11th Annual A Small Wonder Gift Shop 
November 1 - December 20 ~ 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.

Viewing Hours
Art exhibits may be viewed for no admission during business hours (Tuesday-Saturday 11-5:00) and prior to the start of and during some evening events.

promotional image: artwork by local artists

For more info: https://www.facebook.com/events/978862397341390/978862454008051

Private Tours are available by appointments for small groups. Open House Dates are every 1st and 3rd Sunday from 1:00-4:00 PM. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students and $3 for children.
For questions, private tours and special event rentals please contact the Peoria Historical Society Office 309-674-1921. 

The John C. Flanagan House Museum was built in 1837 on Peoria's east bluff by Judge John C. Flanagan and is the oldest standing house in Peoria. This American Federalist style house offers a spectacular view of the Illinois River Valley. Collections of antique glass, china, furniture, toys, quilts and vintage clothing are displayed. The house is on the National Register of Historic Places and is owned by the Peoria Historical Society.

for more info: https://www.peoriahistoricalsociety.com/events

Join us on Sunday afternoons for Family Climb Time, when local families can experience indoor rock climbing alongside one of our experienced youth instructors!

Cost: Free for Members | $15 per climber (includes rental gear) | Free for adult spectators

Adults can spectate for free but are expected to stay and supervise kids under 14 at all times during Family Climb Time.

All new climbers and supervising adults will receive a thorough facility orientation and learn the basics of safety before climbing.

Please register online or by calling us at 309-966-0831. Advanced reservation is encouraged.

We look forward to climbing with you!

To book or for more info: https://faclimbing.portal.approach.app/event/4998/booking/550528

 

Booking Requirements

This class requires a Annual All Access Family Membership, Annual All Access Student Membership, Annual All Access Membership, Annual Peoria Family Add On Membership, Annual Peoria Family Membership, Annual Peoria Membership, Annual Peoria Student Membership, Daytime Membership DO NOT SELL, Founder Membership, Industry Membership, Monthly All Access Child Add On Membership, Monthly All Access Family Membership, Monthly All Access Membership, Monthly All Access Student Membership, Monthly Peoria Child Add On Membership, Monthly Peoria Family Add On Membership, Monthly Peoria Family Membership, Monthly Peoria Membership, Monthly Peoria Student Membership, One Month All Access Membership, One Month Peoria Membership, Rise Membership A, Rise Membership B, Rise Membership C, Staff Add-on Membership, Staff Membership, Annual All Access Family Add On Membership or $15 Family Climb Time

Max # of Participants: 45

Join us every week for College Night! Meet other college climbers and get in some sends. And, don't forget to bring your school ID!

Walk in or sign up ahead of time online or by calling the gym at 309-966-0831.

Cost for current college students with valid ID is $15 (includes rental gear).

To book or for more info: https://faclimbing.portal.approach.app/event/2690/booking/551395

11th Annual A Small Wonder Gift Shop 
November 1 - December 20 ~ 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.

Viewing Hours
Art exhibits may be viewed for no admission during business hours (Tuesday-Saturday 11-5:00) and prior to the start of and during some evening events.

promotional image: artwork by local artists

For more info: https://www.facebook.com/events/978862397341390/978862454008051

Old meets new at the Bar at Black Band with River City DJs. Their eclectic mix of music is the perfect soundtrack for sipping hand-crafted cocktails and enjoying our carefully curated food menu (including our smash burger, which has made its comeback).

Mondays
6 - 9 pm

For more info: https://www.thebaratblackband.com/events

11th Annual A Small Wonder Gift Shop 
November 1 - December 20 ~ 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.

Viewing Hours
Art exhibits may be viewed for no admission during business hours (Tuesday-Saturday 11-5:00) and prior to the start of and during some evening events.

promotional image: artwork by local artists

For more info: https://www.facebook.com/events/978862397341390/978862454008051

BEGINNERS SALSA DANCE (LEVEL 1)
https://peoriacac.org/events/beginning-salsa/
Tuesdays, October 22 - November 19, 6:30-7:25 pm (five 55-minute sessions)
Instructors: Ed & Beverly Caballero
CAC Member: $40, Non-Member: $45
Registration deadline: October 15
This is an introduction to Salsa dancing. No prior dance experience is expected. As Salsa is a partner dance style, joining with a partner is strongly encouraged.

