2025 Emerging and Guest Artists

AJ Westley is an undergraduate student who is studying painting and art history at Illinois State University. During high school he was involved with the Peoria Art Guild’s MAP program, first as a student and later as a teaching assistant. His artistic practice is continually evolving but is rooted in painting and drawing figures; sometimes goofy or obscure but ultimately radiating a tender quality towards his subjects. Outside of art, AJ enjoys going to Dad-Rock concerts, reading, and watching his neighbor walk their little brown dog past his house on most mornings.

Peter Ahart is a multiple combat tour veteran who recently retired after 28 years of military service. Ahart’s work responds to his military experiences and the effects military service has on mental health; commenting on the social and political identify of a combat veteran and families. His experiences are analyzed through digital and analog collage methodologies. He earned his MFA from Bradley University, and his BFA from Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville. Ahart lives and works in central Illinois with his wife Eliza and two boys. In addition to being an artist, he has been involved in various pedological pursuits; teaching subjects ranging from combat medicine, community art focused events, to all ages artists workshops.

Ahart’s paintings have been exhibited in numerous solo group exhibitions throughout the Midwest. A selection of recent group and solo exhibitions include Encompass, Madron Gallery, Chicago, IL (2018), Revolving Doors, Appleby Gallery, MacMurray College, Jacksonville, IL (2019), Nonobjective, Peoria Art Center, Peoria, IL (2020), Charlie Mike, Bradly University, Peoria, IL (2021), React to Contact, Peoria Art Guild, Peoria, IL (2023), Phase Lines, Illinois Community College, Peoria, IL (2023).

Kolin Wilkins is an artist currently attending Illinois State University, he was raised in Mackinaw Illinois where he went to high school. The culture and scenery of Mackinaw and the Midwest as a whole influence the subjects that he paints. Kolin began first painting portraiture in acrylic before moving fully into oil during covid and has continued to work figuratively in oil paint into his college career. While at Illinois State University Kolin has participated in several collaborative shows at galleries such as, Julian Hall Student Gallery, the Central Illinois Regional Airport gallery, and the McLean County Art Center. His current subjects of interest are the people who influenced him while growing up and how these influences have impacted his identity as an artist and man.

A graduate of Illinois State University w/ a Bachelor of Science in Fine Art. Thomas studied, practices, & enjoys a wide variety of art mediums. He is forever grateful for studying under the instruction of talented artists and educators such as Ed Niemi in jewelry, Naomi Towner in fiber arts, Joel Myers in ceramics, and Stephanie & Susan Amster (sisters) who organized a life-changing art study tour of Europe.

    Thomas was both art director and production manager before leaving the company to begin his own hand painted silk line of ties, scarves, and clothing (skirts to gowns.) Two highlights come to mind during Thomas's hand-painted silk business: First, selling to the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum's gift shop in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Georgia O'Keeffe being both an inspiration and an idol in his mind.  The second thrill was working with another of his idols, the world renowned photographer Victor Skrebneski.  Thomas was only in high school when he first started following Victor Skrebneski's incredible work.  

    Presently, Thomas primarily works in sterling silver with semi-precious gem stones, Swarovski crystals, and glass. Jokingly he calls his jewelry making advanced "Tinker Toys," because he finds elements he considers interesting or beautiful; and then discovers a way to build them into miniature hanging sculptures. Thomas especially enjoys designing earrings, because the first earring is completely a creative process.  While the second or the paired earring is a copy or a "production" of the first creation.  This creation followed by production reminds him of his work at the Robert Daskal Group.  There artists created specific original designs, and then must put the specificities into production to fill orders. Thomas believes both creation and production have their rewards, and can be enjoyed uniquely.