Out and About

On this week’s episode of Out and About, Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with Rev. Debra Avery of United Presbyterian Church in Peoria about Heart to Art, a free monthly gathering inviting adults to unplug, explore their creativity and connect with others.

Inspired by similar initiatives at churches in Europe, Heart to Art transforms the church into a community gathering space where participants can bring an art project, a craft, or a book, or simply enjoy some time away from their screens. The gathering is intentionally unstructured, creating an opportunity to slow down without the pressure of a schedule or a particular outcome.

Avery sees the initiative as an opportunity for churches to rethink how they share their spaces with the surrounding community. Rather than allowing buildings to sit largely empty during the week, she hopes to create a welcoming place for people to gather, explore their interests and spend time together.

“I think that human beings are inherently creative,” Avery said. “There’s a lot of creativity in us. But if we’re constantly being moved through algorithms, or through work or through agendas or schedules that we keep in our phones, that interrupts that ability for that creativity to emerge.”

Participants are welcome to bring their own projects or use materials provided by the church, including a collaborative canvas and mural.

Heart to Art takes place on the second Friday of each month from 6 to 8 p.m. at United Presbyterian Church in Peoria. The gathering is free and open to adults, with no artistic experience necessary. If you're looking to rediscover a creative hobby or enjoy a little quiet time, Avery encourages everyone to come and give it a try.

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On this week’s episode of Out and About, Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois turns the tables on longtime Peoria broadcaster, fitness professional, motivational speaker and Peoria Civic Center Authority Board Vice Chair Yvonne Greer to explore some of her favorite ways to experience Central Illinois.

A supporter of local arts and entertainment, Greer says she regularly looks for new ways to discover live music, performances and exhibitions throughout the region. From the Peoria Art Guild Fine Art Fair and outdoor concerts at Pour Bros. Craft Taproom, to community festivals in Tremont and Morton, she especially enjoys opportunities to experience multiple art forms in one outing.

“If there’s music and dancing or music and an art exhibit, all the better for me,” Greer notes.

Greer also reflects on her more than a decade of service with the Peoria Civic Center Authority Board. She describes her awe of the behind-the-scenes work required to transform its arena between sporting events, concerts and other productions.

Beyond the performing arts, Greer enjoys Greater Peoria's outdoor spaces, particularly the Rock Island Trail, where she regularly walks and bikes. With nearby parks, restaurants, and gathering places, she says the trail offers opportunities for both exercise and community connection.

Looking ahead, Greer hopes to take a leading role in a major community project, whether developing a new event or helping bring a big idea to life. Listen to the full conversation for a little inspiration on where to go, what to see and what to experience next in central Illinois. 

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On this week's episode of Out and About, Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with Rick Blanco, founder of Casablanco Creative, about Blood Moon, an immersive vampire-themed experience transforming Obed & Isaac’s in downtown Peoria throughout October.

Set within the historic 1889 church building, Blood Moon combines theatrical installations, atmospheric lighting, live entertainment and gothic-inspired artwork to create an environment where guests become part of the story. Blanco explains that the experience is built around a fictional truce between humans and vampires, allowing visitors to enter their world without becoming the evening’s next meal.

“Hopefully as you walk in, you’re going to feel like you’re immersed in it,” Blanco said.

Three distinct ticketed experiences take place Thursday through Saturday across the final three weekends of October. Thursdays feature Bloodlines: Moonlit Feast, an intimate wine tasting and dinner inspired by vampire cinema. Fridays bring Crimson Spirits: A Haunted Cabaret, featuring opera singer Jennifer Rosa, musical duo Black Velvet, fire juggling, belly dancing, tarot readings and performances unfolding throughout the venue. Saturdays feature Vampire Ball: Dance of the Immortals, with themed costumes, dancing and a Halloween night celebration.

For Blanco, who also creates gothic-inspired fine art under the name Dienzo, the event is an extension of his long-standing fascination with the romance, mystery and visual artistry of vampire lore.

Blood Moon continues throughout October at Obed & Isaac’s in Peoria, with special ticketed experiences Oct. 15–17, 22–24 and 29–31 for guests ages 21 and older. A partnership with Four Points Sheraton Peoria also offers special hotel rates for visitors interested in extending their stay in Peoria.

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On this week's episode of Out and About, Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks to Director Jake Van Hoorn about Dracula, on stage Oct. 9-11 and 15-18 at Peoria Players Theatre.

