Enrolling Now — Summer 2026

Art Without Boundaries is the Peoria Art Guild’s youth arts access program, designed to remove financial barriers and bring high-quality art education to students across our community. Through this program, PSD 150 students can explore ceramics, painting, fiber arts, mixed-media, bookmaking, printmaking, and more — at no cost to their families.

This program is made possible through generous funding from the Community Foundation of Central Illinois and reflects our shared belief that every young person deserves access to a creative space where they can build skills, find confidence, and belong.

Summer 2026 classes are held at our downtown Peoria studios at 203 Harrison St, putting us right in the heart of the community we serve.

Introduce your child to a lifelong interest in the visual arts this summer!

 

How to Register for Free Classes

Enrolling is simple and takes just a few minutes.

  1. Complete our registration form using the link below. You’ll be asked to provide basic information about your student and a simple form of school verification — such as a report card, student ID, or a screenshot of your student’s class schedule from Skyward or a similar program.

  2. No documentation right now? No problem. You can submit your registration, and a member of our team will follow up with you by email to collect verification.

  3. Once enrolled, you’ll receive bi-weekly email updates featuring upcoming classes, workshops, and direct registration links. When a class interests your family, simply use the link to reserve your student’s spot. Some classes have limited enrollment, so we encourage you to register early.

Enrollment is rolling — there is no deadline to join the program, though individual class spots are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Register for the Arts Without Boundaries Program 2026

What to Expect

Art Without Boundaries offers both multi-week class series and single-session workshops throughout the summer. Classes are taught by experienced artist instructors in our lower-level studio spaces at 203 Harrison St, and are designed to be welcoming to students of all skill levels — whether your child has never held a paintbrush or has been making art for years.

Disciplines offered this summer include: Ceramics, Printmaking, Book Making, Sculpture, Drawing & Character Design, Comics & Manga, Fiber Arts & Sewing, Mixed Media, Painting, and more to come.

Classes are offered for a range of ages, from toddlers to teens. Each bi-weekly email update will include the full schedule of upcoming sessions so your family can plan ahead.

 

Where We Are This Summer

Peoria Art Guild — Downtown Studios 203 Harrison St, Peoria, IL 61602 Lover Level Studio Spaces

This summer, all Art Without Boundaries programming is held exclusively at our downtown Peoria location — a change from last year’s location at the Shoppes of Grand Prairie. Our downtown studios put us closer to PSD 150 families across the city, and we’re excited to welcome students into this creative space.

First time visiting? Our studio spaces are in the lower level of the building. When you arrive, you’ll enter through the print studio — the other classrooms are just through the connecting doors on the left. Look for signage, or ask any staff member, and we’ll be happy to show you the way!

Who Qualifies for This Program?

Students of all ages currently enrolled in Peoria Public Schools District 150 (PSD 150) are eligible
to enroll in Art Without Boundaries and access classes at no cost.

Eligible Schools (PSD 150)

 

High Schools
(Grades 9-12)

  • Manual High School

  • Peoria High School

  • Richwoods High School

Middle Schools
(Grades 5-8)

  • Rolling Acres Middle School

  • Sterling Middle School

  • Von Steuben Middle School

  • Harold B. Dawson Middle School

  • Liberty Leadership Middle School

  • Mark W. Bills Middle School

  • Reservoir Gifted School

K-8 & Community
Learning Schools

  • The Elise Ford Allen Academy

  • Glen Oak Community Learning Center

  • Annie Jo Gordon Community Learning Center

  • Lincoln School

  • Trewyn Primary School

Primary Schools (k-4)

  • Whittier Primary School

  • Dr. Maude A Sanders Primary School

  • Franklin Primary School

  • Hines Primary School

  • Dr. C.T. Vivian Primary School

  • Kellar Primary School

  • Northmoor Primary School

  • Charter Oak Primary School

Not sure if your student qualifies?

If your student attends a PSD 150 school but you don’t see it listed, or if you have questions about eligibility,
please reach out to a member of our team at info@peoriaartguild.org — we’re happy to help!

Not a PSD 150 student?

All youth art classes at the Peoria Art Guild are available at reduced cost to families regardless of school district through the Art Without Boundaries program. Contact us to learn more, or visit our class calendar for our most up-to-date list of classes.

Other Free Programs in the Peoria Area

While we wish we could offer classes for every student, we understand that we may not have what your family is looking for. Please consider some of the alternative FREE programming available for children in Peoria, offered by the Peoria Public Libraries. You do not need a library card to participate.

