“Peoria City Hall: A Visitor’s Guide of Peoria’s Greatest Treasure”
Peoria’s City Hall, which was once considered “the finest city hall in the nation for a small size city,” is the centerpiece of ArtsPartners new publication “Peoria City Hall: A Visitor’s Guide of Peoria’s Greatest Treasure.”
At the building’s dedication in January of 1899, then Mayor of Peoria, John Warner, said “this building will stand as a monument to the zeal and energy of the present, and be enjoyed by those who may not remember that we ever existed.” This booklet provides the opportunity to step back in time and learn all there is to know about the history of the construction, design and art of Peoria’s City Hall.
The booklet, produced by ArtsPartners of Central Illinois, Inc., is authored by local historian, Dr. Peter Couri. It includes photographs by Doug and Eileen Leunig and the layout was designed by Nicole Blackburn. The colorful 52-page booklet was published by Numéro Publishing and is the third in a series of historical art and architecture catalogs from ArtsPartners.
Couri’s love of local art and architecture led him to take on this project along with his desire to increase public knowledge of Peoria’s City Hall to ensure that it will be preserved for future generations.
Suzette Boulais, ArtsPartners Executive Director explains, “In all, over 500 donated hours went into producing this glorious publication, from Peter Couri’s writing and meticulous research, to Doug and Eileen Leunig’s amazing photography, and to Nicole Blackburn’s gifted layout and graphic design. These individuals donated their time and talent out of a strong commitment to our community along with a passionate desire to show how vital a role the arts play in promoting our community’s cultural amenities. They are the stars behind this project and are the ones who give the booklet its rich, artistic flavor. In many ways this publication celebrates the work of these artists as well as it celebrates the art and history of City Hall.”
Alma Brown, Communications Manager for the city of Peoria, says “This book captures Peoria City Hall’s history in such an amazing fashion. The detailed writings and the beautiful photos bring our grand lady to life.”
Publication of “Peoria City Hall: A Visitor’s Guide of Peoria’s Greatest Treasure” was made possible with funds provided by the George A. Fulton Charitable Fund and the Caterpillar Community Leadership Fund of the Community Foundation of Central Illinois.
The free booklet may be picked up at the ArtsPartners office, Lakeview Museum, Illinois Antique Center, the Riverfront Visitors Center, Peoria City Hall, the Peoria Park District Pavilion, Contemporary Art Center, Illinois Central College Performing Arts Center and the Shoppes at Grande Prairie. It can also be downloaded and printed by visiting the ArtsPartners website at www.artspartners.net.
Doug and Eileen Leunig are offering to make prints from their original images showcased in the City Hall booklet, with proceeds benefiting the Central Illinois Arts Community. Prints come in two sizes: 8″ x 12″ prints, which are $125 and 16″ x 24″ prints, which are $250. Anyone interested in purchasing a print from the City Hall publication can contact Eileen Leunig at eileenleunig@mac.com.
