School is out, camp is in! Kids will have an amazing, enriching experience, creating beautiful pieces of art at Wheel Art Pottery Studio/Art with Kyla Winter Break Camp! Each day of this wintery season themed camp, students will have fun with creating objects out of clay using hand-building techniques, spinning (throwing) clay on pottery wheels, as learning other art forms (painting, fiber arts, recycled, nature, and process art).

December 26, 27, 30, & 31
January 2 & 3

Ages 5 and up

Full day: 9 am-3 pm/$60
Half day: 9 am-12 pm or 12 pm-3 pm/$40

All 6 Full Days 9 am-3 pm/$300 (this discount cannot be combined with multi-child discount)

No Experience Necessary

5% discount for 2 children, 10% discount for 3 children, 15% discount for 4+ children (from same household)

To register visit https://artwithkyla.com/kidscamps

Tour Peoria’s oldest standing home, the John C. Flanagan House Museum, now decorated for the holiday season! Tickets are $10 at the door or online. Enjoy the beauty of this 1837 Federal style mansion and the spectacular view of the Illinois river while you learn about Peoria’s fascinating history. The house will be open every Sunday in December as well.

Tickets for December 15: https://309tix.com/events/flanagan-house-open-house-12-15-2024

Tickets for December 22: https://309tix.com/events/flanagan-house-open-house-12-22-2024

Tickets for December 29: https://309tix.com/events/flanagan-house-open-house-12-29-2024

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

School is out, camp is in! Kids will have an amazing, enriching experience, creating beautiful pieces of art at Wheel Art Pottery Studio/Art with Kyla Winter Break Camp! Each day of this wintery season themed camp, students will have fun with creating objects out of clay using hand-building techniques, spinning (throwing) clay on pottery wheels, as learning other art forms (painting, fiber arts, recycled, nature, and process art).

December 26, 27, 30, & 31
January 2 & 3

Ages 5 and up

Full day: 9 am-3 pm/$60
Half day: 9 am-12 pm or 12 pm-3 pm/$40

All 6 Full Days 9 am-3 pm/$300 (this discount cannot be combined with multi-child discount)

No Experience Necessary

5% discount for 2 children, 10% discount for 3 children, 15% discount for 4+ children (from same household)

To register visit https://artwithkyla.com/kidscamps

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

School is out, camp is in! Kids will have an amazing, enriching experience, creating beautiful pieces of art at Wheel Art Pottery Studio/Art with Kyla Winter Break Camp! Each day of this wintery season themed camp, students will have fun with creating objects out of clay using hand-building techniques, spinning (throwing) clay on pottery wheels, as learning other art forms (painting, fiber arts, recycled, nature, and process art).

December 26, 27, 30, & 31
January 2 & 3

Ages 5 and up

Full day: 9 am-3 pm/$60
Half day: 9 am-12 pm or 12 pm-3 pm/$40

All 6 Full Days 9 am-3 pm/$300 (this discount cannot be combined with multi-child discount)

No Experience Necessary

5% discount for 2 children, 10% discount for 3 children, 15% discount for 4+ children (from same household)

To register visit https://artwithkyla.com/kidscamps

The 2024 PNC New Year’s Eve Kids Countdown, presented by Better Built and OSF Children’s Hospital of Illinois, is back at the Peoria Civic Center on Tuesday, December 31st.

The festivities begin at 3:00 pm with the PNC Kids Countdown activities in the Peoria Civic Center Exhibit Halls, with a variety of events and entertainment for the whole family. Activities will include Superhero & Princess photo opportunities, Unique Twist Balloon Twisting, Wild Style Face Painting, Hair Tinsel, & Henna Tattoos, Fun on the Run Inflatables, Peoria Playhouse Imagination Playground, GameOn, Joe the Art Guy Caricature Drawings, Heart of Illinois Big Brothers Big Sisters, First Ascent, Peoria Rivermen, and more!

 

Stage performances will include Communication Junction, Flynn School of Irish Dance, Safari Joe, and the Magic of Joel Shoemaker. 

 

After the festivities, join us in our Sonar Tide Courtyard & Patio for a ball drop and fireworks presented by Better Banks. Admission to the event is free to the public.

For more info: https://www.peoriaciviccenter.com/event/2024-pnc-new-years-eve-kids-countdown/2/

Contemporary Art Center
New Year’s Eve Salsa at CAC
Tuesday, December 31, 2024

Welcome in the New Year with complementary party favors and a champagne toast. Bring in the New Year with us!

Dance lesson 8:30-9:30 pm
Open dancing 9:30-1:00 am
to music of DJ Ed Caballero

$12.00 nonmembers
$8.00 CAC Members

Thinking about attending a dance? Below are answers to common questions:

What are the dances like?
In addition to this special event, we offer a Salsa dance on the 3rd Friday of each month. Everyone is here to enjoy the dance and improve their skills in partner dancing. The dance appeals to all ages and cultures. Chairs and small tables are placed along the walls while the middle of the 2600 sq. ft. room is open for dancing.

Do you serve food or drinks?
Bottles of water, soda and ice are offered for $1.00 each. Bottle openers are available. Guests may also bring their own drinks and food. Another option is to order food and drink as carry out from the Rhythm Kitchen, the restaurant/bar on the 1st floor, and bring it up the dance.

