The Art of the Brick | The World's Most Elaborate Display of LEGO® Art
May 25 - September 1, 2019
Presented by CEFCU
THE ART OF THE BRICK takes LEGO somewhere you wouldn’t expect and shows you things you have never seen before. The goal with this collection of art is to demonstrate the potential of imagination and the power of creativity.- Nathan Sawaya, artist
THE ART OF THE BRICK, a captivating touring exhibition, features intriguing works of art made exclusively from one of the most recognizable toys in the world, the LEGO® brick. This critically acclaimed collection of creative and inspiring pieces constructed using only LEGO bricks is created by renowned contemporary artist Nathan Sawaya.
Designed to inspire ingenuity and creativity, is the world's most elaborate display of LEGO brick art, featuring more than 100 artworks. The collection highlights original pieces as well as re-imagined versions of some of the world's most famous masterpieces made exclusively from LEGO bricks, such as van Gogh's "Starry Night" and da Vinci's "Mona Lisa" as well as a gallery showcasing an innovative, multimedia collection of LEGO brick-infused photography produced in tandem with award-winning photographer Dean West.
Visitors will have the opportunity to get up-close and in-person with the fan favorite, "Yellow," a life-size sculpture of a man ripping his chest open with thousands of yellow LEGO bricks cascading from the cavity. In addition, visitors will be able to walk under a 20-foot-long T-Rex dinosaur skeleton made out of bricks and come face-to-face with a giant LEGO skull.
THE ART OF THE BRICK is the first major museum exhibition to use LEGO bricks as the sole art medium. Sawaya transforms LEGO bricks into tremendous and thought-provoking sculptures, elevating the toy to the realm of art. Sawaya’s ability to transform this common toy into something meaningful, his devotion to spatial perfection and the way he conceptualizes action, enables him to elevate what almost every child has played with into the status of contemporary art.
Interactive Activity Area
THE ART OF THE BRICK is sure to inspire the artist within. Take inspiration from Sawaya’s artwork to create your own LEGO brick sculptures in an interactive activity area, where you can build whatever you can imagine.
Exhibition sponsors
The Peoria Riverfront Museum gratefully acknowledges our exhibition presenter, CEFCU, and our exhibition sponsors, the Gilmore Foundation and the Visionary Society.
Photo: "Yellow," Nathan Sawaya
Van Gogh: Of Wheat Fields and Clouded Skies
Fri, Aug 23 | 6-7:30 pm
Sat, Aug 24 | 6-7:30 pm
Sun, Aug 25 | 2-3:30 pm
Sun, Aug 25 | 4:30-6 pm
Giant Screen Theater
A new look at Van Gogh, through the legacy of the largest private collector of artworks by the Dutch painter: Helene Kröller-Müller (1869-1939), who, in the early 20th Century, ended up buying nearly 300 of his works, paintings and drawings included.
The story unfolds of a woman who, in Van Gogh’s spiritual torment could recognize her own, showing priceless artistic treasures and the rare, naturalistic and architectural beauty of the Kröller-Müller Museum set in the vast De Hoge Weluge park, as well as visual extracts of the Milanese, Florentine, Roman and Palladian Renaissance. It tells the tormented, existential parable of a painter, seen through passages from his brother Theo’s letters, which set the pace of the exhibition, and it shows images of the places he lived and stayed in, from Paris to Provence.
The opportunity to tell the story of this collection and of the burning passion for art that led to it, is an outstanding exhibition on Van Gogh. ‘Amid wheat fields and clouded skies’ at the Basilica Palladiana in Vicenza, brings together 40 paintings and 85 drawings from the Kröller-Müller Museum in Otterlo, Holland, now home to Helene’s heritage.
This is an exhibition that will not only tell us about Van Gogh’s art and his genius, but it will also allow us to understand the importance of drawing as part of his artistic technique. His seemingly instinctive, ‘au premier coup’ canvases were the result of long, preparatory studies, not sketches but complete works of art in themselves, where the broken flow of lines that characterizes the style of his paintings, can already be found.