Toddler Time @ Peoria Heights Public Library RSVP
Every Tuesday beginning June 2nd, 10 AM — 10:30 AM
Ages 1-3
An interactive and high-energy program for ages 1-3 every Tuesday at 10 am. 30-minute sessions include a story, craft, dancing, and more!

Summer Storytime @ Lakeview Branch Library RSVP
Every Wednesday beginning June 3rd, 10:15 AM — 11 AM
All ages
Storytime is back at the Lakeview Branch, and just in time for Summer! Come hear stories every Wednesday morning! Visit Lakeview’s Branch Events page for more information.

Crafty Critters Art Class @ Alpha Park Library RSVP
June 8th, 4 PM — 4:30 PM, or 5 PM — 5:30 PM
Ages 0-2
Learn some fun art skills for littles from Ms. Al! Dress for a mess and make some art to take home! This month will be sponge painting.

Baby Tadpoles Story Time @ Alpha Park Library RSVP
June 9, 16, 23, & 30 | 9:30 AM — 10 AM
Ages 0-1
Join us for baby bounces, movement songs, felt board activities, and stories — and play with other families afterward! Drop in available.

Toddler Froglets Story Time @ Alpha Park Library RSVP
June 9, 16, 23, & 30 | 10:30 AM — 11 AM
Age 2
Join us for movement songs, felt board activities, and stories — and play with other families afterward! Drop in available.

Rainbow Families Storytime @ Fondulac Library RSVP
June 10th, 10 AM — 11 AM
Ages 2-6
Everyone’s family looks different, and this storytime is here to celebrate it. We’ll read some fun books, sing together, and do a fun, glittery rainbow craft! While intended for kids ages 2-6 and their families, all are welcome.

Fruit & Vegetable Print Canvas Tote Bags @ Fondulac Library RSVP
June 11th, 10:30 AM — 11:15 AM
Ages 4-14
Decorate a canvas bag using fruit and vegetables as stamps with fabric paint. Be prepared to take your finished projects home before the paint on them has dried. This program is designed for children and accompanying adults.

Pride ROCKS! Craft @ Peoria Public Main Library RSVP
June 11th, 4:30 PM — 5:30 PM
All ages
Drop in to paint some rocks for Pride Month and learn why Pride Rocks!
We’ll bring the rocks, paint, brushes, and snacks. All you have to bring is yourself and some friends to celebrate. Free event for all ages.

Make Your Own Mini Garden @ Lakeview Branch Library RSVP
June 12, 2 PM — 3 PM
Ages 6-12 — children will need an accompanying adult
Part of our Summer Reading “Plant a Seed, Read!” program, head over to the Peoria Public Library’s Lakeview branch to make your own miniature garden! Each participant will be able to decorate a small flower pot with small figures and take home their own succulent to grow in it!
Free event, but registration is required.

Pre-K Frogs & Friends Story Time RSVP
June 12 & 26 | 10:30 AM — 11:30 AM
Ages 3-5
Children and their caregivers are invited to come enjoy stories, songs, and playtime with friends — and make a craft to take home! Drop in available.

Sign & Sing Story Time @ Alpha Park Public Library RSVP
June 20th, 10:30 AM — 11 AM
Ages 0-5
Communication Junction is excited to be offering a story time all about bugs. Join us for stories, songs, movement, and of course, bubbles! Geared towards children ages 0-5, and there is no cost to attend.

Science Fun with the Demo Crew @ Fondulac Library RSVP
June 23rd, 1 PM — 2 PM
All ages
No magic here, just fun science! Get excited for a hands-on demonstration with the Demo Crew! Learn about color-changing reactions, liquid nitrogen, combustion, and more. The Demo Crew is part of the Bradley University Chemistry Club.

Bubble Stations with Absolute Science @ Fondulac Library RSVP
June 26th, 10 AM — 11 AM
All ages
Join a bubbleologust from Absolute Science for a chance to create your own amazing bubbles! Their hand-made bubble solution makes bubbles not only bigger, but longer lasting! With hundreds of wands of different shapes and sizes from all over the world, their program is perfectly designed for a fun, hands-on experience that brings out the child in all of us!

Pollination Station! With Forest Park Nature Center @ Lakeview Branch RSVP
June 27th, 11 AM - 12 PM
All ages
Naturalists from the Forest Park Nature Center will introduce pollinators as an important part of our food production, as well as supporting the native plants of Illinois. Do activities that reveal that pollinators like native insects are important pieces of Illinois food webs that sustain people and ecosystems. Stay to the end and meet a special animal ambassador.

Art Without Boundaries is made possible through funding from the Community Foundation of Central Illinois.