FROM PEORIA TO LEBANON: EXHIBITION + CONCERT + AUCTION

OCTOBER 25, 2021 – JANUARY 9, 2022
PEORIA RIVERFRONT MUSEUM AND SCOTTISH RITE THEATRE

“From Peoria to Lebanon,” an unprecedented partnership between organizations in Peoria, Ill., New York City and Beirut, deployed the healing power of the arts to provide much needed medical relief through the Lebanese American University Medical Centers for those affected in the continuing aftermath of the Beirut port explosion.

The unique, multitiered benefit featured an exhibition of the leading Lebanese contemporary artists at PeoriaRiverfront Museum from Oct. 25, 2021 to Jan. 2, 2022, a Dec. 19 concert with renowned pianist Dr. Tony Karam at the Scottish Rite Theatre and an art auction of the exhibited work, which was donated by the artists.

Among the exhibited artists who traveled to Peoria were emerging artist Wissam Melhem, painter Zeina NaderSelwan — whose work appeared on the benefit promotional material — and photographer Fadia Ahmad, whose acclaimed documentary film “Beirut: The Aftermath” was screened at the museum’s Giant Screen Theater.

WHISKEY AT THE WAREHOUSE

JANUARY 28, 2022
THE WAREHOUSE ON STATE

Peoria Symphony Orchestra's annual Whiskey at the Warehouse event was held Jan. 28 at The Warehouse on State in Downtown Peoria. The event featured top-notch whiskey, live music by The Romaniacs, wonderful conversation and much more, with all proceeds benefiting the Symphony

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

FEBRUARY 2022
PEORIA PUBLIC LIBRARY

Peoria Public Library’s Lincoln Branch celebrated Black History Month in February with high profile “guests.”Peoria’s Carnegie Library was built in 1910, but recently celebrated the 10th anniversary of an expansion that more than tripled its size. Best-selling author, prize-winning journalist, acclaimed biographer and cultural historian Wil Haygood will present his latest book, Colorization: One Hundred Years of Black Films in a White World this coming April at the LincolnBranch. Watch for more details soon on WTVP.

ARDOR AFTER DARK

DECEMBER 2021 – FEBRUARY 2022
ARDOR BREADS AND PROVISIONS

Hosted in the same space as Downtown Peoria's award-wining Ardor Breads and Provisions, #ardorafterdark launched in late 2021. The new dinner series dims the lights and burns the candles to welcome guests into the European-style bakery for private, chef-served dinners plated in an open kitchen setting.

#ardorafterdark was born through a consistent request for private dinners after hours and small groups of 8-12 during a difficult and fearsome time in the pandemic. The private dinners are still primarily reserved through special requests for groups of 8-16, but Ardor is now hosting a few pop-up dinners a month with very special chef collaborations and adventurous, elevated 5-course experiences... and they sell out very quickly.