Peoria, Illinois – ArtsPartners of Central Illinois, Inc. announces the availability of the ground-breaking book Art Lives in Central Illinois. Featuring artists who live, work, and create in the Tri-County Area, the book is an essential resource for art collectors, artists, art educators and those who appreciate art. In keeping with the emphasis on local talent, this book is available through several local stores, including I Know You Like A Book and Picture This Gallery in Peoria Heights, as well as the Contemporary Art Center, Studios on Sheridan and the Pearce’s Atelier in Peoria. It will be available at the Fine Art Fair at Peoria’s Riverfront on Saturday, September 29. The book is affordably priced at $19.95 plus tax.

Art Lives in Central Illinois is a 96-page, full-color, soft cover “lookbook” that offers an intimate glimpse into the lives of nearly 200 central Illinois artists. Through interview questions, the artists reveal their sources of inspiration, discuss how they started on the path to become an artist, offer advice to aspiring artists, and more. In addition to their muse, each artist is represented by a portrait, contact information, and an image of an original artwork. Award-winning writer, Clare Howard, interviewed 31 of the artists to delve a little deeper into their stories. “Central Illinois is full of vibrant, creative and inspiring artists and Art Lives in Central Illinois proves that our community is a reflection of the artists who live amongst us,” said Suzette Boulais, executive director of ArtsPartners.

Artworks created by about 70 of these artists will be on display in the CIAO & Friends Invitational exhibit at the Peoria Riverfront Museum from October 20, 2012 through March 3, 2013. Artworks from nearly all of the artists featured in Art Lives in Central Illinois will be on display at the Vernissage exhibit at the Prairie Center of the Arts in Peoria from October 8 through November 16, 2012.

Tremendous energy, innovation, and creativity power the artists who live, work and create in the Tri-County area. Art Lives in Central Illinois introduces our community to many of these artists to encourage residents to connect with the arts and artists. Our communities are better – more interesting, more vibrant – because of the artists who live, work, and create here, and this book will help.