Dates: Jul 11 - Jul 12
Saturday, July 11, 2026 - Sunday, July 12, 2026
Join us at the Peoria Riverfront Museum for a special weekend with artist Felandus Thames. Thames, born in Jackson, Mississippi, has had his work featured in many esteemed collections, including the Mississippi Museum of Art, Mystic Seaport Museum, the San Antonio Spurs, Florence Griswold Museum, and The Studio Museum of Harlem.
Two works by Thames are featured in current America 250 exhibition Joyful Resistance
Now, spend a weekend learning about color, form and the inspiration behind artistic genius. Featuring an artist's workshop, a celebration of art and music, a conversation in the Giant Screen Theater and a tour through Joyful Resistance, this weekend will unlock the artist in you!
Schedule of Events
Saturday, July 11, 2026
Warhol and Beyond: Color as Pigment and Material | 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. in the Gilmore Auditorium
This artist workshop with guidance and input from Thames himself will guide you through the creation of your own small, beaded portrait of a historical figure. Learn how Thames views color within the context of the work of other artists like Andy Warhol and Josef Albers, whose mastery of color and contrast and are still relevant today.
This workshop has an extremely limited capacity and is restricted to youth ages 13 or older and adults. Registration is required.
Members: $5 | Non-members: $10 | Sign up HERE
Joyful Resistance: A Celebration of Art, Music and Movement | 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. | In the Museum Lobby and Galleries
Join us to celebrate the art, history and creative legacy embodied in current exhibition Joyful Resistance. New additions have been made to the exhibition, and there's no better time to view them! Enjoy remarks from exhibition curator Everley Davis and artist Felandus Thames as well as vinyl spinning live by Jonathan Wright. Crafts and activities as well as refreshments will be provided.
Members: $5 | Non-members: $10 | Sign up HERE
Sunday, July 12, 2026
Museum Conversations: Felandus Thames | 1 p.m. - 2 p.m. in the Giant Screen Theater
Join us for an artist talk moderated by Strictly Hip-Hop's Marc Supreme and featuring artist Felandus Thames. This conversation is part of our "Access for All" Free day, no additional charge to attend.
Joyful Resistance Gallery Tour | 2:30 p.m. in the Gallery
Join us and talk through Joyful Resistance with curator Everley Davis and artist Felandus Thames for a casual conversation about the works on view.
Register HERE
Joyful Resistance sponsored by Art Bridges Foundation, Ron and Carrie Givens and Family, Darlene Violet, Sharlyn Munns, America 250 supporters, Visionary Society, Illinois Arts Council, Friends of Bronzeville to Harlem
Generous support provided by Art Bridges Foundation's Access for All program
