Peoria Historical Society 61st Annual Rennick Art Show

Visual Context: Showcasing the people and industries, the land, lore, and life of central Illinois from its origins to the recent past through the eyes of the area's creative community. 

 

Come see original artwork by Peoria area artists at the Peoria Historical Society’s 61st annual Rennick Art Show.

All of the art in this judged exhibit reflects the Peoria Historical Society’s mission to preserve, share, and celebrate the stories of the Peoria area. Each piece visually represents some aspect of Peoria area history and is open to any artist with a Peoria connection.

The exhibit runs May 9-June 5, Tuesday-Saturday from 10-5pm and Sundays from 12-5pm at the Peoria Riverfront Museum Gilmore Auditorium, 222 SW Washington Street, Peoria, IL.

 

An Opening Reception will take place on Thursday, May 8 from 5:30-7:30pm at the museum to recognize the artists and show sponsors, and the prize winners will be announced at this event.

Join us for Gallery Talk on Sunday May 18, from 1-3pm, and join the judge and the public for a tour of the exhibit and insights on the artwork.

Artists will retrieve their work on Friday, June 6.

 

There is no charge to attend this event. Donations and memberships are always welcomed and appreciated!

For more information, including guidelines and entry forms, visit www.peoriahistoricalsociety.com.

Venue Information

Peoria Riverfront Museum

222 Southwest Washington Street
Peoria, IL 61602

For more info: https://309tix.com/events/the-rennick-2024-art-exhibition-5-8-2025

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

Peoria Historical Society 61st Annual Rennick Art Show

Visual Context: Showcasing the people and industries, the land, lore, and life of central Illinois from its origins to the recent past through the eyes of the area's creative community. 

 

Come see original artwork by Peoria area artists at the Peoria Historical Society’s 61st annual Rennick Art Show.

All of the art in this judged exhibit reflects the Peoria Historical Society’s mission to preserve, share, and celebrate the stories of the Peoria area. Each piece visually represents some aspect of Peoria area history and is open to any artist with a Peoria connection.

The exhibit runs May 9-June 5, Tuesday-Saturday from 10-5pm and Sundays from 12-5pm at the Peoria Riverfront Museum Gilmore Auditorium, 222 SW Washington Street, Peoria, IL.

 

An Opening Reception will take place on Thursday, May 8 from 5:30-7:30pm at the museum to recognize the artists and show sponsors, and the prize winners will be announced at this event.

Join us for Gallery Talk on Sunday May 18, from 1-3pm, and join the judge and the public for a tour of the exhibit and insights on the artwork.

Artists will retrieve their work on Friday, June 6.

 

There is no charge to attend this event. Donations and memberships are always welcomed and appreciated!

For more information, including guidelines and entry forms, visit www.peoriahistoricalsociety.com.

Venue Information

Peoria Riverfront Museum

222 Southwest Washington Street
Peoria, IL 61602

For more info: https://309tix.com/events/the-rennick-2024-art-exhibition-5-8-2025

Peoria Historical Society 61st Annual Rennick Art Show

Visual Context: Showcasing the people and industries, the land, lore, and life of central Illinois from its origins to the recent past through the eyes of the area's creative community. 

 

Come see original artwork by Peoria area artists at the Peoria Historical Society’s 61st annual Rennick Art Show.

All of the art in this judged exhibit reflects the Peoria Historical Society’s mission to preserve, share, and celebrate the stories of the Peoria area. Each piece visually represents some aspect of Peoria area history and is open to any artist with a Peoria connection.

The exhibit runs May 9-June 5, Tuesday-Saturday from 10-5pm and Sundays from 12-5pm at the Peoria Riverfront Museum Gilmore Auditorium, 222 SW Washington Street, Peoria, IL.

 

An Opening Reception will take place on Thursday, May 8 from 5:30-7:30pm at the museum to recognize the artists and show sponsors, and the prize winners will be announced at this event.

