Another Stir: Early Women Artists of Peoria
Friday, March 13, 2026 | 10:00 – 11:30 AM
Doors Open at 9:30am
Peoria Women’s Club
Members & Guests Welcome

Kristan H. McKinsey will give an illustrated lecture expanding on her comments in 2025 on the lives of and artworks created by women artists active in Peoria into the early 20th century, including founding members of the Peoria Women’s Club. The fascinating stories of these artists explore the many ways women contributed to the early cultural life and history of this community at a time when few women pursued careers outside the home.

McKinsey is Director of the Illinois Women Artists Project, a research and documentation initiative. She enjoyed a 32-year career as a museum curator, retiring from the Peoria Riverfront Museum in 2016. She was named Central Illinois ArtsPartner of the Year in 2023 and the CFCI Women’s Fund Art Leader in 2024. Prior to coming to Peoria in 1996, McKinsey held curatorial positions at the Saint Louis Art Museum, the New-York Historical Society, and the Evanston Historical Society. She has served on the boards of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois and the Fine Arts Society of Peoria. McKinsey currently serves on the board of the Illinois State Historical Society, where she is Publications Chair.

Light refreshments will be provided, along with guided tours of the 1893 historic Peoria Women’s Club, as the Club celebrates its 140th anniversary in 2026. Attendees will also have the opportunity to view the 2026 Électricité Exhibition: Illuminating Perspectives during this special morning program.