Classes are held on the 2nd floor of the Contemporary Art Center. Press 2R in the elevator.

Students are encouraged to register via www.peoriacac.org. If this is not possible, they may register over the phone or come in during an event or during business hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 11-5:00. 

Once we have received the minimum number of students required, we will seek payment. For more information about each class, contact: William Butler or Darlene Jones, 309.674.6822 or cac@peoriacac.org

About the instructors: Eduardo & Beverly Caballero have been teaching Latin dancing in Peoria Illinois since 2007. Besides at Contemporary Art Center, they have taught at Peoria Park District, Bradley University, District 150 public schools, RiverPlex, Common Place, ICC, Carver Center, Friendship House and the Clarion Hotel. They have also performed as a couple, with a group and with their students. The Caballeros have been featured in El Numero and Peoria Magazine.

BEGINNERS SALSA DANCE (LEVEL 2)
https://peoriacac.org/events/beginning-salsa-2/
Tuesdays, October 22 - November 19, 7:30-8:25 pm (five 55-minute sessions)
Instructors: Ed & Beverly Caballero
CAC Member: $40, Non-Member: $45
Registration deadline: October 15

Take the next step to becoming a great dancer. Learn more complex moves quickly in five lessons. Master the skills of a leader or follower. Joining with a partner is strongly encouraged. Prerequisite: Salsa I or instructor’s permission.

Classes are held on the 2nd floor of the Contemporary Art Center. Press 2R in the elevator.

Students are encouraged to register via www.peoriacac.org. If this is not possible, they may register over the phone or come in during an event or during business hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 11-5:00. 

Once we have received the minimum number of students required, we will seek payment. For more information about each class, contact: William Butler or Darlene Jones, 309.674.6822 or cac@peoriacac.org

About the instructors: Eduardo & Beverly Caballero have been teaching Latin dancing in Peoria Illinois since 2007. Besides at Contemporary Art Center, They have taught at Peoria Park District, Bradley University, District 150 public schools, RiverPlex, Common Place, ICC, Carver Center, Friendship House and the Clarion Hotel. They have also performed as a couple, with a group and with their students. The Caballeros have been featured in El Numero and Peoria Magazine.

11th Annual A Small Wonder Gift Shop 
November 1 - December 20 ~ 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.

Viewing Hours
Art exhibits may be viewed for no admission during business hours (Tuesday-Saturday 11-5:00) and prior to the start of and during some evening events.

promotional image: artwork by local artists

For more info: https://www.facebook.com/events/978862397341390/978862454008051

Join us every week for College Night! Meet other college climbers and get in some sends. And, don't forget to bring your school ID!

Walk in or sign up ahead of time online or by calling the gym at 309-966-0831.

Cost for current college students with valid ID is $15 (includes rental gear).

To book or for more info: https://faclimbing.portal.approach.app/event/2691/booking/551068

Every Thursday Open House from 10AM - 2PM. Private Tours are available for small groups by appointments. For questions, private tours and special event rentals contact the Peoria Historical Society Office 309-674-1921.

The Pettengill-Morron House has celebrated 150 years! When you visit lean about all of the owners, stories of abolitionists and the underground railroad, what famous actor was married in the home and other stories of Peoria's past along with unique collection of pieces. The house is on the National Register of Historic Places and is owned by the Peoria Historical Society.

 

For more info: https://www.peoriahistoricalsociety.com/events

11th Annual A Small Wonder Gift Shop 
November 1 - December 20 ~ 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.

Viewing Hours
Art exhibits may be viewed for no admission during business hours (Tuesday-Saturday 11-5:00) and prior to the start of and during some evening events.

promotional image: artwork by local artists

For more info: https://www.facebook.com/events/978862397341390/978862454008051

Join us for a chance to connect with the community at First Ascent Peoria! Bring a dish to share (as well as reuseable plate, cup, and cutlery if you have them), and enjoy our annual potluck celebration of climbing and communing together.