Join us for Gallery Talk on Sunday May 18, from 1-3pm, and join the judge and the public for a tour of the exhibit and insights on the artwork.

Artists will retrieve their work on Friday, June 6.

 

There is no charge to attend this event. Donations and memberships are always welcomed and appreciated!

For more information, including guidelines and entry forms, visit www.peoriahistoricalsociety.com.

Venue Information

Peoria Riverfront Museum

222 Southwest Washington Street
Peoria, IL 61602

For more info: https://309tix.com/events/the-rennick-2024-art-exhibition-5-8-2025

Peoria Chiefs vs. Quad Cities

June 3: Taco Tuesday, game time 6:35pm

June 4: Bang for your Buck, game time: 6:35pm

June 5: Distillers, game time 6:35pm

June 6: Peanuts Night, game time 7:05pm

June 7: Hawaiian Night, game time 7:05pm

June 8: Sunday Funday, game time 2:05pm

For tickets: https://www.milb.com/peoria/schedule/2025-06

Peoria Historical Society 61st Annual Rennick Art Show

Visual Context: Showcasing the people and industries, the land, lore, and life of central Illinois from its origins to the recent past through the eyes of the area's creative community. 

 

Come see original artwork by Peoria area artists at the Peoria Historical Society’s 61st annual Rennick Art Show.

All of the art in this judged exhibit reflects the Peoria Historical Society’s mission to preserve, share, and celebrate the stories of the Peoria area. Each piece visually represents some aspect of Peoria area history and is open to any artist with a Peoria connection.

The exhibit runs May 9-June 5, Tuesday-Saturday from 10-5pm and Sundays from 12-5pm at the Peoria Riverfront Museum Gilmore Auditorium, 222 SW Washington Street, Peoria, IL.

 

An Opening Reception will take place on Thursday, May 8 from 5:30-7:30pm at the museum to recognize the artists and show sponsors, and the prize winners will be announced at this event.

Join us for Gallery Talk on Sunday May 18, from 1-3pm, and join the judge and the public for a tour of the exhibit and insights on the artwork.

Artists will retrieve their work on Friday, June 6.

 

There is no charge to attend this event. Donations and memberships are always welcomed and appreciated!

For more information, including guidelines and entry forms, visit www.peoriahistoricalsociety.com.

Venue Information

Peoria Riverfront Museum

222 Southwest Washington Street
Peoria, IL 61602

For more info: https://309tix.com/events/the-rennick-2024-art-exhibition-5-8-2025

Peoria Chiefs vs. Quad Cities

June 3: Taco Tuesday, game time 6:35pm

June 4: Bang for your Buck, game time: 6:35pm

June 5: Distillers, game time 6:35pm

June 6: Peanuts Night, game time 7:05pm

June 7: Hawaiian Night, game time 7:05pm

June 8: Sunday Funday, game time 2:05pm

For tickets: https://www.milb.com/peoria/schedule/2025-06

Grab your friends and join us for THE BEST weekly trivia around!

Each week we have 7 rounds of Trivia designed to challenge you and ensure it's your best night of the week.

See you there!

For more info: https://www.facebook.com/events/451250454723514/451252734723286/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A%5B%7B%22surface%22%3A%22search%22%7D%2C%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22attachment%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22newsfeed%22%7D%5D%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D

Peoria Historical Society 61st Annual Rennick Art Show

Visual Context: Showcasing the people and industries, the land, lore, and life of central Illinois from its origins to the recent past through the eyes of the area's creative community. 

 

Come see original artwork by Peoria area artists at the Peoria Historical Society’s 61st annual Rennick Art Show.

All of the art in this judged exhibit reflects the Peoria Historical Society’s mission to preserve, share, and celebrate the stories of the Peoria area. Each piece visually represents some aspect of Peoria area history and is open to any artist with a Peoria connection.

