February 21, 2025
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: State of Mind (R&B, Motown)
Friday, February 28, 2025 ~ 6:30-9:30pm
State of Mind is celebrating their 40-year anniversary with a 3-hour concert for the same price!
To celebrate their long-time supporters, the band invites everyone to an after-party starting at 9:30, catered by Hickory River, including a Q&A with the band.
We are grateful to Kim and Dwight Roberts for sponsoring the band.
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, March 6, 2025 ~ 8:00-10:00pm
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 Poets: Lady's Cipher featuring Eve Bell, accompanied by CJ, Whitney, and Shawny the Artist
1st Friday Studio Tour and Gallery Talks
Friday, March 7, 2025 ~ 5:00-9:00pm ~ free event
1st Fridays events support and augment the art exhibits with programming such as artist talks, demonstrations & special performances. For details: www.peoriacac.org and FB Gallery Talks-March 7: Jim Scheller, 6:30 and Bennett Johnson, 7:30.
Visit the Contemporary Art Center Resident Artist Studios where artists create, display and sell their work. Enjoy the unique & creative talents of local artists. While here, enjoy art exhibits in 3 galleries. The public is invited to this open house style events.
Live at the Five Spot: Union Avenue (rockabilly)
Friday, March 14, 2025 ~ 6:30-8:30pm
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.
Combined Art Reception
Saturday, March 15, 2025 ~ 6:30- 8:30 pm
music provided by Derel Monteith
free admission / donation requested; complimentary snacks & drinks. Meet the exhibiting artists and view their artwork in three galleries and the 3rd floor classroom.
Whisper & Shout: Open Mic for Poetry
Thursday, March 20, 2025 ~ 8:00-10:00pm
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 Poets: Lady's Cipher featuring Eve Bell, accompanied by CJ, Whitney, and Shawny the Artist
Friday, March 21, 2025
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
Contemporary Art Center of Peoria’s Artist Members Closing Reception
Saturday, March 22, 2025 ~ 10:00-11:00am
The public is invited to attend this free event. *Artists are encouraged to attend the closing reception and take their art with them at the conclusion of the event.
Live at the Five Spot: Vinyl Tap (classic rock)
Friday, March 28, 2025 ~ 6:30-8:30pm
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, April 3, 2025 ~ 8:00-10:00pm
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: Mr. 16
1st Friday Studio Tour and Gallery Talks
Friday, April 4, 2025 ~ 5:00-9:00pm ~ free event
1st Fridays events support and augment the art exhibits with programming such as artist talks, demonstrations & special performances. For details: www.peoriacac.org and FB
Visit the Contemporary Art Center Resident Artist Studios where artists create, display and sell their work. Enjoy the unique & creative talents of local artists. While here, enjoy art exhibits in 3 galleries. The public is invited to this open house style events.
Live at the Five Spot: Tambora (flamingo, pop)
Friday, April 11, 2025 ~ 6:30-8:30pm
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, April 17, 2025 ~ 8:00-10:00pm
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: Mr. 16
Friday, April 18, 2025
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: Nathan Taylor & Friends (New Orleans Jazz, Folk)
Friday, April 25, 2025 ~ 6:30-8:30pm
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.
Live at the Five Spot: Cousin Eddie (Lite Rock)
Friday, May 9, 2025 ~ 6:30-8:30pm
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.
Live at the Five Spot: Elvis Himselvis (Elvis Tunes)
Friday, May 23, 2025 ~ 6:30-8:30pm
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.
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.
Union Avenue-Bloomington, Vinyl Tap-Local, Tambora-Local, Nathan Taylor & Friends-Local,
Cousin Edde-Local, Elvis Himselvis-Springfield IL