Contemporary Art Center

The CAC nurtures the arts, provides gallery space for the spoken word, musical performance, dance, and educational workshops.

Due to inclement weather, the CAC will be closed Saturday, January 13th and Tuesday, January 16th. Stay safe out there!

Whisper & Shout

Open Mic for Poetry

Thursday, January 18, 2024 ~ 8:00-10:00pm

Every 1st & 3rd Thursday

BUY TICKETS in Advance Online at 309tix: $8-non-members, $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.

Feature Poet: Poet Lightning

St. Louis based Poet Lightning is one of the most prominent poets to ever grace our stage. Performing for over 22 years, Lightning has opened for Common, Michael Colyar and an impressive list of others. She has hosted her own show Hustle and Flow, The Experience for 7 years. Due to high demand Hustle & Flow, The Experience has recently returned on the last Monday of each month at The E Spot. What separates her from other poets is that she is versatile, focusing on more than one type of poetry. Above all else, she is a truth speaker. Her messages are about uplifting, healing and empowering women to walk in their true selves authentically and to be whatever it is they choose to be unapologetically. With her poetry, she takes listeners on a journey to so many places.

Salsa at CAC

Friday, January 19, 2023 - 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 - music by of Eduardo Caballero

ADMISSION AT THE DOOR ONLY: $8.00 non-members, $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

Public Closing Reception: Saturday, January 20, 10-11:00am

Artist Membership Exhibit

December 11, 2023 - January 20, 2024

Contemporary Art Center Artist Members are exhibiting on the 2nd and 3rd floors of the Time Gallery at Morton Community Bank in East Peoria, 201 Clock Tower Drive, East Peoria, December 11, 2023 - January 20, 2024. Regular viewing hours are Monday – Friday 9:00am - 5:00pm and Saturday 8:00am-noon. There is no charge to view the exhibit.

The award judge for this exhibit was Christopher M. Gauthiér. He chose 5 works to award ribbons and monetary prizes entered by 33 participating artists. Each artist chose one piece to exhibit.

Best of Show ($250 & ribbon): Billie Howd, Keep the Blues, acrylic on canvas, $350

1st Place ($150 & ribbon): John Boylan, Mo Money, Mo Problem, mixed media, $695

2nd Place ($100 & ribbon): Jessica Peterson, What I See, digital drawing, $250

3rd Place ($50 & ribbon): Tanya Bayer, The Guardian, mixed media on wood, $800

Honorable Mention (ribbon): William Butler, Jessica in a Yellow Dress, pastel, charcoal on paper, $200

Link to photos

About the Judge: Christopher M. Gauthiér, an Associate Professor of Photography at Illinois Central College in Peoria, received a Master of Fine Arts degree from Ohio University in Photography in 2003 and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Cinema & Photography from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale in 1997.

Combined Art Reception

Saturday, January 20, 6:30-8:30pm

Preston Jackson Gallery

featuring music by Barry Cloyd, complimentary food & drinks ? free admission, donation requested. Meet the exhibiting artists and view their artwork in three galleries.

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 23 - March 12, 2:00-4:00 pm

CAC Member: $70, Non-Member: $85, Minimum students required: 4 Maximum students: 12 or drop-in with $15 fee per class. Registration online

Figure Drawing Class - Tuesdays, January 23 - March 12, 6:30-8:30 pm

CAC Member: $70, Non-Member: $85, Minimum students required: 4 Maximum students: 12 or drop-in with $15 fee per class. Registration online

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

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

Registration deadline: Tuesday, January 23rd

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

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

Registration deadline: Tuesday, January 23rd

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

Upcoming Events

Live at the Five Spot: Hannah Rose & the Sweet Nothings (vintage/New Orleans jazz)

Friday, January 26, 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 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.

1st Friday Studio Tour

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.

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.

Live at the Five Spot: Turas (traditional Irish music)

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

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.

Sponsor a Band

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.

Hannah Rose & The Sweet Nothings-Bloomington State of Mind-Local - Turas-Local.