Out and About

On this week's episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with social realist painter Robert Ketchens about his current exhibition at the Contemporary Art Center of Peoria. On view through June 20 in Gallery 3R, Ketchens’ work uses bold color and symbolism to explore the complexities of the African diaspora and themes of dignity, memory, and humanity. The exhibition will culminate in the CAC’s Juneteenth Celebration, where Ketchens will speak about his work, with a combined art reception on May 16.

On this week's episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with Angela Bottrell, co-chair of the Peoria Heights Fine Art Fair, about the upcoming two-day event taking place May 9 and 10 in Tower Park. The juried fair features artists working across a wide range of mediums, from painting and photography to sculpture, jewelry, and fiber arts. Angela shares how the event supports working artists while creating a vibrant weekend for the community in the heart of Peoria Heights.

On this week's episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with Diana Klein, executive director of the Wheels O’ Time Museum, about the museum’s 2026 season opening on May 1 and a full lineup of events celebrating transportation history through hands-on experiences.

On this week’s episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with Lidia Riley, Executive Director of the Central Illinois Youth Symphony, about the group’s upcoming 60th anniversary concerts on May 3 at Five Points Washington. This milestone event brings together current students and alumni for a homecoming-style performance celebrating generations of young musicians. Riley shares how the program reflects both the organization’s history and its future, with a mix of classic works, new compositions, and a grand finale featuring the 1812 Overture.

On this week's episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois is joined by Angela Weck, executive director of the Peoria Area World Affairs Council. They chat about an upcoming program exploring Indigenous rights, environmental justice, and global climate challenges.

On this week’s episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with Peoria native and singer-songwriter, director, and performer Liv Warfield about her upcoming April 17 concert with the Peoria Symphony Orchestra at the Prairie Home Alliance Theater.

On this week’s episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with Claire McQuerry, Associate Professor and Director of Creative Writing at Bradley University, about an upcoming poetry reading and Q&A with acclaimed poet Adrienne Su.

On this week’s episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with Catherine Lawless, Bradley University's Associate Director of Continuing Education, about the launch of the new Dallinger Series.

On this week's episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsParnters talks with Dan Dietrich, trombonist with the Prairie Wind Ensemble, about their upcoming concert on March 19 at Five Points Washington. Founded in 1977, the ensemble brings together professional and hobbyist musicians from across Central Illinois to perform everything from classic marches to modern medleys. Dan shares why you don’t want to miss this free concert full of energy!

On this week’s episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with Chip Joyce, marketing and outreach coordinator for the Brimfield Public Library District, about the library’s Local Author Fair. It takes place Saturday, March 21.

On this week's episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with David Commanday, Artistic Director and Conductor of the Heartland Festival Orchestra, about their upcoming March 21 concert, French Impressions. The conversation previews Debussy, Ravel, and Bizet, highlights guest pianist Anila Aliu, and explores what audiences can expect from this immersive evening of color and sound. Looking ahead to May, Commanday also shares how the orchestra’s Legends of Country program shows that country music can be "dynamite!" when paired with symphonic sounds.

On this week's episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with David Commanday, Artistic Director and Conductor of the Heartland Festival Orchestra, about their upcoming March 21 concert, French Impressions. The conversation previews Debussy, Ravel, and Bizet, highlights guest pianist Anila Aliu, and explores what audiences can expect from this immersive evening of color and sound. Looking ahead to May, Commanday also shares how the orchestra’s Legends of Country program shows that country music can be "dynamite!" when paired with symphonic sounds.

On this week's episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with Chetna Maini, founder of Spandan School of Kathak, about SANGAM, an evening of Indian classical music and dance happening March 8 at the ICC Performing Arts Center. The program brings together Kathak dance and live Tabla in a three-part presentation that traces the artistic journey from student to master.

On this week's episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae GIlliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with Selena Pappas of Central Illinois Friends about their annual Mardi Gras fundraiser, happening February 20 at Four Points by Sheraton in downtown Peoria. From dueling painters to tarot readers and stilt walkers, this art-filled event supports CI Friends’ work providing inclusive, judgment-free care across Central Illinois.

On this week’s episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with Rose Farrell of Peoria Public Library about how the library is celebrating 100 years of Black History Month.

On this week's episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with Crystal Potthoff, artist and facilitator of ‘Breaking Free’, a community art project centered on the meditative folk art of pysanky.

On this week's episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with Steve Hausler, Director of "Young Frankenstein" at Peoria Players Theatre.

On this week's episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with Alissa Williams, Director of Morton Public Library.

On this week's episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks to Sharon Samuels Reed, founder and artistic director of The Heritage Ensemble. Sharon reflects on founding the Ensemble and the mission that continues to guide its work.

On this week's episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with DJ and dance instructor Ed Caballero about New Year’s Eve Salsa at the Contemporary Art Center ofPeoria.

On this week's episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with musician Barry Cloyd about The Celtic Winter Solstice Celebration, now in its 25th year.

On this week's episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with Ashley Fischer, narrator of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, opening December 5th at Eastlight Theatre in East Peoria.