Sculpture Walk Peoria is an initiative of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois, Inc. with the support of the City of Peoria and private businesses. Its mission is to enhance the appreciation for the arts in the community. (Photo courtesy of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois)

The sculptures for Sculpture Walk Peoria 2017 have been chosen and will be revealed at the Opening Day Celebration on June 3, on Washington Street in downtown Peoria. This year, opening day has expanded to include more activities and entertainment.

A community art project will begin at 9 a.m., and the festivities will kick off with a formal ribbon cutting at 10 a.m. under the Bob Michel Bridge, followed immediately by the inaugural walk. During the event, there will be plenty to see and do: a variety of musical acts provided by local musicians, food trucks and vendors, kids activities provided by the Peoria Art Guild, and the community art project to paint art poles that will be installed along the walk.

Brenda Mahoney, chair of events for Sculpture Walk Peoria, focused on bringing variety to the event.

“We really worked hard to make the event more inviting this year and specifically focused on a range of activities for all ages. We think this will be an awesome event for the whole family! The committee would like to see as many people as possible come downtown to celebrate the grand opening.” Jenn Gordon, executive director of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois, pointed out that this will also be the public’s only chance to converse with the artists themselves. “One of the unique aspects of opening day is that the artists are here, having just installed their sculptures, and are excited to share their passion and talk about the inspiration for their works.”

The 2017 sculptures will be installed during the days leading up to the event, and the Opening Day Celebration is the grand opening of the 2017 walk. The sculptures will be on display for one year, at which point they’ll be taken down to make room for the next iteration of the Sculpture Walk. All sculptures are for sale.

Sculpture Walk Peoria is donor-funded and continues to be available because of its Charter and Diamond Sponsors: Peoria Warehouse District Association, Tri-City Machine Products, Muir Omni Graphics, Bradley University, CEFCU, Hanson Professional Services, PNC, Par-a-Dice Hotel and Casino, MAXAM, Prairie Center of the Arts, Unity Point Health Methodist-Proctor, Sharon and John Amdall,  Sid and Flo Banwart, Duffy Armstrong Farrell, Chris and Georgia Glynn, Joe and Michele Richey, and The Ransburg Family.

For more information on Sculpture Walk Peoria, please like our Facebook page or visit www.sculpturewalkpeoria.org.

— Sculpture Walk Peoria to hold kick off celebration —