The exhibit runs May 9-June 5, Tuesday-Saturday from 10-5pm and Sundays from 12-5pm at the Peoria Riverfront Museum Gilmore Auditorium, 222 SW Washington Street, Peoria, IL.

 

An Opening Reception will take place on Thursday, May 8 from 5:30-7:30pm at the museum to recognize the artists and show sponsors, and the prize winners will be announced at this event.

Join us for Gallery Talk on Sunday May 18, from 1-3pm, and join the judge and the public for a tour of the exhibit and insights on the artwork.

Artists will retrieve their work on Friday, June 6.

 

There is no charge to attend this event. Donations and memberships are always welcomed and appreciated!

For more information, including guidelines and entry forms, visit www.peoriahistoricalsociety.com.

Venue Information

Peoria Riverfront Museum

222 Southwest Washington Street
Peoria, IL 61602

For more info: https://309tix.com/events/the-rennick-2024-art-exhibition-5-8-2025

Peoria Chiefs vs. Quad Cities

June 3: Taco Tuesday, game time 6:35pm

June 4: Bang for your Buck, game time: 6:35pm

June 5: Distillers, game time 6:35pm

June 6: Peanuts Night, game time 7:05pm

June 7: Hawaiian Night, game time 7:05pm

June 8: Sunday Funday, game time 2:05pm

For tickets: https://www.milb.com/peoria/schedule/2025-06

Whisper & Shout: Open Mic for Poetry
Thursday, June 5, 2025 ~ 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: Aaron (Just Aaron) Bell is a national spoken word artist, host, and creator of the Hustle City poetry slam team, all based out of Saint Louis, Missouri. He first explored and expressed his freedom through spoken word in 2022 and since then has traveled across the nation. His inspiration comes from young black men and their unhealthy relationship with their emotions. His goal is to get men to acknowledge their emotions and communicate them more effectively. He has been featured at Living Legends at the Missouri History Museum where 7 Black Men were being Acknowledged for doing positive things in the community. He has also presented poems at Guns Down Hoops Up, a gun violence prevention or intervention event curators by Mission Saint Louis, as well as the Stay Power Awards which acknowledged and encouraged members of the community to continue striving to be a positive influence in their community.

For tickets: https://309tix.com/events/whisper-shout-open-mic-for-poetry-197351?_gl=1%2A1qo3rk9%2A_gcl_au%2AODI2OTYzMzY4LjE3Mzg4Nzk0NDE.%2A_ga%2AODY2NTIzNDY5LjE3MDMwOTYzNTM.%2A_ga_N5PN3MYCM8%2AMTc0NDkyNzgzMi40NDUuMS4xNzQ0OTI5MjI3LjQ5LjAuMA..&fbclid=IwY2xjawJwwOZleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHklF_P_Wrxy2jAcvsAKi0dZZdv26l3WSUumkR1AeddOqqucDDZ7-YzXWUOsa_aem_SWXWmZkqp38x2OAq_eIbGw

Peoria Chiefs vs. Quad Cities

June 3: Taco Tuesday, game time 6:35pm

June 4: Bang for your Buck, game time: 6:35pm

June 5: Distillers, game time 6:35pm

June 6: Peanuts Night, game time 7:05pm

June 7: Hawaiian Night, game time 7:05pm

June 8: Sunday Funday, game time 2:05pm

For tickets: https://www.milb.com/peoria/schedule/2025-06

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

Get ready for an electrifying evening of music on the Peoria Riverfront in this concert presented by the River City Soul Fest! 

Join us for a summer concert featuring Dexter O'Neal and The Funk Yard, the Midwest's premier funk band, plus Peoria’s own Prince Tribute Band, Mico Wave, celebrating the music of the iconic artist. 

Adding to the excitement, enjoy a performance from local favorite, Stevia Humes to kick off the show. 

Advance tickets are available for $14, with day-of-show tickets priced at $20. 

