The exhibit will focus on the history of the circuses and the participants affiliated with Decatur, Bloomington-Normal, and Petersburg, Illinois, as well as the cultural influence of circus arts.
The Decatur Area Arts Council will host its biggest exhibit of the year with “CIRCUS Stories: Big Tops in Our Backyard,” as this summer’s International Arts Experience, June 3 - July 26, 2022, in the Anne Lloyd Gallery at the Madden Arts Center in downtown Decatur. “CIRCUS Stories” will include a two-month gallery exhibit, along with events that include performers, speakers, and art classes and camps. The exhibit will focus on the history of the circuses and the participants affiliated with Decatur, Bloomington-Normal, and Petersburg, Illinois, as well as the cultural influence of circus arts.
The opening reception will be Friday, June 3, from 5 - 7:30 p.m. at the Madden Arts Center in downtown Decatur.
- Outside the building, enjoy performers from Circus Kaput, fair food for sale from Dippin Merv’s food truck, along with free snow cones and popcorn.
- In the Anne Lloyd Gallery, explore the exhibit filled with stories,
- On the second floor, have fun with circus-related art projects, a photo booth, face painting, and a couple “try-it” stations.
- Other downtown galleries open include Blue Connection and Gallery 510.
- Through the generosity of our sponsors, the event is offered at no charge to the public, but donations to the Arts Council are gratefully accepted.
In the past, the International Arts Experience exhibit has focused on a specific culture or region. This summer, Gallery Coordinator Jami Fawley has decided to shake things up. This year’s exhibit will be centered around the history of the circus and its roots in Central Illinois. Fawley stresses the importance of the circus for small towns across Illinois and the nation. “In the early years, most people who were not city-dwellers had limited access to arts and entertainment. The circus changed all of that by bringing the acts to the people. For many Americans, it was their first or only access to the arts.”
The Arts Council has worked with ISU’s Milner Library Circus and Allied Arts Collection, the Ansar Shriners, the Menard County Historical Society, area collectors, and various local experts to bring the exhibit to life. Displays will feature key players in Central Illinois circus life, past and present. Field trips can be arranged for youth or adult groups that include a tour and discussion of the exhibit and a hands-on art project.
Regular gallery hours are Monday-Friday 8:30 am-4:30 pm and Saturdays 10 am-2 pm.
This program is funded in part by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency. For more information, visit www.decaturarts.org, call 217-423-3189, or email arts4all@decaturarts.org
