Elevating the Artist Experience Art Guild Shares Its Commitment to Excellence
This year, the Peoria Art Guild celebrates its 62nd year of hosting the largest fine art fair in central Illinois. Drawing upon decades of experience, our foremost objective remains to cultivate an environment where artists feel not only welcomed but deeply appreciated.
We believe communication with our artists is most important, recognizing it as the key to a successful and enriching experience for all involved. From the moment artists submit their applications to the fair through ZAPPlication until they bid farewell to the Peoria Riverfront, our aim is to ensure every step is both pleasant and effortless.
Upon selection, artists receive a questionnaire to gather essential information vital for organizing a successful weekend. This form covers many things, ranging from details such as guest/partner names for name tags, participation in our raffle through artwork donations, dietary preferences for daily lunches, attendance at the artist party on Saturday night, to any special accommodations required for disabilities.
All collected data is compiled into a shared Excel file, serving as a centralized place accessible to all key stakeholders. This approach not only guarantees the risk of oversights but also ensures the unique needs of each artist are addressed with care throughout their time in Peoria.
Artist Amenities
Over the years, we continue to redefine the standard of excellence in art fair hospitality. With attention to detail and a genuine passion for fostering artistic camaraderie, we have a list of amenities aimed at ensuring every artist's visit to Peoria is nothing short of unforgettable.
Upon arrival for setup, artists are greeted by our team with a well-organized check-in process, offering an overview of the weekend's events. Each artist receives a welcome bag, packed with Peoria-centric information and a Peoria Art Guild water bottle, setting the stage for a warm and inviting experience.
We facilitate easy access for loading and unloading, allowing artists to drive directly to their designated tent locations. Despite the hustle and bustle, our artists embody a spirit of courteousness, ensuring a harmonious flow of activity that speaks volumes about our tight-knit artistic community.
Culinary delights abound at the Peoria Art Guild. Following a day of booth setup, artists are treated to complimentary pizza and beverages, providing a well-deserved respite before retiring for the night.
Throughout the fair, our artist breakroom offers refreshments, featuring a selection of coffee, water, and breakfast options for a convenient grab-and-go start to each day. Additionally, sack lunches, including vegetarian options, are delivered directly to their booths ensuring sustained energy and nourishment throughout the event.
Again, communication is most important, and our text system ensures artists' needs are swiftly addressed. Led by a dedicated volunteer, artists can request assistance or address emergencies with ease, knowing our extensive network of more than 200 volunteers stands ready to offer support at a moment's notice.
Yet, it is the ambiance that truly sets our fair apart. Against the backdrop of the beautiful Peoria Riverfront, enhanced by captivating jazz performances and exquisite local wineries, the atmosphere is an undeniable charm that welcomes thousands of visitors to peruse and purchase fine artworks.
In celebration of our artists' talents, we host an exclusive Saturday night party, where they can unwind amidst delectable hors d'oeuvres and complimentary beverages. The evening culminates in the presentation of $7,000 in artist awards, underscoring our commitment to recognizing and rewarding excellence within our community.