Art Exhibition, Poetry, Live Music, Salsa Dance and More!

William's Birthday Fundraiser

For my birthday this year, I am asking ALL of my Facebook Friends to support the Contemporary Art Center of Peoria by giving at least $5 each to easily make or hopefully surpass my goal of $3,000 this year.

I love dressing up and thought I would share some of the best costumes I have worn at our annual Halloween party.

If I have ever blessed you in a small or big way, if you have ever benefitted from my servant heart, hospitality, advice or kindness, if you have ever had a great time at CAC, then it will break my heart if you can’t donate at least $5 bucks! I have grown so much from serving the art center and all of you. I bet this place has had an impact on you as well.

Facebook takes care of the donation processing with no fees. You may also donate via other means as well in person with check, cash or credit card. CLICK HERE TO DONATE

Whisper & Shout: Open Mic for Poetry

Thursday, July 17, 2025, 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: Arrie Lane

Arrie Lane is a mother, poet, actress, writer & director born and raised in Detroit, Michigan. She has placed top three in a myriad of slams around the country over the last year and is currently a finalist the Motown Mic: the Spoken Word Competition by Motown Museum. In September of 2021 on all streaming platforms, she released her first Spoken Word album “Organized Chaos Vol. 1”. She believes art heals and breaks down barriers. It is oxygen for a creative and is one of our greatest healing tools.

Salsa at CAC

Friday, July 18, 2025

Every 3rd Friday

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

No partner is required. Mostly Salsa music is played but also Cha Cha, Bachata, Merengue, Tango, Reggaeton, R&B, Cumbia and Latin styled pop and R&B also. Bring your own food and drink or order take out from the Rhythm Kitchen. Pop, water and ice for sale on the floor for $1.00

Combined Art Reception

Saturday, July 19, 2025, 6:30- 8:30 pm

Music by Roy Ponce

Free admission, donation requested, complimentary snacks & drinks.

Meet the exhibiting artists & view their artwork in three galleries & the 3rd floor classroom.

Contemporary Still Life, Preston Jackson Gallery, 2nd Floor

Installation by Sparker, Gallery 3R, 3rd Floor

Exhibits

Contemporary Still Life

Through August 15, 2025 ~ Preston Jackson Gallery, 2nd Floor

Artists continue the tradition of still life. Tyler Hennings depicts common objects in a way that elevates their status to a grander scale. Cathy Engberg focuses on toys that reflect pop culture. Jeff Bess, influenced by surrealism, combines objects that are not typically paired. Marya Veeck acknowledges the autobiographical significance of a grouping of her accumulated belongings.

Combined Art Reception - Saturday, July 19, 2025, 6:30- 8:30 pm - Music by Roy Ponce

Installation by Sparker

Through -August 15, 2025 ~ Gallery 3R, 3rd Floor

Gallery 3R is transformed by Chicago-based artist Sparker (Sam Parker). See examples at sparkerstud.io.

Past installations were created at Art Lit Lab, Madison, Wisconsin, Salisbury University, Maryland and The Welcome Project, Cincinnati, Ohio. Sparker earned her MFA from The University of Texas at Austin in 2014 and her BFA from Bradley University in 2011.

Combined Art Reception - Saturday, July 19, 2025, 6:30- 8:30 pm - Music by Roy Ponce

Upcoming Exhibit

Hot Ciao XII

September 3-September 25, 2025 ~ Studios on Sheridan

Artists enrolled in the Contemporary Art Center’s Artist Membership program return to the Studios on Sheridan for a dynamic group exhibition featuring one work of art from each member covering the mediums of drawing, ceramics, fiber, sculpture, painting, printmaking, furniture and more.

Click Here for Prospectus and Registration

Education

Tango Practica Peoria – Sunday, 7:00-9:00pm - 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 Education

Figure Drawing / Open Studio – Tuesday Afternoons, July 22 - September 9

2:00-4:00pm (eight 2-hour sessions)

Ages: 18 & up, Minimum Students: 4, Maximum: 12

drop-in for $15.00 fee per class

Registration deadline TODAY: July 15 by midnight

Figure Drawing / Open Studio – Tuesday Evenings, July 22 - September 9

6:30-8:30pm (eight 2-hour sessions)

Ages: 18 & up, Minimum Students: 4, Maximum: 12

drop-in for $15.00 fee per class

Registration deadline TODAY: July 15 by midnight

Beginners Salsa (level 1) – Tuesdays, July 29 - August 26, 6:30-7:25 pm

(five 55-minute sessions)

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

Registration deadline: July 22 by midnight

Beginners Salsa (level 2) – Tuesdays, July 29 - August 26, 7:30-8:25 pm

(five 55-minute sessions)

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

Registration deadline: July 22 by midnight

Upcoming Events

Live at the Five Spot: Irish Celebration (Irish, Folk)

featuring Irish Folk band Turas & Flynn School of Irish Dance

Friday, July 25, 2025, 6:30-8:30pm

Every 2nd & 4th Fridays

Thank you sponsors: Norm & Louise Hodge, Peoria Irish Fest, AmEIREcan Irish Gift Shop and St. Patrick's Society of Peoria

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. 

1st Friday August

Friday, August 1, 2025 ~ 5:00-9:00pm ~ free event

Featured this night only:

6:30-7:30 - Artist Talks by Tyler Hennings, Cathy Engberg and Jeff Bess who are exhibiting in Contemporary Still Life: artists continue the tradition of still life. 

Concert by Someone Named Sam: 8:00-9:00pm

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. 

Boogie Night Disco Costume Party

Saturday, August 2, 7:00-11:00pm

ADMISSION AT THE DOOR ONLY: $10.00 CAC members, $14.00 non-members

Return to the days when disco music topped the charts, The Hustle was all the rage and it was ok to catch Boogie Fever!

Come dressed in a disco costume for a chance to win a grand prize.

Whisper & Shout: Open Mic for Poetry

Thursday, August 7, 2025, 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: Butta Biscuitt & Radio Raheema

Live at the Five Spot: The Sweet Nothings (Jazz Standards)

Friday, August 8, 2025, 6:30-8:30pm

Every 2nd & 4th Fridays

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. 

All White Salsa at CAC, Wear all white attire to lift spirits higher!

Friday, August 15, 2025,

Every 3rd Friday

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

Whisper & Shout: Open Mic for Poetry

Thursday, August 21, 2025, 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: Rae Lay Down The Truth

Live at the Five Spot: Raynah & the Holis7tics (Rock, Pop)

Friday, August 22, 2025, 6:30-8:30pm

Every 2nd & 4th Fridays

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: Cousin Eddie (Lite Rock)

Friday, September 12, 2025, 6:30-8:30pm

Every 2nd & 4th Fridays

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: Dexter & the Funk Yard (Soul, Funk)

Friday, September 26, 2025, 6:30-8:30pm

Every 2nd & 4th Fridays

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.

The Sweet Nothings-Bloomington, Raynah & the Holis7tics-Local, Cousin Eddie-Local,

Dexter O'Neal & the Funk Yard-Local.