There is a small group of community leaders hard at work to put Peoria back on the art map. “In the 1930s, Peoria had a national arts reputation. It’s possible to have that again, and that’s what we are working on–a return to national prominence,” said John Amdall, retired Caterpillar executive and a committee member of Sculpture Walk Peoria.

Peoria has a history of public art. Peoria’s newest public art addition is “Treble Clef” by Charles Strain. The piece is a joint gift to WTVP and Peoria Symphony Orchestra by John and Sharon Amdall. Photo by Doug and Eileen Leunig

Sculpture Walk Peoria has been established to celebrate the successful transformation of the Peoria Warehouse District and its inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places. The goal is to launch the Sculpture Walk in June 2015 with 10 new sculptures in place on Washington and Adams Streets between Harrison and State Streets.

The sculptures will be selected by a jury and leased for one year from the artists. Each year new sculptures will be selected with plans to grow the sculpture walk to 30 pieces in the future. The sculptures are for sale while they are here, which benefits the artists by having their work seen by more potential clients.

And how does public art benefit the people of Peoria?  Why do cities all over the world invest in public art? There are many benefits from public art, but because of the nature of art to be open to interpretation by each audience, there is no single definitive answer. There is, however, general acknowledgement that public art is one indicator of a city’s economic health. Public art humanizes the built environment and frequently inspires critical thinking and public discourse. The best of public art can challenge, delight, educate, and illuminate. Conversely public art does not thrive in cities that are struggling to provide basic services.

“Love Knows No Caste” sculpted in 1889 by Frederick Triebel was initially located at the Peoria Art Institute in 1925 and moved to Peoria City Hall in 1976. Photo by Doug and Eileen Leunig.

Corporate sponsors frequently back public art because it makes their city more appealing and helps attract and retain young professionals. Hiring the brightest young minds to any city requires incentives beyond a good salary and benefits package. In addition to good schools and affordable housing, many young professionals look for welcoming urban communities that value arts and culture. Young parents want their children to experience and live in places that look and feel inviting. Public art creates a sense of civic vitality. Public art is an outward sign of a community’s creative spirit. Cities that are rich in public art not only look attractive, they are a visible symbol a community’s vibrancy.

“The arts improve everything,” said Joe Richey, co-owner of Prairie Center of the Arts. Richey conceived the idea of a Peoria sculpture walk in 2008. “The economic downturn in 2008 meant it wasn’t a good time to start this. Now with the investments in downtown Peoria and Washington Street and with buildings being renovated, the sculpture walk is an idea whose time has come,” Richey said.

“We like to live in a community with a rich cultural life,” said Sharon Amdall. “We feel obligated to put our efforts and resources into making that happen and not have someone do it for us. We’re doing it to live in a community we want.”

Committee members Joe Richey, Sharon Amdall, John Amdall, Kip Strasma, Maegan Gilliliand, Barb Waldorf, Chuck Weaver, Kim Armstrong, Pam Johnson, and Perry Johnson have been working since last June on the concept and in September 2014 Sculpture Walk Peoria officially became an initiative of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois, Inc. In addition to organizing and managing the walk, the committee is raising the money to install the sculptures primarily from  private individuals, businesses, and organizations that have passion for the arts.

“Live. Work. Play. is the mantra for downtown. The work part is covered. The live part is growing. The play part is getting there. The sculpture walk will help turn the mantra into a reality, “Richey said.

Important Dates and How to Get Involved

Artists (local, national, international)

• Submission Deadline: January 23, 2015
• For information about about submissions, visit http://artspartners.net/swp-artist/
• Notification of selections: March 2, 2015
• Installation of Sculptures: June 6, 2015

Sponsors

• The committee is currently seeking 10 charter sponsors with a donation of $10,000 over a three-year commitment.
• Charter sponsors can be individuals or businesses and lower levels of donations are accepted.
• To learn more and to make a donation, visit http://artspartners.net/swp-become-involved/
• Email sculpturewalkpeoria@gmail.com

Volunteers

• Tasks range from publicizing Sculpture Walk Peoria to organizing the June weekend when the sculptures are installed to the brawn of getting the pieces in place.

Email sculpturewalkpeoria@gmail.com