The arts scene in Central Illinois is a full and colorful palette that will inspire visiting groups.
From world-class museums and performing arts centers that double as must-visit attractions and intriguing off-site venues for group gatherings, to hands-on art classes, fun festivals and memorable tours, the region has plenty of options for planners who would like to add a little culture to the meeting itinerary.
Springfield
Groups meeting in Springfield can arrange a memorable arts-focused experience that mixes history, lunch and/or cocktails with time for attendees to paint their own masterpieces.
“Your group could first tour Edwards Place and then take part in a canvas and cocktail, or canvas and lunch off-site event at the Springfield Art Association,” said Gina Gemberling, executive director for Visit Springfield. “It’s the perfect opportunity for your group to explore its more creative side.”
Edwards Place, originally constructed in 1833, is the oldest house in Springfield and currently home to the “courting couch” that Abraham Lincoln and Mary Todd sat on during the early days of their courtship. The historic home is connected to the Springfield Art Association, which also has galleries to explore and offers other classes that groups can attend.
Springfield, which presents big productions like Cats, is also home to the main campus of Illinois State Museum, part of the Illinois State Capitol Complex. The museum has permanent exhibits that tell the story of the state’s development as well as impressive artwork and event spaces.
“The second floor is a gallery space that would make an exceptional reception space,” Gemberling said. “It is also worth mentioning that in addition to being the center of state politics, the interior of the Illinois State Capitol is a wondrous journey of murals, sculptures, artwork and architecture.”
The Hoogland Center for the Arts, an 80,000-square-foot facility with multiple theaters, gallery space and meeting space, is another standout venue for groups visiting Springfield.
Gemberling called it “an amazing cultural center” and noted it’s home to a number of community arts organizations, including the Springfield Ballet Company, Sangamon Valley Civic Orchestra, Springfield Muni Opera, Springfield Theatre Centre and Springfield International Folk Dancers.
With all these residents, the calendar of productions at Hoogland is jam-packed and includes everything from musicals and comedy to dance performances.
“Springfield’s own very talented artists make this a destination not to miss,” Gemberling said. “Your group can arrange for a special meal function prior to a performance or take advantage of other opportunities in the center’s versatile space.”
Bloomington-Normal
The Bloomington-Normal area also boasts a lively calendar of events at the Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts, where interested groups can get tickets to entertaining options such as Broadway musicals, plays, stand-up comedy and concerts.
This historic 1920s theater also accommodates meetings and special group events in spaces including its lobby and ballroom.
According to Brie Lohr, communications and marketing coordinator for the Bloomington-Normal Area CVB, a great hands-on arts activity can be found at Bloomington-based Merlot and a Masterpiece, which offers a casual atmosphere and two-hour painting classes, and also accommodates private parties.
“Groups are welcome to bring wine or their favorite beverage to sip while painting,” she said. “Attendees can relax and have fun making their one-of-a-kind creation.”
If the group is having a meeting in the area in July, attendees can check out the built-in entertainment provided by the Sugar Creek Arts Festival, which is scheduled for July 8 and 9 this year.
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The festival is one of the most popular juried arts and crafts festivals in the Midwest, according to Lohr. Groups will find vendors from across the country displaying their works on the streets of Uptown Normal.
Peoria
Mardi Gras in May is a fun- and arts-filled festival held annually in Peoria.
According to Cara Allen, director of marketing and communications for the Peoria Area CVB, Water Street in downtown is transformed into the French Quarter of New Orleans.
“Groups are encouraged to come enjoy some delicious Cajun food and quality entertainment, as well as purchase artwork by local artists,” she said. “Whether you are looking to get your fortune told, learn how to belly dance or see street performers, this is the place for you.”
At the Peoria Riverfront Museum, which houses permanent exhibits that include international fine art, Midwest folk art and an outdoor sculpture garden, groups will also find a variety of art classes, workshops and art-themed events.
“The museum has unique arts experiences for groups, such as sip-and-paint classes, pottery wheel workshops and specialty events in the planetarium,” Allen said. “The museum also offers daily rates for large groups visiting its galleries during the day.”
The city is also home to Sculpture Walk Peoria, which groups can check out any time of year. Organized tours are offered during the warmer months and groups can request a private tour to learn about these large-scale works of art.
“You can’t get any better than a free private tour of downtown Peoria,” Allen said. “Sculpture Walk Peoria group tours offer insight into the ever-changing sculptures that are displayed throughout Peoria’s historic warehouse district.”
Champaign County
Public art is also an important part of the Champaign-Urbana area, which has over 70 sculptures in its streets, parks and public ways. Guided tours are available and include exploration of the Urbana-based Wandell Sculpture Garden at Meadowbrook Park and the downtowns of Urbana and Champaign.
“Champaign County truly embraces the arts and it’s visible from the moment you arrive,” said Terri Reifsteck, vice president of marketing for Visit Champaign County. “Sculptures loom across the prairie and populate our downtown walking areas, offering up an interesting and colorful tour for groups.”
Located on campus at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign are two impressive arts venues.
The Krannert Art Museum boasts a collection of over 10,000 works of art from around the world and the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, which accommodates meetings, receptions and other gatherings for up to 2,000 people, hosts over 300 performances annually and offers discount group pricing and tours.
“The backstage tour showcases how massive the facility is, with halls with street names running endlessly below to accommodate sets and costumes,” Reifsteck said. “The facility has its own costume shop and set shop, which are included in the tour.”
And located in downtown Champaign is the circa-1921 Virginia Theatre, a local landmark with a calendar of events including films, concerts, plays, dance recitals and more.
“Groups can experience a unique tour of this historic venue,” Reifsteck said, and added attendees should stop for a picture with the bronze statue of Urbana native and film critic Roger Ebert outside the theater. “It’s the new must-have selfie.”
