Peoria Art Guild

2008 Exhibits and Events

For past exhibits click here. For a printer-friendly copy of the 2008 exhibits, please click here.

January 18 – March 1	“Fact, Fallacy and Illusion – Historical African-American Imagery” Quilts by fiber artist, Venus Blue Venus Blue, a graduate of the Art Institute of Chicago, was the recipient of many awards from Chicago arts and cultural institutions. She was also the recipient of national fellowships and grants. She was associated with Urban Gateways, a leading arts education organization. Some of her quilts are on permanent display at the Field Museum’s Africa exhibit and also at the City of Chicago Cultural Affairs Department. Opening Reception Friday, January 18 (5:30 – 7:30 pm) The exhibit is free to members and $2 suggested donation for non-members.
March 7 – April 12	Gallery I: Art of Survival, Women, Healing and the Arts Art making can “improve and enhance the physical, mental and emotional well-being of individuals of all ages.” This exhibition explores current work being done in the field of art therapy through the use of exhibits, demonstrations, and workshops. The main exhibit, The Art of Survival, was initiated by Elka Kazmierczak at the Women’s Center in Carbondale. It focuses on art as a source of self-knowledge and transformation. It emphasizes that life and human sensitivity fuel art, and art enables people searching for meaning in their lives to find it and ways to express it. Additional artwork from local art therapy programs will be included as well. Gallery II : Deborah’s Personal Survival Story, How Art Helped Her Recover Opening reception Friday, March 7 (5:30 – 7:30 pm) The exhibit is free to members and $2 suggested donation for non-members.
April 25 – May 10	Art SmArt An annual exhibit of work from the Peoria Art Guild Studio School students and instructors. Approximately 80 pieces of art will be displayed in all media. Opening reception Friday, April 25 (5:30 – 7:30 pm) The exhibit is free to members and $2 suggested donation for non-members.
May 16 – June 21	Gallery I : Photo Documentary of Peoria, Past to Present by Lynn Swigart Mr. Swigart is a professional photographer who traveled the world for Caterpillar. As an artist, he was invited and participated for many years in the Peoria Art Guild’s Fine Art Fair, ranked among the top 1% nationwide. Photographs displayed in this show reveal many secrets of Peoria’s history and cover a wide range of subjects. The Peoria Historical Society will collaborate with programming around this exhibition. Gallery II : New Works by Gerard Erley Award winning oil painter, Gerard Erley, best known for his classical landscape scenes will be exhibiting his new collection of work. Opening reception Friday, May 16 (5:30 – 7:30 pm) The exhibit is free to members and $2 suggested donation for non-members.
June 7 & 8	Junction City Art Fair For more information on the 3rd Annual fair and previous Fairs click here.
June 27 – Aug 2	Undergraduate Student Invitational A juried exhibition of students currently enrolled in colleges or universities and pursuing art as their major course of study. This is an effort to give visibility to many exceptionally talented, emerging artists. Opening reception Friday, June 27 (5:30 – 7:30 pm) The exhibit is free to members and $2 suggested donation for non-members.
August 15 – Sept. 6	Mentor Apprentice Program (MAP) exhibition Fifteen selected local High School student’s exhibit work they created in the Art Guild’s Studio School during the intensive summer program. Many students have received college scholarships after completing this program. Opening reception Friday, August 15 (5:30 – 7:30 pm) The exhibit is free to members and $2 suggested donation for non-members.
Sept. 26, 27 & 28	Fine Art Fair at the Riverfront For more information on the 46th Annual Fine Art Fair and previous Fairs, please click here.
October 10 – Nov. 15	Pet Portraits An invitational show of artists who specialize in painting pet portraits. There will be several themed workshops and classes offered in various art techniques, for all ages, along with this exhibition. A fun fundraiser is planned in collaboration with community groups and organizations. This show will explore how the relationship between humans and their animals have been artistically expressed over time. Opening reception Friday, October 10 (5:30 – 7:30 pm) The exhibit is free to members and $2 suggested donation for non-members.
November 22	8x8 Event 6:00 - 9:00 pm
November 29– Dec. 20	Crimson Door Holiday Show & Sale The exhibit is free to members and $2 suggested donation for non-members.

Local Color Series	All exhibits feature local artists in the Fleming Conference Room at the Foster Art Center. For more information, please click here.
	2008 Artists: December - January: Patrick Harness February - March: Erin Robert April - May 10: Cheryl Dean May 16 - June: Nichole Gronvold-Roller July: Jane Ryder August - September: Susan Weinberg October - November: Lori Brooks