1st First Friday Artists Studio Tour Kicks off this Friday

Always wondered what an artist studio is like? Want to see new works by your favorite artist before everyone else? Well, join us as we kick off the 1st First Friday Artists Studio Tour this Friday April 1, 2011 from 5-9pm and witness the varied and lively arts scene in Peoria. Many of the Murray Artists have joined with other artists around Peoria to found the Central Illinois Artists Organization or CIAO (like Ciao Bella!). We open our doors to the public on a regular basis. Each First Friday of the month from April to November we will have our studios open, various exhibits, refreshments and often times live music and demonstrations of our technique. Each artist will decide how she/he will present his work so that the public can understand her/his working process and desired end result. No stooty artist here, we are welcoming you into what is essentially our artistic home. Please see and print out the map below to plan your visit. See you there!

Murray Center Spring Open House

We will be following up our May 6 First Friday Open Studio Tour with our first annual Open House at the Murray Center for the Arts the very next day, Sat. May 7, 2011 10-5pm. Come see what we have been working on all Winter! The following artists will have their doors open with a wide array of wonderful works for sale:

Tyler Brandon
Tracey Frugoli
Jacob Grant
Chris Holbrook
Jim Jenkins
Susie Mathews
Jerry McNeil
Ken Tiessen
Robyn Rognstad
Judith Koren-Shanahan
Steph Van Doren

This event and parking are free!

Yep, were doin' it! April 1st will be the 1st First Friday Open Studio event in Peoria

Wow, we have come a long way in a few months!

A group of highly motivated and talented artists, including artists from the Murray Center for the Arts, the Cornerstone Underground Artists Society, James and Carrie Pierce, Hiram Torrason and Rick Melby will have their studios open for our 1st Frist Friday Open Studio tour. We have formed the group Central Illinois Artists Organization or the really continental "CIAO." Look for First Friday events from April to November. We are also doing a Spring Open House (May 7) and a Winter Open House (Novenber 19)as a group. Peoria has a thriving visual arts scene and we want you to know about it and come be a part of it. Look for a map coming soon of all the studios and artists that will be participating.

Art Works in Peoria! NEA Chairman likes us.

Art Works in Peoria!

Wheel Art Pottery Studio Featured In Art & Society

Co-owners Jacob Grant and Susie Matthews are interviewed in this great article about Wheel Art Pottery Studios for the current issue of Art & Society magazine. Get an inside view of the studios which offer classes as well as a coop for members to use the studios for their own pottery work. Wheel Art Pottery Studios is located in Suite 423 in the Murray Center for the Arts at 100 Walnut St., Peoria, IL.

Enjoy this News Story About Murray Center Artist Jerry McNeil

The Murray Building & Artists: A Perfect Fit

Here is a nice article that tells about the recent, and not so recent, history of the Murray Building and some of the artists who make up the rich tapestry of tenants.

Art & Society March/April 2010 http://www.peoriamagazines.com/as/2010/mar-apr/space-is-breath-art

 

Our First Post!

Look for more happenings at the Murray Building as we plan our first Spring Open House for May 7, 10-5pm and First Friday 5-9pm open studio events from April to November of 2011 for which we will partner with other talented Peoria artist so that you can experience the vibrancy of the visual arts scene on a regular basis.