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Portraits 2023

Mae Gilliland Wright

Host

Mae Gilliland Wright is the host of WCBU's Out & About. She joined the station in this role in 2023.

  • The image features a photo of this episode’s guest: Jessica Moreano, programming director of the Big Picture Peoria Film Festival. The image features an all-capitalized text headline that reads “LIGHTS, CAMERA, PEORIA” with an underlying smaller text that reads “featuring Jessica Moreano, Big Picture Peoria. The graphic artwork also features an icon of the podcast’s sponsor PNC Bank in the center with the WCBU and NPR logos in the left-hand corner. In the bottom right-hand corner are icons of the various podcast platforms where the Out and About podcast can be streamed/downloaded including Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Google Podcasts. In the bottom left-hand corner is Out and About spelled out in large, white graphic letters.
    Big Picture Peoria Film Festival returns Nov. 20 and 21 to the Peoria Riverfront Museum
    Mae Gilliland Wright
    On this week's episode of Out and About, Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with Jessica Moreano, programming director of the Big Picture Peoria Film Festival, about the festival’s return Nov. 20 and 21 to the Peoria Riverfront Museum. Featuring four screenings of independent short films in animation, narrative fiction and documentary, this year’s festival includes a dedicated student filmmaker showcase, a family-friendly screening and an awards ceremony.
  • The image features a photo of this episode’s guest: Rev. Debra Avery of United Presbyterian Church in Peoria. The image features an all-capitalized text headline that reads “THE ART OF UNPLUGGING” with an underlying smaller text that reads “featuring Debra Avery, Heart to Art Unplugged/United Presbyterian Church. The graphic artwork also features an icon of the podcast’s sponsor PNC Bank in the center with the WCBU and NPR logos in the left-hand corner. In the bottom right-hand corner are icons of the various podcast platforms where the Out and About podcast can be streamed/downloaded including Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Google Podcasts. In the bottom left-hand corner is Out and About spelled out in large, white graphic letters.
    United Presbyterian Church of Peoria presents Heart to Art
    Mae Gilliland Wright
    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 of Peoria about Heart to Art, a free monthly gathering inviting adults to unplug and reconnect through creativity and community. Taking place on the second Friday of each month, Heart to Art offers a welcoming, intentionally unreligious space where participants can bring an art project, read a book, play games, enjoy conversation or just relax.
  • The image features a photo of this episode’s guest: Peoria broadcaster, fitness professional and Peoria Civic Center Authority Board Vice Chair Yvonne Greer. The image features an all-capitalized text headline that reads “YVONNE GREER’S GUIDE TO PEORIA” with an underlying smaller text that reads “featuring Yvonne Greer, motivational speaker, media personality and personal trainer.” The graphic artwork also features an icon of the podcast’s sponsor PNC Bank in the center with the WCBU and NPR logos in the left-hand corner. In the bottom right-hand corner are icons of the various podcast platforms where the Out and About podcast can be streamed/downloaded including Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Google Podcasts. In the bottom left-hand corner is Out and About spelled out in large, white graphic letters.
    Yvonne Greer’s guide to arts and culture in Greater Peoria
    Mae Gilliland Wright
    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 and Peoria Civic Center Authority Board Vice Chair Yvonne Greer to discover some of her favorite ways to experience central Illinois. From live music and the Peoria Art Guild's Fine Art Fair, to performances at the Peoria Civic Center and walks along the Rock Island Trail, Greer shares the places and experiences that keep her connected to the community.
  • The image features a photo of this episode’s guest: Rick Blanco, founder of Casablanco Creative. The image features an all-capitalized text headline that reads “UNDER THE BLOOD MOON” with an underlying smaller text that reads “featuring Rick Blanco, Casablanco Creative.” The graphic artwork also features an icon of the podcast’s sponsor PNC Bank in the center with the WCBU and NPR logos in the left-hand corner. In the bottom right-hand corner are icons of the various podcast platforms where the Out and About podcast can be streamed/downloaded including Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Google Podcasts. In the bottom left-hand corner is Out and About spelled out in large, white graphic letters.
    Casablanco Creative presents Blood Moon Oct. 15-31 in Downtown Peoria
    Mae Gilliland Wright
    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.
  • The image features a photo of this episode’s guest: Jake Van Hoorn, director of the Peoria Players Theatre’s production of Dracula. The image features an all-capitalized text headline that reads “DRACULA BITES INTO PEORIA” with an underlying smaller text that reads “featuring Jake Van Hoorn, Peoria Players Theatre.” The graphic artwork also features an icon of the podcast’s sponsor PNC Bank in the center with the WCBU and NPR logos in the left-hand corner. In the bottom right-hand corner are icons of the various podcast platforms where the Out and About podcast can be streamed/downloaded including Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Google Podcasts. In the bottom left-hand corner is Out and About spelled out in large, white graphic letters.
    Peoria Players Theatre presents 'Dracula' on stage Oct. 9-11 and 15-18
    Mae Gilliland Wright
