Artist Ray Katz of Pontiac, Mich., talks about his abstract painted steel sculpture titled “Astral Projection Yellow” during the recent kick-off of this year’s annual Sculpture Walk Peoria. Katz’s artwork is one of eight sculptures on display along Washington Street in Downtown Peoria. (Photo by Elise Zwicky)

A scaled-down version of Peoria’s annual Sculpture Walk kicked off its opening day celebration with a good-sized crowd recently at the Peoria Riverfront Museum’s Sun Plaza.

In its fourth year, Sculpture Walk Peoria features eight sculptures along Washington Street, which is half the number featured last year. The pieces were selected by a jury of civic leaders and arts professionals from 114 entries submitted by artists from around the country.

“This program is funded through individual and corporate sponsorships, so each year the scope of the program may ebb and flow commensurate with dollars raised,” said Jennifer Gordon, executive director for ArtsPartners of Central Illinois, which organizes the public art display.

Noting that 2018 was a challenging year for fundraising, particularly given Caterpillar’s announcement last year that it was moving its headquarters out of Peoria, Gordon said, “We are thrilled at the support we received from our sponsors and partners this year that kept this program alive.”

Gordon said it was important to continue Sculpture Walk Peoria this year despite the budget constraints to avoid a “gap year.”

“The success of the event relies on submissions from respected artists across the country,” she noted. “We want to continue the expectation with esteemed sculptors across the country that this is an exhibit they should apply for every year.”

Gordon announced at the opening day celebration that last year’s People’s Choice winner, Wired Stag by artist Jeff Best, will be staying in Peoria thanks to the development company Murray Place.

“So we actually have nine pieces on the walk this year,” she said. “Also, in the last two weeks, two pieces from last year’s walk have sold and are staying in Peoria, which brings our grand total over the last three years to nine pieces of art that have sold to stay permanently in this region.”

Gordon lauded the city for its support in allowing the sculptures to be placed “on city property on public sidewalks that were designed to allow for public art.

Peoria Riverfront Museum CEO John Morris welcomes a crowd to the opening day of the annual Sculpture Walk Peoria recently. Morris said, “Artists speak to us in ways that no one else can. They unlock a certain part of who we are.” (Photo by Elise Zwicky)

“It truly is unique to have a city that believes in the power of the arts and the impact it can have economically but also inspirationally,” she said.

In brief remarks before a ribbon-cutting, Mayor Jim Ardis said, “Having the Sculpture Walk really does give a strong identity to Peoria in the arts community because we have artists from all over the country that are participating and allowing their sculptures to be displayed here in our city.”

Peoria Riverfront Museum CEO John Morris noted that as a former member of the Peoria City Council, he was the first city liaison to the ArtsPartners of Central Illinois nearly 20 years ago.

“The arts lift us up,” Morris said. “Artists speak to us in ways that no one else can. They unlock a certain part of who we are.”

Artist Ray Katz of Pontiac, Mich., stood by his abstract painted steel sculpture titled “Astral Projection Yellow” located on the Peoria Riverfront Museum’s grounds and fielded questions from groups touring the Sculpture Walk.

“I think public art is really important,” he said. “It makes art accessible to the community, and I think that’s one of the most important role it plays.”

A public sculptor who participates in many public sculpture exhibitions around the country, Katz said he enjoys meeting with the public and sharing ideas relevant to the work.

“People have various kinds of questions,” he said. “Some are more interested in the design and others are interested in the color, while others are interested in the material.”

All the artists were on hand for the kick-off except sculptor Paul Russell of Brookfield, Ill., whose wife had just given birth to their son the night before. Russell’s zinc-nickel plated steel sculpture titled “Ancient Protocol” is located on Washington Street between Harrison Street and the Bob Michel Bridge.

The kick-off also included live music by Sarah and the Underground and Projekts, as well as a variety of on-site art activities for families sponsored by the museum, the Peoria Art Guild and the Peoria Playhouse Children’s Museum.

Six-year-old Jin Karl works on an art project with help from Peoria Art Guild volunteers Vicky Carney (left) and Lori Luthy during the recent opening celebration of Sculpture Walk Peoria at the Peoria Riverfront Museum’s Sun Plaza. (Photo by Elise Zwicky)

Sunga Karl of Bartonville said her family decided to attend both the celebration and the Peoria Riverfront Market, which kicked off its season the same day across the street. “We came out to enjoy the weather and to expose our kids to the arts,” she said. “It’s a nice family event.”

The sculptures are all located on Washington Street between the Peoria Riverfront Museum and the Bob Michel Bridge and will remain through October. Free public tours will be offered at 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. every Saturday starting at the Peoria Riverfront Museum lobby through the duration of the exhibit.

New this year is a smartphone app for a self-guided audio tour that can be downloaded by searching “Otocast” in the app store.

—Scaled-back Sculpture Walk still demonstrates the power of the arts–