1h 30m
Members: $8.50 Adult, $7.50 Senior, $6.50 Child | Public: $10.50 Adult, $9.50 Senior, $8.50 Child
Buy tickets online now - click here. Tickets & more info also available at the Museum or by phone: 309.863.3046
Brick Building Challenge!
Sat, Aug 24 | 2-4 pm
Permanent Collections Gallery (Interactive area of Art of the Brick)
Join in the creative brick building fun with your friends and family at the museum! Each session enjoy a new challenge to build or spin our challenge wheel for a challenge all your own. Work as a team or solo, either way you’ll have fun with this structured building time. Does not include taking home brick creations.
Free for Members & with Art of the Brick Admission
More info also available at the Museum or by phone: 309.686.7000.
Wine & Art | Georgia O'Keefe, Ram's Head White Hollyhock and Little Hills - CANCELLED
Sat, Aug 24 | 7-9 pm
Studio 2
Spend the evening relaxing and creating at one of our Wine & Art Night events! Local artist, Eugene Nana Ekow Maison, will guide you in creating your own unique version of Georgia O'Keefe's Ram's Head White Hollyhock and Little Hills! All materials, wine and light snacks are provided. Seating is limited, so register early!
Ages 21+
$30 Members | $36 Public
All supplies provided for workshops unless otherwise noted. All paid workshops require a minimum number of participants to run or will be cancelled two business days prior to the start date. Pre-registration required. If you are interested in scheduling a private Wine & Art for a special occasion or for your organization, contact Heather at 309.863.3046.
Brick's Night Out
Fri, Aug 30 | 7-9 pm
Lobby, Art of the Brick
Try something new for date night or a night out with friends by bring them to The Art of the Brick experience during adults-only, evening hours. Be inspired by more than 80 jaw-dropping brick creations, then design your own brick masterpiece to add to our display. Cash bar available. One drink ticket included with ticket.
Ages 21+
$12 Members | $18 Public
Buy tickets online now - click here.
More info also available at the Museum or by phone: 309.686.7000.
48-hour Filmmakers Fest 2019
Aug 30-Sep 1 | Film Creation
WHAT IS IT? HOW DOES IT WORK?
The Riverfront Museum’s 48-hour Filmmakers Fest is a competition that gives aspiring filmmakers of all ages the chance to create a 3-5-minute movie in just 48 hours. Each film — from writing and shooting to editing and sound design – must occur between Fri, Aug 30, and Sun, Sep 1.
On Aug 30, we will announce a theme, a line of dialogue and an object that needs to be included in each submission, e.g. Friendship, “That’s too much” and a baseball bat. After this announcement is made, filmmakers will have 48 hours to create their 3-5-minute film.
On Sun, Sep 1, filmmakers will submit their finished product and, over the next several days, they will be viewed by a panel of judges who will determine the overall winner and runner-up.
On Sat, Sep 7, the top 20 submissions will be screened at the Giant Screen Theater, at which time the winner and runner-up will be announced. In addition, a special People’s Choice award will be selected based on audience vote that night. $5 at the door. Participants receive 4 free passes with registration.
WHO CAN ENTER?
Anyone. All it takes is a passion for filmmaking or storytelling — and a lot of energy to get it all done in 48 hours.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO ENTER?
$10 entry fee.
WHAT WILL I WIN?
The overall winner will receive a trophy and a cash prize. The runner-up will also receive a trophy and cash prize and the People’s Choice award winner will receive a trophy.
Register online now - click here.
For Official Rules & how to submit your film - click here.
Deep Space Planetarium Concert Series
Pacific Garden
Sat, Aug 31 | 8 pm
Pacific Garden is an experimental psychedelic rock band out of Aurora, IL. Influences include Tame Impala, Panda Bear, and Todd Rundgren.
This summer, Peoria Riverfront Museum is hosting Deep Space, a limited concert series in the Dome Planetarium. Each month, Deep Space will feature a different artist in the planetarium where they will showcase their incredible talent set to mind-blowing and immersive visuals.
$10 Members | $15 Public
Buy tickets online now - click here.
See the full Deep Space concert series schedule - click here.
For more information call 309.686.7000
Deep Space is a unique music performance unlike anything else in Central Illinois. This is an all-ages show with limited seating, pre-purchasing tickets is encouraged as shows do sellout. Concessions and drinks are available for purchase with legal ID.