Should I come to a dance considering I have no dance experience?
At the beginning of every dance, we offer a complimentary dance lesson to teach the basics of Salsa, Merengue and Bachata. The dance lesson is designed for those with no dance experience. Don’t worry about being embarrassed or standing out! Most everyone will be dancing for the first time. 

Do I need a partner?
Partners are not required to attend a dance. For the lesson, we divide the students into leaders and followers facing each other. The person across from you will be your partner for the lesson. Of course, if you come with a partner, you can dance with them. Throughout the night, ask others to dance or stand at the edge of the dance floor watching the action. This signals to others you want to dance.

What kinds of music does the DJ play?
Mostly Salsa is played but also Cha Cha, Bachata, Merengue, Tango, Reggaeton, R&B, Cumbia. Occasionally popular tunes with a Latin twist and R&B are thrown into the mix.

What do people usually wear to the dances?
There is a variety of attire. Some people come in jeans and t-shirts. Some come dressed up; in pretty dresses with high heels and dress pants and shirts. Inexperienced dancers should wear simple, flat, dress shoes with smooth bottoms that fit tightly to the foot. Carrying in the shoes you will wear to dance is a good idea, especially in the winter. In general, we recommend wearing clothing that is light and cool, even if it is cold outside. Since you will be spinning, wear something tighter around the torso and waist area. 

Questions:
William Butler 
CONTEMPORARY ART CENTER
305 SW Water Street, Peoria, IL 61602 • 309-674-6822 • cac@peoriacac.org • www.peoriacac.org

For more info: https://www.facebook.com/events/1113104693578935

School is out, camp is in! Kids will have an amazing, enriching experience, creating beautiful pieces of art at Wheel Art Pottery Studio/Art with Kyla Winter Break Camp! Each day of this wintery season themed camp, students will have fun with creating objects out of clay using hand-building techniques, spinning (throwing) clay on pottery wheels, as learning other art forms (painting, fiber arts, recycled, nature, and process art).

December 26, 27, 30, & 31
January 2 & 3

Ages 5 and up

Full day: 9 am-3 pm/$60
Half day: 9 am-12 pm or 12 pm-3 pm/$40

All 6 Full Days 9 am-3 pm/$300 (this discount cannot be combined with multi-child discount)

No Experience Necessary

5% discount for 2 children, 10% discount for 3 children, 15% discount for 4+ children (from same household)

To register visit https://artwithkyla.com/kidscamps

School is out, camp is in! Kids will have an amazing, enriching experience, creating beautiful pieces of art at Wheel Art Pottery Studio/Art with Kyla Winter Break Camp! Each day of this wintery season themed camp, students will have fun with creating objects out of clay using hand-building techniques, spinning (throwing) clay on pottery wheels, as learning other art forms (painting, fiber arts, recycled, nature, and process art).

December 26, 27, 30, & 31
January 2 & 3

Ages 5 and up

Full day: 9 am-3 pm/$60
Half day: 9 am-12 pm or 12 pm-3 pm/$40

All 6 Full Days 9 am-3 pm/$300 (this discount cannot be combined with multi-child discount)

No Experience Necessary

5% discount for 2 children, 10% discount for 3 children, 15% discount for 4+ children (from same household)

To register visit https://artwithkyla.com/kidscamps

Whisper & Shout: Open Mic for Poetry
Thursday, January 2, 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

For tickets: Tickets309tix.com/events/whisper-shout-open-mic-for-poetry-1-2-2025

Featured Poet: Sheri Purpose Hall
Sheri Purpose Hall is a highly decorated writer, performance artist, the CEO of Poetry for Personal Power and founder of East of Red ArtHouse. She is the author of four books: “Mélange du Femme Noir” (2019), "Black Girl Shattered" (2017); “Chosen for Both” (2015); and a workbook "Writing Wrongs: Writing to Heal" (2016) which won an award from Bike for the Brain. She is the 2020 National Spoken Word Awards Female Artist of the Year, 2019 Charlotte Street Generative Performing Artist Awardee and previous 2-year Studios Resident, and an Arts KC Inspiration Grant recipient (2017/2019). She has also represented Kansas City at the Women of the World Poetry Slam (2017/18), at the National Poetry Slam (2015/16/17/18), at Rustbelt Poetry Slam (2019), and with the Writer's Den at Southern Fried Poetry Slam (2021). Learn more about her at Sheri Purpose Hall (spokenpurpose.com)

School is out, camp is in! Kids will have an amazing, enriching experience, creating beautiful pieces of art at Wheel Art Pottery Studio/Art with Kyla Winter Break Camp! Each day of this wintery season themed camp, students will have fun with creating objects out of clay using hand-building techniques, spinning (throwing) clay on pottery wheels, as learning other art forms (painting, fiber arts, recycled, nature, and process art).

December 26, 27, 30, & 31
January 2 & 3

Ages 5 and up

Full day: 9 am-3 pm/$60
Half day: 9 am-12 pm or 12 pm-3 pm/$40

All 6 Full Days 9 am-3 pm/$300 (this discount cannot be combined with multi-child discount)

No Experience Necessary

5% discount for 2 children, 10% discount for 3 children, 15% discount for 4+ children (from same household)

To register visit https://artwithkyla.com/kidscamps

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

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

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!

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