Adapted by playwright Steven Dietz, this version stays close to Stoker’s original novel, restoring characters, scenes and even some of the more gruesome elements often left out of other stage adaptations. In doing so, it leaves behind the romanticized Dracula familiar from some modern interpretations.

“There’s no tragic romance storyline in this one,” Van Hoorn said. “He is just a predator looking to wreak havoc.”

Kyle Redman takes on the title role, portraying a Dracula who is both charismatic and magnetic, while also viciously monstrous. Underneath the blood and horror, however, Van Hoorn says the story offers something unexpected: hope. This Dracula seeks to break his victims by convincing them that any resistance is futile, while the story’s imperfect heroes find the strength to continue fighting through one another.

“When they don’t find strength in themselves, they find strength in each other,” Van Hoorn said, noting that the production contains “some really beautiful heartfelt moments amidst all of the blood and gore.”

Due to the production’s mature and graphic content, audiences are encouraged to review the complete content advisories before attending.

Dracula runs Oct. 9-11 and 15-18 at Peoria Players Theatre.

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On this week’s episode of Out and About, Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with Kathryn McBride, manager of Peoria Public Library’s McClure Branch, about the 25th anniversary of Peoria Reads and a community block party taking place Oct. 10 at Columbia Park.

For 25 years, Peoria Reads has brought the community together around a shared book and the conversations it inspires. This year’s selection is Angeline Boulley’s "Warrior Girl Unearthed," a contemporary young adult novel following Perry, a 16-year-old Ojibwe and Black girl whose summer leads her into questions surrounding Indigenous history, identity and responsibility to community.

“The idea is that we would have absolutely everybody reading at the same time and having conversations about the same title,” McBride said. “It’s a really wonderful way in which the community can come together.”

On Oct. 10, Peoria Public Library brings the community together at the Peoria Reads Block Party. The free, family-friendly event features six speakers sharing perspectives on Indigenous history, culture and contemporary communities, alongside artists, vendors, food trucks, and children’s activities.

Among the featured guests are Indigenous chef Jessica Walks First, who will offer food demonstrations and tastings throughout the day, and Logan Pappenfort, director of tribal relations for the Illinois State Museum, who will speak about Indigenous joy and what it looks like today.

The block party also builds toward a November visit from author Angeline Boulley, who will continue the conversation around contemporary Indigenous communities and their futures.

The Peoria Reads Block Party takes place Oct. 10 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Columbia Park, next to Peoria Public Library’s McClure Branch. In case of inclement weather, activities will move to Peoria Public Library’s Main Library in downtown Peoria.

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On this week’s Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with Elizabeth Klise, executive director of the Peoria Historical Society, about the exhibition "Joseph Petarde: Maestro of Stone," on view Oct. 1-28 at Peoria Public Library’s Main Library.

The exhibition explores the life and work of Italian immigrant and master stone carver Joseph Petarde, whose sculptures and architectural details can still be found throughout Peoria. Nearly 40 large-scale photographs by Petarde’s great-great-grandson, photographer Seth Lowe, provide a closer look at the artistry, craftsmanship, and whimsy of Peoria's "forgotten sculptor."

An opening reception takes place Oct. 3 from 1-3 p.m., coinciding with the City of Peoria’s proclamation of Joseph Petarde Day.

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On this week’s episode of Out and About, Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with Megan Scott, executive director of the Peoria Art Guild, about the Peoria Art Guild Fine Art Fair, returning Sept. 26 and 27 to the Peoria Riverfront.

Now in its 64th year, the Fine Art Fair brings more than 100 artists to Peoria, representing 13 states and three countries. Visitors will find everything from paintings, sculpture, ceramics, jewelry, book arts, printmaking, glass, and more, alongside a group of local emerging artists gaining experience on the fine art fair circuit.

This year’s poster and community mural artist is Merrell Hickey, whose vibrant, whimsical beadwork inspired several elements of the weekend. Hickey’s "A Ride for Me and My Friends" will become a collaborative community mural, where visitors paint individual squares that will be assembled into a larger reproduction of her work and displayed on Washington Street after the fair.

“Everyone has an opportunity to paint a little square that we then attach to the wall that becomes a much larger mural,” Scott said.

