PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) -- Peoria’s largest art gallery is marking a major milestone.

Mayor Rita Ali joined community members Friday morning to celebrate the one-year anniversary of Artful Journey Gallery on North University Street.

Located at 4701 N. University St., the gallery opened last year after what curator and gallery manager Ruth Inman calls a whirlwind three weeks of transformation.

“It took us one day to get a lease and three weeks of blood, sweat, tears, love, elbow grease to get it open. We are so proud of that,” Inman said.

Now, one year later, the 2,400-square-foot space has become a hub for local artists and families, featuring a classroom for art lessons, after-school programs, and homeschool art sessions for kids.

“We’re the largest art gallery in Peoria and we love brin

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