Peoria
Illinois
Contemporary Art Center News - February 18, 2025
Arts and Entertainment
February 20, 2025
From: Contemporary Art CenterWhisper & 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
The Law of HUEY is a Chicago native hailing from Chicago’s west side. He is a proud father, mentor, emcee and one of the co-founders of the music collective, HUEY Gang. HUEY is an acronym that stands for Headstrong Urban Educated Youth. He is currently working on a project called How Much 4 Therapy, addressing his struggles with mental health and therapy as a black man in America.
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
No partner is required. Mostly Salsa music is played but also Cha Cha, Bachata, Merengue, Tango, Reggaeton, R&B, Cumbia and Latin styled pop and R&B also. Bring your own food and drink or order take out from the Rhythm Kitchen. Pop, water and ice for sale on the floor for $1.00
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
Upcoming Exhibits
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
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.
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.
Rowen Schussheim-Anderson: Tapestries of Innovation
February 28 - April 11, 2025 ~ Preston Jackson Gallery, 2nd Floor
Capturing Light: Bennett Johnson and Jim Scheller
February 28 - April 4, 2025 ~ Gallery 3R, 3rd Floor
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.
Gallery Talks-April 4: Rowen Schussheim-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: 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
18th Annual CAC Peoria Area Juried High School Art Exhibition
April 18- April 25, 2025 ~ Gallery 3R, 3rd floor
The Contemporary Art Center is proud to show off the outstanding work of our area high school students. Artist Reception & Awards Ceremony - April 19 ~ 6:30-8:30pm
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