Contemporary Art Center

See exhibits, live music or take advantage of classes offered through our educational program.

Whisper & Shout:

Open Mic for Poetry

Thursday, February 1, 2024 ~ 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: She.Unapologetic

She.Unapologetic is a performance entrepreneur and educator from Chicago’s South Side. She has participated in the performing arts since she was 3 years old, singing and acting with Chicago Opera Theater and performing with dozens of other organizations across the country. She has been featured in many shows across the country and performed on hundreds of stages. Sabrina is the founder of Go! Creative Arts Collective in Nashville, Tennessee; co-founder of Nommo Poetry Collective in Chicago; and is an alumni of the Grammy-award winning Fisk Jubilee Singers. Through poetry, song, and storytelling, Sabrina has captivated audiences around the world with boldness and authenticity. Her mission is to encourage people of all walks of life to be their most beautiful selves without apology.

1st Friday Studio Tour and Gallery Talks

Friday, February 2, 2024 ~ 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 3 galleries. The public is invited to this open house style events.

On the 3rd floor, see the studios of Tanya Bayer, William Butler, Pamela Connell, Elizabeth Davis, Julie K.W. Harkless, Larry Hendricks, Bennett Johnson, Darlene Jones, Richard Kirchgessner, Joe Kotas, Donald Mason, Kagan Masters, Ilva McBrayer, Joy Johannes Miller, Erica Pamson and Adrianne Risby. In the Side View Gallery on the 2nd floor, see the work of Preston Jackson and Natalie Jackson.

GALLERY TALK with John & Anita Tuccillo-6:30pm - Preston Jackson Gallery

Learn all about the painted cast paper artwork that John & Anita Tuccillo have on display on the 2nd floor in the Preston Jackson Gallery. The artists will lead visitors around the room to share their insights into their collaboration.

GALLERY TALK with Qingjun Huang and Liu Yang-7:30pm - Gallery 3R

Qingjun Huang and Liu Yang will walk around the room, sharing stories about the experience of taking the photos of local subjects, a continuation of Qingjun's "Family Stuff" series. Some of the subjects will also be in attendance to share their side of the experience.

Recently on an episode of Out and About Dr. Mae Gilliland Wright of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois chats with Contemporary Art Center‘s Executive Director William Butler about the many activities you can enjoy indoors at the Contemporary Art Center of Peoria during the coldest months of the year. From Salsa classes, spoken word events, First Fridays, visual art, and more, there is truly something for everyone! Contemporary Art Center of Peoria offers plenty to do during coldest months | WCBU Peoria,

Also appearing on the program were artists Qingjun Huang and Liu Yang whose Illinois Family Stuff Qingjun Huang: Illinois Family Stuff - Contemporary Art Center of Peoria (peoriacac.org) is on display through February 16 in Gallery 3R at Contemporary Art Center.

Read a great article about Qingjun Huang and Liu Yang’s creative process at Photographer moves from China to Peoria to document people through their possessions | WCBU Peoria

Seasoned: Anita & John Tuccillo

Preston Jackson Gallery

 Jan 5 – Feb 16 2024

Each spouse brings their expertise to the process: Anita, her mastery of illusion with paint and John, his physical craft with paper-casting. The best of their ideas emerge in hybrid works that offer a unique view of the urban landscape. The majority of their careers in art education have been spent at Illinois Central College.

Qingjun Huang: Illinois Family Stuff

Gallery 3R

 Jan 5 – Feb 16 2024

When Chinese artists Qingjun Huang and Liu Yang wished to extend the “Family Stuff” series to local subjects, Contemporary Art Center assisted in making connections. Many of the photos in this exhibit are a result of that effort. The 1st subject was Whitney Jensen. Since then, 11 families have posed for his camera.

Education

Tango Practica Peoria - weekly tango practice and lesson

Starts Sunday, January 21, 2024

Figure Drawing Class - Tuesdays, January 30 - March 19, 2:00-4:00 pm

CAC Member: $70, Non-Member: $85, class is full, no drop-ins

Figure Drawing Class - Tuesdays, January 30- March 19, 6:30-8:30 pm

CAC Member: $70, Non-Member: $85, drop-in with $15 fee per class.

Beginners Salsa (level 1) Tuesdays, January 30 - February 27, 6:30-7:25 pm

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

Beginners Salsa (level 2) Tuesdays, January 30 - February 27, 7:30-8:25 pm

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

Relief Printmaking - Wednesdays, March 6 - March 27, 2:00-4:00 pm

Instructor: Cathie Crawford

CAC Member: $140, Non-Member: $160, Minimum students required: 6 Maximum students: 8 Registration deadline: Wednesday, February 28

Dancing With The Self: An Explorative Movement Workshop- 

Wednesdays, March 6 - March 27, 6:00-7:30 pm

Instructor: Erica Pamson

Ages: 18 & up, Minimum Students: 4, Maximum: 8

CAC Member: $40, Non-Member: $45

Registration deadline: Wednesday, February 28

Upcoming Events:

Trish Williams: Celebration of Life

Contemporary Art Center

Thursday, February 8, 2024 ~ 6:00-8:00p.m.

This is a celebration of Trish and her work! Please wear purple or red, her favorite colors, and/or, if you have it, wear or bring something made by Trish. Plan to share a memory about Trish. Refreshments will be served. Trish Williams Bio

Live at the Five Spot: State of Mind (R&B, Motown)

Friday, February 9, 2024 ~ 6:30-8:30pm 

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 15, 2024 ~ 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: She.Unapologetic

Mardi Gras Salsa at CAC

Friday, February 16, 2023 - Every 3rd Friday Dress up and compete for prizes!

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: Turas (traditional Irish music)

Friday, February 23, 2024 ~ 6:30-8:30pm 

Sponsored by: Norm & Louise Hodge, Peoria Irish Fest and St. Patrick's Society of Peoria

Join us for an Irish Celebration featuring Turas, traditional Irish band and dance performances by Flynn School of Irish Dance. Costumed dancers combine traditional Irish step dance with contemporary music and original choreography.

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. 

We will have raffle tickets for a chance to win a St. Patrick's themed Basket.

1st Friday Studio Tour

Friday, March 1, 2024 ~ 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 3 galleries. The public is invited to this open house style events.

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

Friday, March 8, 2024 ~ 6:30-8:30pm 

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. 

Live at the Five Spot: Tambora (Flamenco/rock)

Friday, March 22, 2024 ~ 6:30-8:30pm 

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.