About

Although the project was originally conceived as a virtual artist talk, the Peoria Riverfront Museum ultimately engaged artist Alfred Conteh for an expanded weekend of in-person events, which included a live artmaking demonstration, a community conversation and book signing, and a film screening followed by a discussion.

Intended Outcome

To engage families with a living artist

Actual Outcome 

During his visit, artist Alfred Conteh got to know the Peoria community, and he met a subject for his next piece – a portrait that the museum will acquire for its collection. This is the first time the museum will acquire a commissioned work, and it will be the largest piece the museum has added to its collection thus far.

Advice Post Project

Let artists take the lead in planning their community engagement. The Peoria Riverfront Museum had no idea who Alfred Conteh would choose as the subject of his artwork but left it open for him to take it wherever he felt artistically led. This also opened the door to return visits from Conteh, so he can unveil the piece to the community and hopefully be involved in more programming in the future.