Out and About

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…

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Yvonne Greer’s guide to arts and culture in Greater Peoria
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 C…
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Casablanco Creative presents Blood Moon Oct. 15-31 in downtown Peoria
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 188…
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Peoria Players Theatre presents 'Dracula' on stage Oct. 9-11 and 15-18
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 char…
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Peoria Reads celebrates 25 years with block party
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, Peor…
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Photo exhibit explores Peoria's 'forgotten sculptor' Joseph Petarde
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 ex…
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64th annual Fine Art Fair returns Sept. 26 and 27 to the Peoria Riverfront
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 bring…
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Pekin Marigold Festival taking place Sept. 9-13 at Mineral Springs Park
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 commun…
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Peoria Dragon Boat Race coming to the Peoria Riverfront September 13
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 br…
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Peoria Area Repair Café coming to River City Labs Sept. 12
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 b…
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Heartland Festival Orchestra opens new season Sept. 11 in Washington
On this week’s episode of Out and About, Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with David Commanday, artistic director and conductor of the Heartland Festival Orchestra, about the HFO’s upcoming season, opening Sept. 11 at Crossroads Global Methodist Church in Washington. The ope…
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