    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. In this Steven Dietz adaptation, the play stays close to Bram Stoker’s original novel. Dracula is presented as a charismatic but terrifying predator, embracing some of the darker material often omitted from other versions.
  • The image features a photo of this episode’s guest: Kathryn McBride, manager of Peoria Public Library’s McClure Branch. The image features an all-capitalized text headline that reads “BLOCK PARTY FOR PEORIA READS” with an underlying smaller text that reads “featuring Kathryn McBride, Peoria Public Library.” The graphic artwork also features an icon of the podcast’s sponsor PNC Bank in the center with the WCBU and NPR logos in the left-hand corner. In the bottom right-hand corner are icons of the various podcast platforms where the Out and About podcast can be streamed/downloaded including Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Google Podcasts. In the bottom left-hand corner is Out and About spelled out in large, white graphic letters.
    Peoria Reads celebrates 25 years with block party
    Mae Gilliland Wright
    On this week’s episode of Out and About, Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with Kathryn McBride of Peoria Public Library about the 25th anniversary of Peoria Reads and its Oct. 10 Block Party at Columbia Park. Inspired by this year’s selection, Angeline Boulley’s book "Warrior Girl Unearthed," the free and family-friendly celebration brings the book’s exploration of Indigenous history, identity, and culture into the community through speakers, food demonstrations and tastings, artists, vendors, food trucks and activities for all ages.
  • The image features a photo of this episode’s guest: Megan Scott, executive director of the Peoria Art Guild. The image features an all-capitalized text headline that reads “ART TAKES THE RIVERFRONT” with an underlying smaller text that reads “featuring Megan Scott, Peoria Art Guild.” The graphic artwork also features an icon of the podcast’s sponsor PNC Bank in the center with the WCBU and NPR logos in the left-hand corner. In the bottom right-hand corner are icons of the various podcast platforms where the Out and About podcast can be streamed/downloaded including Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Google Podcasts. In the bottom left-hand corner is Out and About spelled out in large, white graphic letters.
    64th annual Fine Art Fair returns Sept. 26 and 27 to the Peoria Riverfront
    Mae Gilliland Wright
    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 64th annual Fine Art Fair, returning Sept. 26 and 27 to the Peoria Riverfront. More than 100 artists from 13 states and three countries will showcase painting, sculpture, ceramics, jewelry, printmaking, glass, and more, alongside local emerging artists.
  • The image features a photo of this episode’s guest: Amy McCoy, executive director of the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce. The image features an all-capitalized text headline that reads “MARIGOLD WEEKEND RETURNS TO PEKIN” with an underlying smaller text that reads “featuring Amy McCoy, Pekin Chamber of Commerce.” The graphic artwork also features an icon of the podcast’s sponsor PNC Bank in the center with the WCBU and NPR logos in the left-hand corner. In the bottom right-hand corner are icons of the various podcast platforms where the Out and About podcast can be streamed/downloaded. In the bottom left-hand corner is Out and About spelled out in large, white graphic letters.
    Pekin Marigold Festival taking place Sept. 9-13 at Mineral Springs Park
    Mae Gilliland Wright
    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 event began as an art show over half a century ago, and today Art in the Park continues that creative tradition with more than 230 vendors offering handmade and homemade work ranging from painting and writing to woodworking and other crafts.
  • The image features a photo of this episode’s guest: Mengrong Taylor, chair of the Peoria Chinese Association and an educator at Illinois Central College. The image features an all-capitalized text headline that reads “DRAGONS ON THE RIVERFRONT” with an underlying smaller text that reads “featuring Mengrong Taylor, Peoria Chinese Association.” The graphic artwork also features an icon of the podcast’s sponsor PNC Bank in the center with the WCBU and NPR logos in the left-hand corner. In the bottom right-hand corner are icons of the various podcast platforms where the Out and About podcast can be streamed/downloaded. In the bottom left-hand corner is Out and About spelled out in large, white graphic letters.
    Peoria Dragon Boat Race coming to the Peoria Riverfront Sept. 13
    Mae Gilliland Wright
    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, about the Peoria Dragon Boat Race on Sept. 13 at the Peoria Riverfront. The celebration offers visitors a chance to experience Chinese traditions while exploring the connections between art, culture, teamwork and community.
  • The image features a photo of this episode’s guest: Jennifer Brady, co-founder of the Peoria Area Repair Cafe. The image features an all-capitalized text headline that reads “THE ART OF REPAIR” with an underlying smaller text that reads “featuring Jennifer Brady, Peoria Café.” The graphic artwork also features an icon of the podcast’s sponsor PNC Bank in the center with the WCBU and NPR logos in the left-hand corner. In the bottom right-hand corner are icons of the various podcast platforms where the Out and About podcast can be streamed/downloaded. In the bottom left-hand corner is Out and About spelled out in large, white graphic letters.
    Peoria Area Repair Café coming to River City Labs Sept. 12
    Mae Gilliland Wright
    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 its next free event on Sept. 12 at River City Labs.