Don't miss this unforgettable night of funk and tribute performances at the CEFCU Center Stage at the Landing.

For tickets: Ticketswww.etix.com/ticket/p/89002650/dexter-oneal-and-the-funkyard-with-mico-wave-prince-tribute-band-peoria-peoria-riverfront

Looking for something fun and interesting to do? Join us the first Saturday of every month at 10:00am for Beer School 101!
Learn about the brewing process, take a tour of our facilities & sample our brews!

Class is limited to 20 students, so sign up today. This is a FREE event, but you MUST REGISTER on eventbrite to attend. Don't miss out!

*To clarify, Beer School does not include an actual brewing day which takes 8+ hours. This is a brief introduction to beer making, a tour through our working brewery, a discussion about styles and techniques, and comparative sampling of our styles.

Attendees must be 21+ and attend under the explicit acknowledgement that they will be touring an operating brewery, where wet surfaces and other moving equipment may be present. As a condition of the working environment, all visitors to the brewery agree to hold Obed & Isaac's harmless upon entrance.

Tickets: Ticketswww.eventbrite.com/e/peoria-beer-school-101-tickets-57042639069

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.

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. Prices start at $25 for basic forms. 

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.

To register, please fill out and return this form: https://www.wheelartpottery.studio/events/wheel-101-class

Please don't forget to like and share our page, as we have recently had to start a new page from scratch due to hackers.

Thanks and hope Wheel see you soon!

Unless noted otherwise, all tours take place on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and depart from (and return to) the parking lot
across from Kelleher’s Irish Pub and Eatery (619 SW Water Street). Bus tours cost $20 per person and reservations are required.
Visit 309tix.com to reserve a spot.

For more info & to purchase tickets: https://peoriahistoricalsociety.org/history-bus-tours/

Saturday, June 7 Roll Out the Barrel
Saturday, June 14 It Happened in the Heights*
Saturday, June 21 Peoria’s Whiskey Barons (includes visit to Pettengill-Morron House)
Saturday, June 28 Mid-Century Modern Architecture
Saturday, July 5 Notable Peoria Women
Saturday, July 12 World’s Most Beautiful Drive*
Saturday, July 19 Lincoln, Abolitionists, and the Civil War
Saturday, July 26 West Peoria and the Uplands
Saturday, August 2 Warehouse Renaissance
Saturday, August 9 World’s Most Beautiful Drive*
Saturday, August 16 The Parks of Peoria
Saturday, August 23 Naughty to Nice
Saturday, August 30 Roots of the River City
Saturday, September 6 Roll Out the Barrel
Saturday, September 13 Historic Springdale*
Saturday, September 20 Grand Victorian (Randolph, Roanoke, Glen Oak) (includes visit to Flanagan House)
Saturday, September 27 Theaters of Peoria
Saturday, October 4 West Peoria and the Uplands
Saturday, October 11 Haunted Peoria
Saturday, October 18 Haunted Peoria**
Saturday, October 25 Haunted Peoria**
* Departs from Peoria Heights City Hall parking lot (4901 N. Prospect) at 10 a.m.
** Departs from Kelleher’s parking lot at 3 p.m. and returns at 5 p.m.
Peoria Historical Society is happy to offer custom and private tours for corporate groups, annual meetings, family reunions, and more.

 

For more than 30 years, PHS bus tours have enabled participants to enjoy “history on the move” with knowledgeable guides providing historical facts and engaging stories behind some of Peoria’s most noteworthy sites. We offer 20+ tours, including “Roots of the River City,” which offers an overview of local history from Native American times to present day. “Historic Springdale Cemetery” explores the oldest chartered cemetery in Illinois and shares stories of famous Peorians buried there. “Roll Out the Barrel” tours the Warehouse District with a focus on the prosperous days when Peoria was known as the “Whiskey Capital of the World.”
“Notable Peoria Women” looks at some local women who made indelible marks in the fields of education, business, and medicine. “Naughty to Nice” recalls the city during Prohibition days, the Roaring 1920s, and the 1930s, when the city’s reputation involved crime, gangsters, and gambling. And “Haunted Peoria” shares a collection of eerie appearances and spooky sightings that have puzzled Peorians for decades.

