Community Calendar

ART Inc is bringing Santa & Mrs. Claus to town on Saturday, December 4th & Sunday, December 5th! Join us for your free photo with Santa & Mrs. Claus and get yourself into the Christmas spirit. For December 4th: https://artincpeoria.networkforgood.com/events/36767-free-photo-with-santa-mrs-claus. For December 5th: https://artincpeoria.networkforgood.com/events/36797-free-photo-with-santa-mrs-claus

On Saturday, December 4th at 2:00 p.m. central, the LaSalle Public Library will virtually host Claire Evans, culinary travel guide and former U.K. resident, when she presents, “Happy Christmas at Home: Celebrating the Holiday, UK Style.” In this virtual program, Claire Evans will take viewers for a cultural tour of Christmas in Great Britain. She will talk about what special foods and drinks that are served at the holiday table, with provided authentic recipes to try at home. Claire will also discuss traditions and cultural quicks essential to a proper British holiday. After this program, viewers will be fully prepared to eat, drink, and be merry, UK style. The program is free and open to all. It will be presented using the Zoom platform. To attend this program, register by going to: https://bit.ly/329FIhl. For more information, please contact the LaSalle Public Library at 815-223-2341 or email Rachael Blomquist at rblomquist@lasalle.lib.il.us.

Mexico underwent a radical cultural transformation at the end of its revolution in 1920, giving rise to art that spoke directly to the people about social justice and national life. This model galvanized American artists who were seeking to break free of European aesthetic domination to create publicly significant and accessible native art. Numerous American artists traveled to Mexico and the leading Mexican muralists—José Clemente Orozco Diego Rivera, and David Alfaro Siqueiros—spent extended periods of time in the United States, creating murals, paintings, drawings, and prints; exhibiting their work; and interacting with local artists. Sarah Humphreville, Senior Curatorial Assistant at the Whitney Museum of American Art, will examine the impact the Mexican muralists had on their counterparts in the United States during the interwar period and the ways in which they inspired American artists to create epic narratives about history and everyday life and to use their art to protest economic, social and racial injustices. Humphreville holds degrees in art history and painting from Cornell University and New York University.

Mexico underwent a radical cultural transformation at the end of its revolution in 1920, giving rise to art that spoke directly to the people about social justice and national life. This model galvanized American artists who were seeking to break free of European aesthetic domination to create publicly significant and accessible native art. Numerous American artists traveled to Mexico and the leading Mexican muralists—José Clemente Orozco Diego Rivera, and David Alfaro Siqueiros—spent extended periods of time in the United States, creating murals, paintings, drawings, and prints; exhibiting their work; and interacting with local artists. Sarah Humphreville, Senior Curatorial Assistant at the Whitney Museum of American Art, will examine the impact the Mexican muralists had on their counterparts in the United States during the interwar period and the ways in which they inspired American artists to create epic narratives about history and everyday life and to use their art to protest economic, social and racial injustices. Humphreville holds degrees in art history and painting from Cornell University and New York University.

Mexico underwent a radical cultural transformation at the end of its revolution in 1920, giving rise to art that spoke directly to the people about social justice and national life. This model galvanized American artists who were seeking to break free of European aesthetic domination to create publicly significant and accessible native art. Numerous American artists traveled to Mexico and the leading Mexican muralists—José Clemente Orozco Diego Rivera, and David Alfaro Siqueiros—spent extended periods of time in the United States, creating murals, paintings, drawings, and prints; exhibiting their work; and interacting with local artists.<br/><br/>Sarah Humphreville, Senior Curatorial Assistant at the Whitney Museum of American Art, will examine the impact the Mexican muralists had on their counterparts in the United States during the interwar period and the ways in which they inspired American artists to create epic narratives about history and everyday life and to use their art to protest economic, social and racial injustices.<br/><br/>Humphreville holds degrees in art history and painting from Cornell University and New York University.

Thursdays, June 10, July 8, & August 13, 2:30pm - Zoom We will select a book and meet monthly via Zoom. Go to bit.ly/3iwL5Kg to join our All Booked Up @ APL Bookclubz page. June: A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles July: Atomic Women by Roseanne Montillo August: The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

Get the nerd in your life what they REALLY want! Comics and toys! Over 70 tables of geeky goodness to satisfy the most discriminating pop culture aficionado. Join us at the Riverplex in downtown Peoria as we come together to celebrate all things pop culture! Cosplay event around 130pm. Entry is $3 Free after 2:30pm. Free for Active Military with Photo ID. Free for kids 10 and under.

ART Inc is proud to host A Holiday Celebration featuring Maestro J, "The Blazin' Violinist" this December 11th at The RACC! This evening of professional neo-soul jazz is something you will not want to miss! Reserve tickets now before they are sold out!

On Tuesday, December 14th at 6:00 p.m. central, the LaSalle Public Library will virtually host Natalie Martin, Master Gardener, when she presents, “Upcycled Christmas with Natalie Martin.” Natalie Martin will demonstrate, in a tutorial format, the creative process of repurposing items around the house to make unique Christmas decorations that can be used either around the house or gifted to someone special. Viewers can either come for ideas and/or follow along with Natalie by having a variety of items such as old jeans, newspapers, cardboard and books. This program is free and open to all. It will be presented virtually through Zoom. To attend this program, register by going to: https://bit.ly/3DwO9Rx. For more information, please contact the LaSalle Public Library at 815-223-2341 or email Rachael Blomquist at rblomquist@lasalle.lib.il.us.

The Peoria Area Civic Chorale is excited to return to live performances with our presentation of An American Family Christmas 2021 at Five Points Washington on December 17 & 18 at 7:30 p.m. and December 19 at 3:00 p.m. The concert is known for featuring a variety of musical selections that appeal to all ages. This year’s music includes contemporary arrangements of favorite hymns such as O Come All Ye Faithful, O Holy Night, O Little Town of Bethlehem and Silent Night, and secular favorites like It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year, Snow (from White Christmas) and a theatrical version of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.<br/><br/>Our guest artist for this concert series is Eureka native Thomas Studebaker. Studebaker, a powerful tenor, last performed with the Chorale for our spring 2017 Celebrating 35 Years of Music series where his performance was described as "phenomenal" by audience members.<br/><br/>Performances also include the Peoria Area Civic Chorale’s talented high school Young Artist Competition winners and each performance will feature a performance from the Peoria A Capella chamber ensemble.<br/><br/>There will be a cake reception following Saturday evening’s performance sponsored by Scherer Lincoln/Volvo. <br/><br/>If you’re looking for a seasonal experience for the entire family, take a break from the winter cold and attend a heart-warming An American Family Christmas concert December 17-19 at Five Points Washington!