On this week's episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland Wright of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with Peoria Fashion Week co-founder Chanel Hargrave-Murray about the exciting events taking place April 2-6 at Expo Gardens.

On this week's episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland Wright of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with Peoria Fashion Week co-founder Chanel Hargrave-Murray about the exciting events taking place April 2-6 at Expo Gardens.

A weekly spotlight on arts activities in Central Illinois. Every Friday, host Mae Gilliland Wright of Arts Partners of Central Illinois talks with area actors, musicians, artists and community leaders about an upcoming arts event. Out and About is supported, in part, by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency.

A weekly spotlight on arts activities in Central Illinois. Every Friday, host Mae Gilliland Wright of Arts Partners of Central Illinois talks with area actors, musicians, artists and community leaders about an upcoming arts event. Out and About is supported, in part, by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency.

Out and About

A weekly spotlight on arts activities in Central Illinois. Each week, host Mae Gilliland Wright of Arts Partners of Central Illinois talks with area actors, musicians, artists and community leaders about an upcoming arts event. Out and About is supported, in part, by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency.

A weekly spotlight on arts activities in Central Illinois. Each week, host Mae Gilliland Wright of Arts Partners of Central Illinois talks with area actors, musicians, artists and community leaders about an upcoming arts event. Out and About is supported, in part, by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency.

From high fashion to street fashion, Peoria Fashion Week is back

On this week’s episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with Dr. David Vroman, director of the Peoria Municipal Band, about the band’s 89th season of free summer concerts.

Performing through August 9th at venues across Peoria, including Glen Oak Park and Water Street along the Illinois River, the band continues a tradition that has connected generations of residents through live music. Concert programs feature a wide range of styles, from marches and Broadway favorites to orchestral transcriptions, film music and performances by guest artists.

Vroman credits the band's longevity to its commitment to accessibility and quality. “Because we're supported by the City of Peoria, making those concerts free to everybody, equal access for everybody, great parking, a variety of music — I think all those things keep people coming back,” he said.

Concerts are built around a unique theme, with titles like Summer Road Trip, American Tapestry and Dance, Dance, Dance, helping shape programs that showcase the versatility of the ensemble. In addition to the music, audiences can enjoy guest emcees, food trucks at Glen Oak Park performances and giveaways from local restaurant partners. 

The Peoria Municipal Band’s 89th season continues through August 9 with free performances at venues throughout Peoria. 

On this week&rsquo;s episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with Dr. David Vroman, director of the Peoria Municipal Band, about the band&rsquo;s 89th season of free summer concerts.
Performing through August 9th at venues across Peoria, including Glen Oak Park and Water Street along the Illinois River, the band continues a tradition that has connected generations of residents through live music. Concert programs feature a wide range of styles, from marches and Broadway favorites to orchestral transcriptions, film music and performances by guest artists.
Vroman credits the band's longevity to its commitment to accessibility and quality. &ldquo;Because we're supported by the City of Peoria, making those concerts free to everybody, equal access for everybody, great parking, a variety of music &mdash; I think all those things keep people coming back,&rdquo; he said.
Concerts are built around a unique theme, with titles like Summer Road Trip, American Tapestry and Dance, Dance, Dance, helping shape programs that showcase the versatility of the ensemble. In addition to the music, audiences can enjoy guest emcees, food trucks at Glen Oak Park performances and giveaways from local restaurant partners.&nbsp;
The <a href="https://peoriamunicipalband.com/">Peoria Municipal Band&rsquo;s</a> 89th season continues through August 9 with free performances at venues throughout Peoria.&nbsp;

Peoria Municipal Band celebrates 89th season of free summer concerts

On this week’s episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with Emily Huff, organizer of the new West Peoria Farmers Market, about bringing a long-awaited community gathering space to the city.

Held every Wednesday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Franciscan Recreation Complex, the market features local growers, artisans, cottage food producers, food trucks and community organizations. The idea grew out of resident feedback collected during West Peoria’s comprehensive planning process, where a farmers market consistently ranked among the community’s top priorities.

Huff says the goal is to create a welcoming atmosphere where people can connect while supporting local businesses. “It’s just neighbors talking to each other that maybe they haven’t seen in a little while,” she said. “It’s relaxed... It’s friends greeting each other. And it’s a lot of fun.”

