Painting a Picture Called Peoria
As residents of Peoria, we are all painting a picture of our city that is going to be hung on the wall for all the world to see. What do we want that picture to look like?
Let’s start by considering the basics of what makes a good painting. Good art looks stunningly right. The artist knows the elements and principles of design and how to use them effectively. The artist takes color, shapes, lines, rhythm, texture, harmony and balance to create unity. All the pieces just seem to fit, but there’s something more than well-executed technique. Good art has a degree of magic—the moment when the artist is touched by the muse. Good art has heart. Good art is the embodiment of artistic passion and inspiration. The viewer can see the hand of the artist in the work and feel the inspiration that drove the artist to create the piece.
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One sign of a vibrant city is an active community of artists, and Peoria is the home of hundreds of artists. You can meet many of the artists, learn about their techniques, and see demonstrations such as glass blowing at the First Friday Studio Tours, now celebrating their fifth year. To learn about First Friday locations and to support your local arts businesses, visit enjoypeoria.com/firstfriday. First Fridays are free and open to the public.
A good city is the same. It’s an effective combination of concept, vision and mastery of the medium. It is inspired and inspirational. In the case of Peoria, Maggie Whalen Misselhorn, vice president and executive creative director at Simantel Group, said, “We’re not starting with a blank canvas, but the big picture of a creative community has many layers. We need to build on what is already here, adding depth to our art and culture scene to make Peoria a vibrant and diverse community that attracts more creative people and businesses.”
Artists know one way to add vibrancy to their art is by using contrast. Contrast in art is a distinct difference between colors, textures or even subject matter. When used well, contrast creates visual interest and a more powerful and dynamic piece. When used poorly, contrast creates chaos.
The comparable principle in a city is diversity. Cities that honor diversity value a vibrant mix of backgrounds, interests, ethnicities and religions.
Mark Misselhorn, chairman of Peoria’s Downtown Advisory Commission, said, “I understand the critical importance of improving the ‘place’ our downtown needs to be. Art, culture and other creative enterprises need to be integral parts of our revitalization. Better creative place-making; better architectural and landscape design; more high quality public art; more activities, events and destinations that attract, inspire and encourage creative people of all types.
“We need more options for a wide variety of creative, curious and interesting people to live and work in or near our downtown. This includes more live/work environments, and affordable housing options. The mix and concentration of people of all types is key for a great environment.
“Peoria used to be known as a ‘wide open town’ — this moniker infamously referred to prostitution, gambling, and bootleg liquor. Let’s make Peoria a wide open town again. But in the 21st century, this means being open to people of all races, ethnicities, sexual orientations, religions, lifestyles and pursuits. We need to openly embrace, espouse and encourage a diverse population — this will be critical to fostering our creative community.”
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What picture of Peoria do we want to create? We all have a hand in envisioning the future we want for our city.
Peoria’s pallet of paint possesses a rainbow of possibilities for the perfect picture. We have the diversity of people more than ever before. We have established internationally acclaimed artists and emerging artists. We have many citizens with vision like the Misselhorns. The canvas has been gessoed and is ready for the work of our entire community expressing itself through actions. Get involved in public discussions, attend local arts events, support your local small businesses and create a beautiful portrait that accurately reflects the Peoria we all enjoy.