Peoria
Illinois
Contemporary Art Center Happenings Newsletter: April 29, 2025
Arts and Entertainment
May 2, 2025
From: Contemporary Art Center1st Friday Studio Tour and Gallery Talk
Friday, May 2, 2025, 5:00-9:00pm, free event
Gallery Talk: Preston Jackson ~ 6:30pm
1st Fridays events support and augment the art exhibits with programming such as artist talks, demonstrations & special performances. For details: www.peoriacac.org and Facebook.
The public is invited to visit the Contemporary Art Center Resident Artist Studios where artists create, display and sell their work. Enjoy the unique and creative talents of local artists. While here, enjoy art exhibited in three galleries and the 3rd floor classroom.
Preston will talk on May 2 at 6:30 about his new work but he will also share about the profound influence of Frank Gallo on his work.
Cinema Gallery has represented Frank Gallo's work for many years. Frank's studio was near Cinema Gallery. Toledo born artist Frank Gallo (1933-2019) taught sculpture at University of Illinois where Preston Jackson studied under him for 3 years. Because of their connection, we thought it would be a good fit to exhibit Gallo's work when Preston's exhibit is downstairs.
Exhibits
April 25-June 21, 2025 ~ Preston Jackson Gallery, 2nd Floor
Portraying the challenges and benefits of a diverse society, Preston Jackson will exhibit paintings and over 15 small bronze sculptures that have not been shown elsewhere. The exhibit will culminate at our annual Juneteenth Celebration at which Preston will speak about his work.
Frank Gallo: Celebrating the Female Form
April 25-June 21, 2025 ~ Gallery 3R, 3rd Floor
Gallery 3R will feature the work of Frank Gallo (1933-2019). He taught sculpture at U of I where Preston Jackson studied under him for 3 years. Gallo celebrated the female form in epoxy resin and cast paper reliefs. Gallo’s works are held in many collections such as the Smithsonian and the Whitney. This exhibit is courtesy of Cinema Gallery in Urbana.
Education
Figure Drawing / Open Studio – Tues Afternoons, April 22 - June 10
2:00-4:00pm (eight 2-hour sessions)
Ages: 18 & up, Minimum Students: 4, Maximum: 12
drop-in for $15.00 fee per class
Figure Drawing / Open Studio – Tuesdays Evenings, April 22 - June 10
6:30-8:30pm (eight 2-hour sessions)
Ages: 18 & up, Minimum Students: 4, Maximum: 12
drop-in for $15.00 fee per class
Tango Practica Peoria – Sunday, 6:30-9:00pm - weekly tango practice and lesson
A weekly tango practica is offered every Sunday, at Contemporary Art Center of Peoria in the 2nd floor art gallery. Traditionally, a Tango Practica is offered for dancers of all levels who have received instruction and have desire to practice.
Admission is $5.00 per person. Please bring cash and exact change. Leaders and teachers volunteer their time. Money collected is a donation to Contemporary Art Center.
Upcoming Events
Live at the Five Spot: Cousin Eddie (lite rock)
Friday, May 9, 2025, 6:30-8:30pm
Whisper & Shout: Open Mic for Poetry
Thursday, May 15, 2025, 8:00-10:00pm
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: Jason Williams
Friday, May 16, 2025
Introductory Dance Lesson: 8:30-9:30 pm
Learn the basics of several Latin Dances by Eduardo & Beverly Caballero
Open Dancing: 9:30-midnight to the music of DJ Eduardo Caballero
ADMISSION AT THE DOOR ONLY: $8.00 nonmembers, $5.00 CAC members
Saturday, May 17, 2025, 6:30- 8:30 pm
Music by Boss Duo: John Miller & Mike Nellas
Frank Gallo: Celebrating the Female Form
Free admission, donation requested, complimentary snacks & drinks.
Meet the exhibiting artists and view their artwork in three galleries and the 3rd floor classroom.
Live at the Five Spot: Elvis Himselvis (Elvis Tunes)
Friday, May 23, 2025, 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.
About Elvis Himselvis: Elvis impersonator Rick Dunham of Springfield has been impersonating Elvis for 37 years, performing in 33 states, and few times in Canada and Europe. He will share mostly Elvis songs with a few other Rock & Roll songs accompanied by a 5-piece band. Listen to his performance
Whisper & Shout: Open Mic for Poetry
Thursday, June 5, 2025, 8:00-10:00pm
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: Jason Williams
1st Friday Studio Tour and Listening Party
Friday, June 6, 2025, 5:00-9:00pm, free event
Listening Party: Mickeisha Armstrong 8:00pm, Preston Jackson Gallery
The public is invited to hear Mickeisha Armstrong’s debut recording, starting at 8:00pm in the Preston Jackson Gallery on the 2nd floor. Be the first to hear her uplifting Christian single. This gifted singer has been a worship leader at Northwoods Community Church and lead singer for ZAFunk!, a band that has performed at Contemporary Art Center.
1st Fridays events support and augment the art exhibits with programming such as artist talks, demonstrations & special performances. For details: www.peoriacac.org and Facebook.
The public is invited to visit the Contemporary Art Center Resident Artist Studios where artists create, display and sell their work. Enjoy the unique and creative talents of local artists. While here, enjoy art exhibited in three galleries and the 3rd floor classroom.
Live at the Five Spot: Stephanie Aaron (Jazz)
Friday, June 13, 2025, 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.
Juneteenth Whisper & Shout: Open Mic for Poetry
Thursday, June 19, 2025, 8:00-10:00pm
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. Poets are asked to share poetry about Juneteenth.
Friday, June 20, 2025
Introductory Dance Lesson: 8:30-9:30 pm
Learn the basics of several Latin Dances by Eduardo & Beverly Caballero
Open Dancing: 9:30-midnight to the music of DJ Eduardo Caballero
ADMISSION AT THE DOOR ONLY: $8.00 nonmembers, $5.00 CAC members
5th Annual Juneteenth Celebration
Saturday, June 21, 2025, 6:30-8:30pm
For Contemporary Art Center of Peoria’s Juneteenth Celebration, on Saturday, June 21, 6:30-8:30pm, Reverend Marvin Hightower, President of NAACP Peoria and Senior Pastor of Liberty Church, will speak about protecting our civil liberties and democracy. Artist and CAC founder Preston Jackson will provide insights into his sculpture and paintings exhibited in the gallery. Organizer/educator Spanky Edwards will reflect upon his relationship with CT Vivian and how he served Martin Luther King Jr. Both Spanky and Preston will share their desire to see monuments erected in his name, in Macomb, Atlanta and Peoria. Performer Mickeisha Armstrong will share spoken word poetry, and the Bloomington based band Soft Spoken will provide music.
The public is invited to this free event at Contemporary Art Center of Peoria, in the Preston Jackson Gallery. For more information-click here
Live at the Five Spot: John Miller & the Romaniacs (Gypsy Jazz)
Friday, June 27, 2025, 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.
Sponsor a Band/Events
Please consider sponsoring your favorite band. It is possible that a band may not be booked unless they are sponsored. Listed below are bands that need your full or partial sponsorship to make the event successful.
Contact William Butler, Executive Director, at 309-674-6822 to discuss sponsorship.
Cousin Eddie-Local, Elvis Himselvis-Springfield, Stephanie Aaron-Chicago, 5th Annual Juneteenth Celebration, John Miller & the Romaniacs-Local.