Visitors can expect a rotating lineup of vendors offering everything from handmade art and jewelry to fresh produce, baked goods, honey, and specialty foods, along with food trucks serving cuisines ranging from smashburgers to Filipino fare. Set beneath the beautiful trees of the Franciscan grounds, the market also offers green space and a nearby playground, making it a fantastic destination for families.

The West Peoria Farmers Market takes place every Wednesday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. during the summer months at the Franciscan Recreation Complex.

On this week&rsquo;s episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with Emily Huff, organizer of the new&nbsp;West Peoria Farmers Market, about bringing a long-awaited community gathering space to the city.
Held every Wednesday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the&nbsp;Franciscan Recreation Complex, the market features local growers, artisans, cottage food producers, food trucks and community organizations. The idea grew out of resident feedback collected during West Peoria&rsquo;s comprehensive planning process, where a farmers market consistently ranked among the community&rsquo;s top priorities.
Huff says the goal is to create a welcoming atmosphere where people can connect while supporting local businesses. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s just neighbors talking to each other that maybe they haven&rsquo;t seen in a little while,&rdquo; she said. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s relaxed... It&rsquo;s friends greeting each other. And it&rsquo;s a lot of fun.&rdquo;
Visitors can expect a rotating lineup of vendors offering everything from handmade art and jewelry to fresh produce, baked goods, honey, and specialty foods, along with food trucks serving cuisines ranging from smashburgers to Filipino fare. Set beneath the beautiful trees of the Franciscan grounds, the market also offers green space and a nearby playground, making it a fantastic destination for families.
<a href="https://artspartners.net/events/west-peoria-farmers-market/">The West Peoria Farmers Market</a> takes place every Wednesday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. during the summer months at the Franciscan Recreation Complex.

Introducing the new West Peoria Farmers Market

On this week’s episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with Nikki Wheeler, Special Events Assistant at Five Points Washington, about the inaugural Community Art Fair taking place June 20.

Created to fill the void left by a former community art fair, the event brings together regional artists, live music, family activities and hands-on creative experiences for a day-long celebration of the arts. Wheeler says the fair is part of Five Points’ growing commitment to arts and culture, building on recent investments in gallery and performing arts spaces within the facility.

The curated event will feature artists working in a wide range of artwork, including glass, jewelry, fiber arts, metal sculpture and woodworking. “We wanted a variety of mediums to be represented at this event and expose Washington to artistic mediums that they maybe hadn’t seen before,” Wheeler said.

In addition to artist booths, visitors can enjoy performances by The Aristocrats and The Holi7tics, aerial arts demonstrations, children’s activities and Kona Ice. The fair will also coincide with the Washington Education Bridge Foundation’s annual Paint the Path fundraiser, creating what Wheeler describes as “one big, large celebration of the arts” for the community.

The Community Art Fair takes place Saturday, June 20, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Five Points Washington and is free to attend. 

On this week&rsquo;s episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with Nikki Wheeler, Special Events Assistant at&nbsp;Five Points Washington, about the inaugural&nbsp;Community Art Fair&nbsp;taking place June 20.
Created to fill the void left by a former community art fair, the event brings together regional artists, live music, family activities and hands-on creative experiences for a day-long celebration of the arts. Wheeler says the fair is part of Five Points&rsquo; growing commitment to arts and culture, building on recent investments in gallery and performing arts spaces within the facility.
The curated event will feature artists working in a wide range of artwork, including glass, jewelry, fiber arts, metal sculpture and woodworking. &ldquo;We wanted a variety of mediums to be represented at this event and expose Washington to artistic mediums that they maybe hadn&rsquo;t seen before,&rdquo; Wheeler said.
In addition to artist booths, visitors can enjoy performances by The Aristocrats and The Holi7tics, aerial arts demonstrations, children&rsquo;s activities and Kona Ice. The fair will also coincide with the Washington Education Bridge Foundation&rsquo;s annual Paint the Path fundraiser, creating what Wheeler describes as &ldquo;one big, large celebration of the arts&rdquo; for the community.
The <a href="https://fivepointswashington.org/community-art-fair/">Community Art Fair</a> takes place Saturday, June 20, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Five Points Washington and is free to attend.&nbsp;

From high fashion to street fashion, Peoria Fashion Week is back

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