Free for Members | Regular Day Pass rates apply for Guests

for more info: https://faclimbing.portal.approach.app/event/5312/booking/551937

Come knit with friends at The Fiber Universe

Every Thursday night from 6:00-8:00pm

For more details: https://www.thefiberuniverse.com/module/events.htm?year=2024&month=Sep&day=26&eventId=3879099

Family friendly paint night, every Thursday. Arrive before 8:30pm to participate. $30 for adults, $20 for children

11/7 Disney Character

11/14 Flower

11/21 Thanksgiving & Fall

11/28 Grinch

for more info: https://www.facebook.com/@jacksonadamspeoria

Whisper & Shout: Open Mic for Poetry
Thursday, November 21, 2024 ~ 8:00 - 10:00 pm

When checking in at the door, be prepared to share your table and seat number.
Tickets in Advance Online: $5-members, $8-nonmembers, $3-poets + fees (till 6pm day of event)
If an event is not sold out, tickets will also be sold at the door.
Tickets at the door*: $9-members, $12-nonmembers, $5-poets
(*No money will be taken at the door unless we don’t reach our max capacity)

*Please Note that purchasing a Poet Ticket is a commitment to share your poetry on stage.
If you don't plan to read, then don't purchase a poet level ticket.

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.
Experience a diverse open mic with artists from all backgrounds in a positive and inspiring atmosphere.
Peoria’s Open Mic for Poetry is held on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month.
Hosts: Ryan Lowry and Whitney Jensen with DJ YV

Featured Poet: Tiara Nicole
Spoken word artist and author Tiara Nicole of Kansas City, Missouri was Kansas City's People Choice Award winner for Best Spoken Word Artist in 2021. She is an author of two books: “Tell My Son, ‘Thank You’” (a collection of poems she has performed on stage) and “Bittersweet 16 Lost Soul….Naive Girl” (a project she put together after experiencing sexual assault). When Tiara is not performing, she works as a Program Manager for Poetry for Personal Power. As an advocate for mental health Tiara believes that art in its many facets can change the world and the way mental health recovery viewed.

11th Annual A Small Wonder Gift Shop 
November 1 - December 20 ~ 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.

Viewing Hours
Art exhibits may be viewed for no admission during business hours (Tuesday-Saturday 11-5:00) and prior to the start of and during some evening events.

promotional image: artwork by local artists

For more info: https://www.facebook.com/events/978862397341390/978862454008051

Free Tasting of Black BAND Whiskey
3-6 pm

Hy-Vee Grand Prairie
7610 N Orange Prairie Rd
Peoria, IL 61615

For more details: https://www.blackband-distillery.com/tasting-events

A holiday market for our Artist members can sell their work at from November 22nd through December 19th! Showcase your work and spread holiday cheer through art this season. A great place for people shop for one of a kind handmade gifts from local artist!

For more info: https://www.facebook.com/events/947744110698975

In honor of our host, Distillery Labs, the opening night’s theme is “innovation.” Friday night’s filmmakers have taken on innovative approaches to telling their stories—they’ve taken risks with their script, camera work, and story structures. 

Following the films will be a memorable panel discussion with filmmakers about production experiences that didn't go quite as planned— ie. absurd behind-the-scenes stories and unexpected curveballs during shooting or editing. Reserve your spot for the opening night of the festival where you can be inspired and connect with filmmakers across the Midwest! For more info: https://www.facebook.com/events/526127356933572

For tickets: Tickets309tix.com/events/big-picture-peoria-film-festival-opening-night-11-22-2024

 

BIG PICTURE PEORIA TURNS DOWNTOWN P-TOWN INTO TINSELTOWN AT THE PEORIA RIVERFRONT MUSEUM’S GIANT SCREEN THEATER

The 2024 Big Picture Peoria Film Festival Builds Upon Our Community’s Arts Assets
To Become A National Arts Destination

 

PEORIA, Ill.—On November 22nd and 23rd 2024, The Big Picture Peoria Film Festival will welcome local and regional filmmakers to Downtown Peoria. This exciting, 2-day event includes panel discussions, content and idea exchanges, and film screenings and awards for best film submissions. Nearly 30 short-format films will be featured in the Festival, which aims to celebrate the visual arts and highlight Peoria’s creative community and all our area has to offer to visitors and residents alike.

