Exhibits

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.

Art Rescues Animals

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.

Ken Clubb: Cat Illustrations

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.

Call To Artists

Contemporary Art Center Artist Members have an opportunity to participate in a group exhibition at Time Gallery at Morton Community Bank in East Peoria, 201 Clock Tower Drive, East Peoria, February 7, 2025 – March 22, 2025. Each artist may display one original work of art. A qualified judge, Jennifer Costa, ICC sculpture professor, will select ribbons and monetary prizes for 5 works entered.

Read the Prospectus for more details.

Registration Deadline: Jan 24?.

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

Beginners Salsa (level 1) – Tuesdays, Jan 28 – Feb 25, 6:30-7:25 pm

(five 55-minute sessions)

Instructors: Ed & Beverly Caballero, CAC Member: $40, Non-Member: $45

Registration Deadline: Jan 21

Beginners Salsa (level 2) – Tuesdays, Jan 28 – Feb 25, 7:30-8:25 pm

(five 55-minute sessions)

Instructors: Ed & Beverly Caballero, CAC Member: $40, Non-Member: $45

Registration Deadline: Jan 21

Basic Watercolor Class - Thursdays, Feb 13 – Mar 20, 6:00-8:00pm 

(six 2 hour sessions)

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

Minimum Students: 6, Maximum: 10

Registration deadline: Feb 6 by midnight

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 6, 2025 ~ 8:00-10:00pm

Every 1st & 3rd Thursday

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

1st Friday Studio Tour and Gallery Talks

Friday, February 7, 2025~ 5:00-9:00pm ~ free event

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 three galleries. The public is invited to this open house style events.

Eric Cooney - Gallery Talk at 6:30 - Gallery 3R, 3rd Floor

Various Art Rescues Animal Artists - Gallery Talks at 7:30 - Preston Jackson Gallery, 2nd Floor

St. Valentine's Live at the Five Spot featuring Judy Page (soul, jazz)

Friday, February 14, 2025 ~ 6:30-8:30pm

Every 2nd & 4th Fridays

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.

Whisper & Shout: Open Mic for Poetry

Thursday, February 20, 2025 ~ 8:00-10:00pm

Every 1st & 3rd Thursday

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

Salsa at CAC

Friday, February 21, 2025

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: 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! 

We are grateful to Kim and Dwight Roberts for sponsoring the band.

Every 2nd & 4th Fridays

we are grateful to Kim & Dwight Roberts for sponsoring this event

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

Every 1st & 3rd Thursday

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

Live at the Five Spot: Union Avenue (rockabilly)

Friday, March 14, 2025 ~ 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, March 20, 2025 ~ 8:00-10:00pm

Every 1st & 3rd Thursday

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

Live at the Five Spot: Vinyl Tap (classic rock)

Friday, March 28, 2025 ~ 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.

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.

The NikBeats-Local, Union Avenue-Bloomington, Vinyl Tap-Local