Abe Lincoln
Learn about Lincoln’s many visits to Peoria, the Civil War camps located here and the veterans’ final resting places in Springdale Cemetery. Hear stories about Peoria’s abolitionist movement and view the GAR Hall, built in 1909.

Roll Out the Barrel Tour
Peoria once featured a riverfront lined with breweries and distilleries. Taxes collected ranked it as the Whiskey Capital of the World.
From 1850 to Prohibition, the volume of whiskey distilled, aged, and bottled in Peoria led to great fortunes being made and the birth of equally prosperous secondary industries. Discover why Peoria was the perfect place for all of these industries to be developed.

Naughty to Nice Tour
This tour traces triumphs through time from the 1920’s to the present.  Tales of gambling and mobsters, including the site of Peoria’s most notorious crime – the Bernie Shelton murder, provide a fascinating look into this era.  Also, discover why Peoria has won the prestigious All-America City Award four times.
Note: This tour is not appropriate for children.

Warehouse Renaissance Tour
Once a dusty collection of aging warehouses, the Warehouse District is now changing rapidly. New residential units, restaurants and retail make this area vibrant. The early history of the area and the factors that led to new development will be shared.

Roots of the River City Tour
The Native Americans, the French, the whiskey and earthmoving capital of the world and the grand mansions – the River City Tour has it all.  You will view the stately homes along High Street, Moss Avenue, Glen Oak, and Grandview Drive. Enjoy the beautiful view of the Illinois River during this tour.

Haunted Peoria Tour
Explore the darker side of Peoria!  Discover the stories behind the ghostly appearances that have startled and puzzled Peorians through the years.  Curses, graves, legends and spooky sightings abound.  

Historic Springdale Tour
Historic Springdale Cemetery has many fascinating stories.  Explore the oldest chartered cemetery in the state of Illinois and enjoy the beautiful park-like setting as you hear stories of those who have their final resting place there.

World’s Most Beautiful Drive Tour
This tour will focus on the history of the beautiful and gracious homes of Grandview Drive. In addition, we will look at some of the LeTourneau all-steel homes located in Peoria Heights.   The history of transportation industries and the former Pabst Brewery in this small community are also addressed.

Notable Peoria Women Tour
Peoria has a rich history of fascinating women who have made their mark on the city and the world.  You will learn about three Peoria women inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame, as well as discovering other women who impacted education, business, medicine, and the lives of those less fortunate.

West Peoria and the Uplands

View the oldest planned neighborhood in Peoria and learn more about West Bluff cemeteries, the Western Avenue Greenway Project and the proud residents of this area.

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.

Private Events

If you are interested in learning more about our offerings, please fill out the request form and we will contact you to discuss details.

To book a tour: https://www.exploretock.com/blackbanddistillery/event/526145?date=2025-02-01&size=1&time=20%3A00

Peoria Chiefs vs. Quad Cities

June 3: Taco Tuesday, game time 6:35pm

June 4: Bang for your Buck, game time: 6:35pm

June 5: Distillers, game time 6:35pm

June 6: Peanuts Night, game time 7:05pm

June 7: Hawaiian Night, game time 7:05pm

June 8: Sunday Funday, game time 2:05pm

For tickets: https://www.milb.com/peoria/schedule/2025-06

Every Saturday night, join us for some great music along with drink & food specials! 

Like our Facebook page to see who's playing each week!

https://www.facebook.com/TheNeonBison

Live music every Saturday night! Check out our website to see who is playing! Bring your friends and come unwind on the weekend. Martini specials all week!

 

http://www.martinisonwater.com/?page_id=27