 

“Our Film Festival took a few years off as a result of the pandemic, and now it’s back in a BIG way at The PRM’s Giant Screen Theater,” said Doug Leunig, co-founder of Big Picture Peoria. “Our vision for the Festival goes beyond simply showing fantastic films; we want to do so much more. Things like highlighting our local talent to a larger audience, encouraging amateur filmmakers to hone their visual storytelling talent, and boosting tourism dollars by bringing visitors to our local businesses. Our Downtown has so much to offer, and we are giving residents and visitors a reason to spend more time in Downtown Peoria, with a special emphasis on exploring the Peoria Riverfront Museum.”

-

The public is invited to the 2-day Big Picture Peoria Film Festival and the details are as follows:

Opening Night 

Friday, November 22, 6:30-9:00 PM

Location: Distillery Labs, 201 SW Adams, Peoria
Price: FREE

Happenings: Panel discussion and experimental film screenings. 

Snacks and beverages will be available for a limited time.

 

Feature Event

Saturday, November 23, 3:00-4:30 PM & 7:00-9:30 PM

Location: Peoria Riverfront Museum’s Giant Screen Theater, 222 SW Washington St, Peoria

Price: A $15 full-day pass includes both student and main event admission

Snacks and beverages are available for purchase.

 

Student Short-Format Film Screenings: 3:00-4:30 PM

Happenings: Creative dramas, entertaining comedies, and thought-provoking sci-fi films showcase the talents of young filmmakers who are paving our way into the future. Q&A will follow the film screenings.

 

 

Main Screenings and Awards:  7:00-9:00 PM

Happenings: Heartwarming stories, hilarious comedies, and surreal thrillers showcase the talent in the Heartland. The judges will be present for a special Q&A before the film and awards will follow.

 

After Party

Saturday, November 23, 9:30-11:30 PM

Location: Zion Coffee Bar, 803 SW Adams, Peoria

Price: $10 (includes ONE free signature cocktail/mocktail ticket)

Snacks are provided and beverages are available for purchase.

Happenings: Dance to music by Defkon and mingle with judges, filmmakers, and hosts after watching the award-winning films.

 

Tickets for all the events during the 2-day Festival are limited and can be purchased at 309tix.com/

 

“The Big Picture Peoria Film Festival is another step towards making Peoria an international arts destination,” said Leunig. “We have the infrastructure, the talent, and most importantly, the desire to put our City on the map. We can do this, Peoria!”

 

The Big Picture Peoria Film Festival was made possible through a grant from the Community Foundation of Central Illinois and Illinois Arts Council, and by funding from the following sponsors: David Vaughan Investments (DVI), Simantel, and Zendavor Signs & Graphics.

Join us in the Preston Jackson Gallery for an amazing evening of music. BYOB!

For more info: https://www.facebook.com/events/373694055616921

Join Hylo, RC Outfitters and Elite Community Outreach: clean up downtown Peoria while you jog!

Meet at 8am in front of the store to run/walk to lower Glen Oak Park. OR come to Lower Glen Oak Park by 8:30am for the welcome and introduction.

We will be split into teams and given informal routes back to the store, PLOGGING all of the way. 

Post refreshments, garbage weigh-in and more to follow!

Join us to celebrate the end of the harvest season with our annual Thanksgiving RiverFront Market! Featuring fall produce, local honey, coffee, meat, eggs, cheese, popcorn, pies, baked goods, sweet treats and more! Also, a perfect time to shop one-of-a-kind local artists and crafters for the upcoming holiday season! 8:30am-12:30pm. Hope to see you there!

For more info: https://www.facebook.com/events/1066411245182855/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A%5B%5D%7D

Buy from local artists at our annual Crimson Door Holiday Sale!

Friday, November 22nd, our Event will feature tables set up in our classroom space with each artist's work for sale. The opening event is come and go from 5-8 p.m.

