Open Studio is unstructured, self-directed studio time for PAG members — not a class or workshop. There is no instructor-led curriculum and no demonstrations beyond an initial orientation to the space, tools, and safety guidelines. You'll be working independently on your own projects for the entirety of the session.

This session is intended for working artists with some existing familiarity with the medium who want access to the studio space, tools, and equipment outside of a class setting. Open Studio is NOT recommended for beginners. 

Requirements:

• An active PAG membership is required to attend (become a member)
• Attendees must register for each day they plan to attend After-Hours Open Studios. If there are no registrations within 24 hours, the After-Hours Open Studio will be cancelled. 
• Bring your own project, or start something new in our studio. Supplies for personal projects are your responsibility unless otherwise noted. 
• Clay must be purchased through the Guild via our Website, or through approved third-party sources. Purchased clay is available for pick-up only in the Ceramic Studio.
• Work must have initials or a consistent unique marking on the bottom to be fired.

Looking for instruction instead? Browse our class listings for instructor-led options.

Students will learn how to create their own accordion-style book and leave with a finished project. These books are perfect for displaying drawings, photos, and collage.

Join our beginner-friendly workshop and discover the art of wheel throwing. Here's how it works:

1. Get Started: Grab an apron and get ready to create.

2. Choose your glaze: Select from 10 different glazes to personalize your piece.

3. Start throwing: With guidance every step of the way, learn the basics of centering clay and shaping a simple form. 

Students will create their own pieces based on the theme of the class. Our staff will handle glazing and firing, and the work will be ready to pick up within 2-4 weeks. 

Clay, glaze, and firing costs are all included in the price. The Peoria Art Guild provides all necessary tools and materials.

Come explore painting with a palette knife! We will start with simple landscapes, and you will learn how to block in shapes and mix paint for that beautiful sky with maybe a few clouds. From distant mountains to foreground color will be the key. You can be as abstract (loose) as you feel comfortable or detailed (tight) if that is your style. No previous experience necessary, and as easy as spreading butter.

$40 Workshop

All Materials provided by the Peoria Art Guild.

This one-day workshop is the perfect introduction to Plein Air Painting. Students are given the tools to create their own compositions in an encouraging environment and experiment with painting a live scene outdoors. Meet fellow artists and create together!

Students are welcome to bring their own materials or use the drawing and watercolor materials and mixed-media paper provided by the Art Guild. 

Easels and Illustration boards are available for use.

Walk with us from the Guild down to the Riverfront, or meet us down there! We will be at Eckwood Park, located right off Main Street.

New to clay, or want to build a stronger foundation? Ceramics I introduces students to the two core techniques every ceramicist starts with: handbuilding and wheel throwing. By the end, students will have a working knowledge of both approaches and a body of finished pieces, including one larger sculptural piece as the final project.

Adults 16+

Curious about the pottery wheel?

This hands-on workshop is the perfect introduction for families and young creators who want to try wheel throwing together. Grab an apron, wedge some clay, and spend the session exploring the basics of centering and shaping: one of the most satisfying (and surprisingly tricky!) skills in ceramics.

The focus of this workshop is the experience rather than the finished product, so there’s no pressure to make the perfect piece, just the joy of getting your hands dirty and seeing what happens. If participants do finish a piece they’d like to keep, let instructor Claire know, and our staff will fire it in our kiln. Once the first firing has been completed (typically within 1-2 weeks).

Attendees are welcome to pick up their pieces to paint at home for a sculptural piece, or visit our Open Studio to glaze their work using one of our 10 house glazes!

Clay, glaze, and firing costs are all included in the price.
The Peoria Art Guild provides all necessary tools and materials.

In this 4-week introductory ceramics class, we encourage students to get their hands in clay and make something they love! The first session will introduce students to the fundamentals of hand-building: pinching, coiling, and shaping the clay from scratch. From there, students create their own pieces in a supportive, open studio environment with instructor guidance along the way. Students have made everything from planters, berry strainers, and paintbrush holders, custom dishware, and one-of-a-kind sculptural pieces. The final session is dedicated to glazing and finishing your work so it’s ready to take home.

All ages