Cabernet & Clay | Wheel Thrown Pottery - SOLD OUT!
Sat, Aug 31 | 6:30-9 pm
Studio 1
Sit back, relax, and enjoy the simple pleasure of making something with your own two hands. Local teacher and artist, Al Corpuz, will lead you in a variety of ceramic techniques, including glazing, wheel throwing, and hand-building! Best of all, once you’ve created it, we’ll fire and glaze it for you! All events will include a variety of wine and light snacks, and finished pieces will be ready for pickup within 10 business days.
$30 members | $36 public
Ages 21+. All supplies provided for workshops unless otherwise noted. All paid workshops require a minimum number of participants to run or will be cancelled two business days prior to the start date. Pre-registration required. If you are interested in scheduling a private Cabernet & Clay for a special occasion or for your organization, contact Heather at 309.863.3046.
Relax Under the Stars | FREE Noon Event!
Wed, Sep 4 | Noon-1 pm
First Wednesday of every month, 12-1 pm
Dome Planetarium
Stressed at work? Need a break from your hectic day? Come to Dome Planetarium and calm down. Enjoy a short star talk, then let your tension float away under starry skies with soothing background music. First Wednesday of every month at noon.
Free parking in the museum's parking garage. If you arrive past Noon, it will be dark in the Dome. Please pause for a few minutes to allow your eyes to adjust to the dark. Food and drink welcome in the Dome.
Please note that all are welcome, but this program may not be suitable for young children. It is designed to give people a quiet time to relax, and periods of long sitting can be difficult for some young ones.
Upcoming Dates: October 2, November 6, December 4
More info also available at the Museum or by phone: 309.686.7000.
"What Qualities and Characteristics Make a Great Scientist and Engineer"
Special Presentation by Dr. Hakeem Oluseyi
Peoria Manual Academy Robo-Rams FIRST Tech Challenge Kickoff Event
Fri, Sep 6 | 9 am
Giant Screen Theater
Join the Manual Robotics League FIRST Tech Challenge Kickoff event at the Peoria Riverfront Museum – free and open to the public! Dr. Hakeem Oluseyi, Astrophysicist featured on the Discovery Channel’s “How the Universe Works” will speak about what it takes to be a great scientist or engineer.
Free & Open to the Public
Seating First Come, First Serve!
More info also available at the Museum or by phone: 309.686.7000.
Science Rocks! FREE DAY
Sat, Sept 7 | Activities 11-3
Lobby
Meet local scientists and participate in fun and hands-on activities in the Museum Lobby from 11 am-3 pm! All activities, permanent galleries, and public planetarium shows will be free and open to the public.
More info on the Illinois Heartland section of the ACS (American Chemical Society). – click here. For more info on the Ag lab (USDA-ARS National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research (NCAUR)). – click here.
Free & open to the public. Giant Screen Theater films are not included in the free day.
More info is also available at the Museum or by phone: 309.686.7000.
Art Club
Tue, Sep 10 | 1-2 pm
Boardroom
Art Club is a monthly meeting of people who love art. We select a different topic each month, and enjoy a casual staff-led discussion (with Powerpoint slides) accompanied by coffee and treats. Participants are encouraged, though not required, to submit discussion suggestions of art that is related to the topic. It's like a book club, but without as much homework!
This month's topic is Judy Chicago, "The Dinner Party" Part 2!
If you would like to discuss a piece please email: goden@peoriariverfrontmuseum.org.
Coffee and treats are served. Please bring your own coffee cup!
Free to members and with general admission.
More info available at the Museum or by phone: 309.686.7000.
Senior Morning Lecture Series | Sculpture Garden Virtual Tour
Wed, Sep 11 | 10-11 am
Lobby & Galleries
This month's topic is the Riverfront Museum's sculpture garden! Take a virtual tour with us and learn about the art surrounding our building.
Enjoy a presentation in the auditorium, then you will be able to explore the museum. Free parking in the covered park deck off of Water Street.
9:45 am Doors Open
10:00 am Coffee and danish, muffins, and other light breakfast treats in the Auditorium
10:30 am Program
11:00 am Gallery visit
For the full schedule of Senior Morning Lecture Series - click here.