The weekend also extends well beyond the visual arts. Jazz Day, produced by the Central Illinois Jazz Society, features musicians from central Illinois and Chicago, while Community Day showcases local performing arts organizations.

Scott is especially excited about this year's Kids Art Festival, where young artists can get creative. Inspired by Hickey’s "Mad Hatter's Tea Party" beadwork piece, there will be themed crafts, activities and a collaborative table mural inviting children to draw themselves enjoying the tea party.

The Peoria Art Guild Fine Art Fair takes place Sept. 26 and 27 at Riverfront Festival Park in Peoria. 

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On this week’s episode of Out and About, Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with Amy McCoy, executive director of the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce, about the 2026 Pekin Marigold Festival, taking place Sept. 9 through the 13.

The festival has grown into a comprehensive community celebration, with art firmly in its roots. The event began as an art show over half a century ago, and today Art in the Park continues that tradition with more than 230 vendors offering handmade and homemade work ranging from painting and writing to woodworking and other crafts.

“We have everything... all genres of art, painters and authors and crafters,” McCoy said. “There’s just a little bit of everything.”

Creativity continues around the Pekin Park Lagoon with the festival’s Chalk Walk, featuring work by professional artists alongside children and adults from the community. Live entertainment takes place all weekend at Mineral Springs Park’s Performing Arts Venue, with bands, music organizations, theater groups and other performers taking the stage Saturday and Sunday.

Beyond the arts, visitors can explore longtime local favorites including festive foods offered by nonprofit organizations, a carnival, pancake breakfast and cardboard boat races, along with newer additions such as the Roots and Boots Dragon Jam and rodeo.

McCoy says visitors can spend an hour strolling through the park or make an entire day of it. “There literally is something for everyone,” she said.

The 2026 Pekin Marigold Festival runs September 9-13 at Mineral Springs Park in Pekin.

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On this week’s episode of Out and About, Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with Mengrong Taylor, chair of the Peoria Chinese Association and an educator at Illinois Central College, about the Peoria Dragon Boat Race taking place Sept. 13 on the Peoria Riverfront.

Featuring brightly colored boats, rhythmic drumming, synchronized paddlers and cultural activities throughout the day, the event brings a tradition with more than 2,000 years of Chinese history to central Illinois. Taylor explains that dragon boat racing traces its roots to an ancient story of villagers taking to the water in an effort to save a respected poet and statesman, beating drums as they paddled. Over generations, the tradition became an act of remembrance as well as a celebration of community and teamwork.

For Taylor, the race is also an artistic experience. “The dragon boat is like a moving work of art, and the river is like a canvas,” she said, describing the drummer as the heartbeat and the paddles as brushstrokes. “It’s an art of synchronization.”

Beyond the races, visitors can explore Chinese culture through activities including mahjong, ping pong and lantern making. Taylor hopes the celebration creates connections across cultures while giving the Chinese community an opportunity to share traditions that have traveled with families across generations. “No matter where we are, we carry the culture with us, and we share it with other people,” she said. “And then we build something beautiful in a place we now call home.”

The Peoria Dragon Boat Race takes place Sept. 13 on the Peoria Riverfront.

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On this week’s episode of Out and About, Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with Jennifer Brady, co-founder of the Peoria Area Repair Café, about the group’s next free community repair event taking place Sept. 12 at River City Labs.

The Peoria Repair Café invites visitors to bring gently broken household or personal items and work alongside volunteer repair coaches to diagnose problems, learn new skills and, when possible, give those objects a second life. Volunteers bring expertise ranging from sewing and textiles to small appliances, lawn equipment, sharpening and other hands-on repairs.

Brady says the experience is about more than simply getting something fixed. “It is not just a drop-it-off. It’s a, let’s diagnose this together,” she said. “Let me show you how to take things apart, what’s inside and it’s a skill sharing.”

That exchange of knowledge also brings a creative element to the process, encouraging participants to look differently at familiar objects, understand how they were made and discover what might be possible with a little bit of ingenuity. At the same time, repairing rather than replacing can have a measurable environmental impact. Brady says the group kept approximately 20 pounds of material out of the landfill during its first event, compared with about 200 pounds at its most recent.

The events have also created connections among volunteers who might have otherwise never met, building a community around the satisfaction of making, mending and problem-solving together.

The Peoria Area Repair Café takes place Saturday, Sept. 12, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at River City Labs. The event is free, and no appointment is necessary. 

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