ArtsPartner of the Year

Kristan McKinsey knows art and loves it with all her heart. She makes the tri-county area a more beautiful place to live by sharing her passion and expertise. As a citizen of the world (she grew up in India, and…

The new George Washington Carver Community Center serves as beacon in the heart of our city enhancing and providing for a higher quality of life for all. Our newly transformed center provides an environment that attracts youth, adults, and seniors…

Founded in 1887, the PSO presents excellent live performances, innovative education programs, and engaging community outreach efforts, which significantly enhance the cultural life of central Illinois. In addition to their concerts, the Peoria Symphony Orchestra educates youth in the community…

A lifelong Peorian, Rebekah Bourland has been active in the local arts scene since childhood. Her mother Jane, helped to start Corn Stock Theatre, where Rebekah worked backstage growing up. Over the years, Rebekah lent her talents of writing, directing,…

During his 41-year career at Caterpillar, Sid played a key role in bringing the Caterpillar Visitor Center project to fruition, and helped ensure that the Peoria Riverfront Museum would be located next door. In addition to her philanthropic work and…

Sharon Samuels Reed began her professional career as a music educator with Peoria Public Schools in 1972. After teaching for 22 years, mostly at Woodruff High School, she continued her professional service as Chairperson of Cultural Studies at Pekin Community…