To learn more about Senior Free Days - click here.
Registration is not necessary, but groups are encouraged to call ahead so that we will be prepared. Please call Gennifer Oden at 309.863.3016.
Free event for seniors.
More information available at the Museum or by phone: 309.686.7000.
Deep Space Planetarium Concert Series
Kristen Ford
Sat, Sep 14 | 8 pm
Based out of Nashville, Tennessee, Kristen Ford plays indie rock which teeters into americana, electronic and pop. Her high energy live show as a one woman looping band has brought her to 48 states and 6 countries. No stranger to the recording studio, she has a slew of songs under her belt, her latest "Travel Songs" released on The Nation of Love Records. Solo or leading a rock band, Kristen's live shows are not to be missed, wherever the road shall lead.
This summer, Peoria Riverfront Museum is hosting Deep Space, a limited concert series in the Dome Planetarium. Each month, Deep Space will feature a different artist in the planetarium where they will showcase their incredible talent set to mind-blowing and immersive visuals.
$10 Members | $15 Public
Buy tickets online now - click here.
See the full Deep Space concert series schedule - click here.
For more information call 309.686.7000
Deep Space is a unique music performance unlike anything else in Central Illinois. This is an all-ages show with limited seating, pre-purchasing tickets is encouraged as shows do sellout. Concessions and drinks are available for purchase with legal ID.
MOON
September 14 - November 10
A new exhibition is coming to the Peoria Riverfront Museum soon!
"MOON" will feature a one-of-a-kind 13-foot (4-meter) diameter illuminated moon made especially for the museum by by UK artist Luke Jerram. Lit from within the giant moon displays exacting 120-dpi detailed imagery of the lunar surface created by NASA imagery. Objects from NASA and space-related artifacts will also be on display.
The museum gratefully acknowledges our "MOON" sponsors, Commerce Bank and the Corporate Visionary Society Council.
Cabernet & Clay | Wheel Thrown Pottery - SOLD OUT!
Sat, Sep 14 | 6:30-9 pm
Studio 1
Sit back, relax, and enjoy the simple pleasure of making something with your own two hands. Local teacher and artist, Al Corpuz, will lead you in a variety of ceramic techniques, including glazing, wheel throwing, and hand-building! Best of all, once you’ve created it, we’ll fire and glaze it for you! All events will include a variety of wine and light snacks, and finished pieces will be ready for pickup within 10 business days.
$30 members | $36 public
Ages 21+. All supplies provided for workshops unless otherwise noted. All paid workshops require a minimum number of participants to run or will be cancelled two business days prior to the start date. Pre-registration required. If you are interested in scheduling a private Cabernet & Clay for a special occasion or for your organization, contact Heather at 309.863.3046.
Educator Open House + Educator Resource Fair
Tue, Sep 17 | 5-6:30 pm
The Riverfront Museum is hosting an Educator Open House + STEAM Resource Fair featuring the new exhibitions, MOON and Vantage Points: Contemporary Photography from the Whitney Museum of American Art. This event is a chance for area teachers to come to the museum for free with school ID or affiliation and explore the Museum’s galleries, Dome Planetarium, Giant Screen Theater, outreach and resources, as well as learning about area organizations and resources available to support STEAM Learning.
Join us for a fun night of connecting with other educators while participating in an open house at the Museum + STEAM Educational Resource Fair. Engage in lively discussions and demonstrations, learn about new and innovative programs taking place in the Peoria area and walk away with materials and ideas that can be implemented in any learning environment.
Light refreshments will be available and knowledgeable staff will be on hand to answer questions.
Register online now - click here.
Direct questions to Holly Johnson at 309.863.3013 or hjohnson@peoriariverfrontmuseum.org.
Free for educators only with school ID or affiliation.
To look at our educator guides - click here.
Free Covered Parking off Water St. For more information call 309.863.3013.
Tiny Tot Explorers
Thu, Sep 19 | 11-11:30 am
IL River Classroom
Join us every third Thursday for Tiny Tot Explorers! Preschoolers and their adult caregivers will enjoy a story and hands-on art or science activities related to the book. Each month will have a different theme that correlates to one or more of the museum’s pillars of art, science, history and achievement!