The sale doesn't end after that- we will have all the work up in the store location and continuing the sale from 10-4:30 Monday - Friday and 10-3pm on Saturday until December 19th.

All proceeds of the sales go back to the artists.

For more info: https://www.peoriaartguild.org/calendar-of-events/2024/11/23/crimson-door-holiday-sale-the-shoppes-at-grand-prairie

Learn the basics of setting up a pottery wheel to throw, the proper tools needed, how to prepare the clay through a process called "wedging," centering, throwing on the wheel and how to clean up.

We give a demonstration of how to throw a pot.  Next, we let you try by yourself for a short period of time.  Then we give assistance, as needed, to create your own piece which can literally exist forever (unless it is heated to 2500 fahrenheit:). You get to choose the glaze color of your piece.

This class qualifies a person to attend open studios and work independently. 

Materials and firing is covered in the cost for one piece (approximate maximum size-up to 6" tall x 6" width x 6" length).

Everyone keeps one piece. Additional pieces of equivalent size are $5 (covers material and firing costs).  These are paid for after the pottery session, if you create more than 1 piece you wish to keep.

Specialty Items are also available for additional cost.  These require additional time, material, and firing.

Pieces are kept at the studio for finish work, glazing and two kiln firings, and are picked up at a later date. When finished, everything is food-safe, dishwasher-safe, microwave-safe.

Ages 5+

No experience necessary

Pre-registration and pre-payment required.

Please Fill out the form and submit to register for a Wheel 101 class.  If you have a group of people, all paying together, please use one form.  If you are coming with others, but paying separately, please fill out separate forms.  After you submit the form, you will receive a confirmation email and invoice within a day.  When the invoice is paid, your spot will be reserved.

To register: https://www.wheelartpottery.studio/events/wheel-101-class

11th Annual A Small Wonder Gift Shop 
November 1 - December 20 ~ 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.

Viewing Hours
Art exhibits may be viewed for no admission during business hours (Tuesday-Saturday 11-5:00) and prior to the start of and during some evening events.

promotional image: artwork by local artists

For more info: https://www.facebook.com/events/978862397341390/978862454008051

Enjoy a tour and tasting with a BLACK BAND team member in our restored historic space in Peoria’s Warehouse District.

As you explore the distilling process from grain to glass, you will learn about mash bills, still technology, distillate selection, barrel aging and more. Please bring your photo ID and plan to arrive 15 minutes before your tour begins.

For more info & to register: https://www.exploretock.com/blackbanddistillery/event/483954?date=2024-07-27&size=1&time=20%3A00

P-Town Is The New Tinseltown (Well, for a weekend it is. Still pretty cool, right?)

Big Picture Peoria Film Festival is back in a BIG way after a 5-year hiatus! And it’s about time we unleash those pent-up creative juices into Downtown Peoria and make a huge splash on the Giant Screen at The Peoria Riverfront Museum. The 2024 Big Picture Film Festival will welcome both local and regional filmmakers for a weekend of panel discussions, content and idea exchanges, and ultimately, film screenings and awards for best film submissions.

Student Film Screening - 3:00pm
Special Presentation & Awards - 6:30pm

Save the date for the weekend of November 23rd and stay tuned for more details to come! https://www.facebook.com/events/2127643857595766

For tickets: Tickets309tix.com/events/big-picture-peoria-film-festival-11-23-2024

Celebrate the Big Picture Peoria filmmakers at this special event! Your ticket includes A FREE BPPFF cocktail created by the wonderful mixologists at Zion. Come dance to music by Defkon and mingle with judges, filmmakers, and programmers after watching the award-winning films! 

Entry includes:

ONE free signature cocktail ticket. 
Alcohol/Non-Alcoholic Beverages will be available for sale. 
Snacks will be provided. 

Pop-Up Chicken will be serving dinner for sale across the street.

For more info: https://www.facebook.com/events/1204431917325446

Limited capacity, purchase your tickets as soon as possible to reserve a spot!

For tickets: Tickets309tix.com/events/big-picture-peoria-film-festival-after-party-11-23-2024