© 2024 Peoria Public Radio
A joint service of Bradley University and Illinois State University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Corn Stock Theatre Manager Jenny Parkhurst To Run Blickenstaff Arts Projects

The manager of the Corn Stock Theatre was hired to run two local arts projects spearheaded by California businessman Kim Blickenstaff.

Blickenstaff, a native of Spring Bay and the CEO of Tandem Diabetes Care in San Diego, is currently undertaking several major revitalization projects in the Greater Peoria area. 

Jenny Parkhurst will manage the Betty Jayne Center for the Performing Arts in Peoria Heights and the Scottish Rite Theater in downtown Peoria. 

Parkhurst has been at Corn Stock for the last seven years, the last two as its manager. Before that, she worked with the Peoria Art Guild, WTVP and the former Lakeview Museum.

Parkhurst helped spark a 33 percent revenue jump at Corn Stock during her two years as manager, largely by implementing an online ticket system and making new community partnerships. She said she hopes to do the same with these new projects. 

“I want to create great content for 20- and 30-somethings looking for something new to do in the Peoria area,” as well as provide programming that appeals to all generational tastes, said Parkhurst in a prepared statement. 

The Betty Jayne is set to open in July or early August. There is no timeline for the Scottish Rite's restoration at this time. 

Parkhurst begins work with Blickenstaff's KDB Group today. 

Tim is the News Director at WCBU Peoria Public Radio.