September is National Honey Month and National Honey Bee Month, so our theme is…Bees!
Free for members and with general admission.
Space Family Night | New American Spaceships
Sat, Sep 21 | 6 pm
Dome Planetarium
Remember the Space Shuttle? It flew American astronauts from Florida to space for 30 years! But the last Shuttle flight was 8 years ago, when construction of the International Space Station was completed. Now there are new spaceships preparing to launch American astronauts from Florida to space yet again: Dragon; Starliner; Orion. Learn how these 21st century spaceships will pave the way for us to return to the Moon and then on to Mars.
Light refreshments will be provided.
$2 Members | $8 Member Family (immediate family only)
$5 Public | $12 Public Family (immediate family only)
Buy tickets online now - click here.
Tickets & more info also available at the Museum or by phone: 309.686.7000.
Wine & Cheese Under the Stars | Exoplanets
Sat, Sep 28 | 7-9 pm
Dome Planetarium
The first planet orbiting a star outside of our Solar System was discovered in 1992. Since then, scientists have discovered 4,023 and counting! Could any of these distant worlds support life? Learn about some of the most incredible planets discovered so far while enjoying cheese and wine in our beautiful planetarium.
Enjoy a variety of wines, and cheese & crackers under our spectacular night sky. Enjoy the latest news from space and take a real-time Uniview tour across the Universe with an astronomy expert as your guide. Guests will receive up to three glasses of wine or soda, and a variety of cheese & crackers with paid admission. Doors open at 6:50 pm. Ages 21+
$30 members | $36 public
Buy tickets online now - click here.
Tickets & more info also available at the Museum or by phone: 309.686.7000.
All supplies provided for programs unless otherwise noted. All paid programs require a minimum number of participants to run or will be cancelled two business days prior to the start date. Pre-registration required.
Wine & Art | Andy Warhol
Sat, Sep 28 | 7-9 pm
Studio 2
Spend the evening relaxing and creating at one of our Wine & Art Night events! Local artist, Eugene Nana Ekow Maison, will guide you in creating your own unique version of Andy Warhol's Marilyn! All materials, wine and light snacks are provided. Seating is limited, so register early!
Ages 21+
$30 Members | $36 Public
Register online now - click here.
Tickets & more info also available at the Museum or by phone: 309.686.7000.
All supplies provided for workshops unless otherwise noted. All paid workshops require a minimum number of participants to run or will be cancelled two business days prior to the start date. Pre-registration required. If you are interested in scheduling a private Wine & Art for a special occasion or for your organization, contact Heather at 309.863.3046.
Space Kids
Tuesdays, Oct 1-22 | 9:30-10 am
Planetarium
Put on your space suits and get ready to blast off into outer space! Each week students explore a different aspect of space while gaining exposure to science, literacy, and art. Every class begins with a story related to the day’s lesson, a planetarium “lab”, and a hands-on art project. Students will learn about our Solar System. You may get messy, so wear old clothes. Caregivers must stay with children.
Nick Rae: Museum Educator
Ages 3-6
$30 Members | $35 Public
Register online now - click here.
Registration & more info also available at the Museum or by phone: 309.686.7000.
All supplies provided for programs unless otherwise noted. All paid programs require a minimum number of participants to run or will be cancelled two business days prior to the start date. Pre-registration required.
Laser Fright Night | Fright Light & Beatles
Dome Planetarium
Sat, Oct 27
6 pm - Laser Fright Light
7 pm - Laser Beatles
Sit back, relax, look up and rock out! Listen to some Halloween themed tunes and your favorite music from The Beatles - while being dazzled with the multicolored laser light show on the Dome. Enhance your experience - pick up spectrum glasses and refreshments from our concession stand and enjoy the show! 35-50 min. (Note: These shows contain lyrics to popular songs and some may not be suitable for all ages.)
Members: $5 one show, $8 both shows
Public: $7 one show, $12 both shows (to get combo price tickets call 309.686.7000 or visit the ticket desk in person)
Buy tickets online now - click here.
Tickets & more info also available at the Museum or by phone: 309.686.7000.
