Black Tie, Blue Jeans, Have a Ball!

Join us on February 7th, 2025 at the Peoria Civic Center for Peoria’s biggest party!

The 20th annual Black & Blue Ball continues our tradition of partying for a purpose: supporting the kids and families of Easterseals Central Illinois! Enjoy heavy appetizers and a selection of beverages included with your ticket. Participate in the live and silent auction for your chance at experiences and unique items. End the night on the dance floor as DJs Red Hot Brian Scott from Z92.3 and Matt Bahan from 105.7 the X play non-stop hits.

Tickets are $150 per person or $1,500 for a table of 10; sponsorships are also available. 

Elevate your sponsorship experience with our exclusive $1,500 add-on VIP Package, available to our valued $2,500, $5,000, and $10,000 sponsors. This exceptional package grants you access to an exclusive VIP area that includes a dedicated food buffet line and your very own bar, which remains open throughout the live auction. Enjoy the luxury of five premium mixed drinks per person, perfectly crafted to your taste. Revel in the delight of a late-night snack, ensuring your evening ends on a delicious note!

Tickets are on sale at: https://www.easterseals.com/ci/get-involved/events/black-blue-ball.html?fbclid=IwY2xjawGpxWhleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHWW3McPaWt_Co7Gtmx_B8Jckvzb8IqeTF6WM5sozbDDzaetw5r82tuGA0Q_aem_lnHCNGHo5o0kEma8BvxqZQ

First Friday is a national movement among artists in many cities across the United States. Artists open their studios to present their work to the public.

First Friday events keep the arts in the forefront of a community.

 

Checkout Peoria's First Friday website for gallery openings and all the businesses who participate!

https://hellopeoria.co/first-friday

First Friday is a national movement among artists in many cities across the United States. Artists open their studios to present their work to the public.

First Friday events keep the arts in the forefront of a community.

 

Checkout Peoria's First Friday website for gallery openings and all the businesses who participate!

https://hellopeoria.co/first-friday

On the First Friday of the month, we are open from 6-9pm where you can come in to look around and purchase pottery.

At 7pm, if you are interested in trying the wheel out during our First Friday events, we schedule 45 minute sessions to take part in this opportunity.  A quick demonstration of throwing a pot is given.  Then everyone gets a chance to try throwing clay on their own wheel.  During this time, an instructor will be available to give hand-over-hand instruction to assist you in making a pot of your choice. 

Everybody keeps one piece (within the scale of a cereal bowl or coffee mug) which stays at the studio for finish work and firing.  When finished we notify you for pickup and, they are food-safe, dishwasher-safe, microwave-safe. 

Cost is $25/participant.  

Ages 5+ (children younger than 18 need be accompanied by an adult)

For upcoming dates, please refer to our Events Calendar (underneath).

We require pre-registration and pre-payment.  Please fill out the form underneath.  You will then receive an invoice which you can pay online.

Please show up no later than 6:45 if you will be throwing on the pottery wheels at the 7:00pm class.

Register here: https://www.wheelartpottery.studio/events/first-fridays-wheel-throwing

Join us on February 7, 2025 at 6:00 PM for an engaging artist talk featuring Hannah Offutt and Feral, the artists behind Intersecting Identities — the debut exhibition at ArtsPartners' Follow Your Arts Gallery. This event is free and open to the public. The gallery will be open from 5-7:00 PM.

Offutt and Feral will discuss their creative processes, inspirations, and the deeply personal themes of identity and emotion explored in their work. Offutt’s pieces reflect on queer identity and self-discovery, offering an intimate and thoughtful perspective. Feral's work delves into the complexities of anxiety, using intricate motifs and personifications to create an emotional resonance with viewers.

This is a unique opportunity to hear directly from the artists about the stories and techniques behind their works, as well as to participate in an informal Q&A session!

Light snacks and beverages will be provided.

About the Artists:
Feral is a Peoria-based artist and fellow founding member of PGOBA. Inspired by nature, folklore, and psychedelia, Feral’s work often reflects themes of chronic pain and anxiety. Through intricate, veiny motifs, the artist personifies these experiences, evoking visceral recognition and connection in viewers.

Hannah Offutt, a Peoria native, creates art rooted in self-discovery and identity. A founding member of the Peoria Guild of Black Artists (PGOBA), Offutt has showcased their work in group shows, public murals, and local libraries. Their current body of work embraces the chaos of creation, combining colorful, abstract experimentation with the joy of pattern-making.

For more info: https://www.facebook.com/events/1819182322189396