NEWS RELEASE: Renowned Artist Alfred Conteh Returns to Peoria for First-Ever Portrait Unveiling, Documentary

PEORIA, Ill., May 17, 2024 – Nationally renowned American artist Alfred Conteh returns to Peoria, Ill., for the unveiling of his first-ever portrait on a subject outside of Atlanta and the premiere of the first documentary about the artist during a free, public event at the Peoria Riverfront Museum, Access for All: Alfred Conteh Returns, June 9, 12 to 5 p.m.

The portrait and documentary, both commissioned by the Peoria Riverfront Museum, represent unprecedented projects for the museum and Conteh, whose artwork, usually set in Atlanta, often explores themes of identity, race, and socio-political issues.

Conteh’s newest portrait features a Peoria family and emphasizes family ties, fatherhood, and how we connect with each other. The unveiling takes place June 9, 12:30 p.m., in the museum’s FRESH: New Directions in Contemporary Art exhibition. At 10 feet by 7 feet, the portrait is also the largest painting commissioned by the museum. The portrait is made possible by an inaugural gift from Ron Givens and Family, with major support from the Peoria Riverfront Museum's Anniversary Fund, Oak River Foundation, and Josh and Danette Swank.

The first-ever documentary on Alfred Conteh, created and directed by Dr. Arshley Emile of Timberhouse Films, details what inspires and informs Conteh as an artist and shares his process as he paints the museum’s portrait. The film premieres June 9 at 1:30 p.m. in the Giant Screen Theater, followed by a panel discussion with Conteh, Emile, Everley Davis, Peoria Riverfront Museum assistant curator, and moderator Strictly Hip-Hop’s Marc Supreme. The documentary is sponsored by Oak River Foundation and Ron Givens and Family.

“The uniqueness of this commission for the Peoria Riverfront Museum allowed me to create a work that I believe not only champions the importance of Black men in their families but also aligns that perspective with those of the community, the museum, and my direction as an artist. I also believe this painting works to combat the false narratives and tropes in our society that portray Black men as individuals who don’t embrace family and the responsibilities of fatherhood,” said artist Alfred Conteh.

“The region of Peoria benefits profoundly from this monumental painting in which its Atlanta-based artist, Alfred Conteh, has, for the first time, chosen non-Atlanta subjects. This historic work is the first artwork by a major contemporary artist situated outside of the Peoria region to feature Peorians. The vitality and positivity of this piece personifies the gracious spirit from which Peoria has emerged and continues to evolve. Conteh’s unique vision aptly posits a guarded optimism as the environmental backgrounds in which his subjects were photographed have been removed and substituted with a degraded, trans-mutating surface, almost like molting skin, with its final state unseen. His work is to be observed as both a cautionary tale of the past and vibrant proclamation of the potential of the future, both appropriate and poignant,” said Peoria Riverfront Museum Chief Curator Bill Conger.

“Alfred Conteh’s work holds immense significance for capturing not just artistry but also cultural and historical narratives. Documenting his process ensures the preservation of marginalized communities, which he calls the 90 percent. Witnessing his journey has been both fascinating and inspiring. It’s a privilege to witness the dedication, skill, and passion he pours into his work and to be a part of documenting the creation of a piece that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the Peoria Riverfront Museum’s collection,” said Dr. Ashley Emile, Alfred Conteh documentary director.

Conteh originally visited Peoria last May 2023 for a series of free art demonstrations and discussions at the Peoria Riverfront Museum in conjunction with the museum’s American Revolutionaries: Art and Disruption exhibition, where his work Malik and Marquis was displayed.

The Alfred Conteh documentary is sponsored by Oak River Foundation and Ron Givens and Family.

The Alfred Conteh portrait is made possible by an inaugural gift from Ron Givens and Family, with major support from the Peoria Riverfront Museum's Anniversary Fund, Oak River Foundation, and Josh and Danette Swank. Additional support comes from Derrick Booth and Jehan Gordon-Booth, the Family of Erma Davis, John and Jeff Heintzman, Aaron and Amanda Kilgore and Family, and Rosemary McCullough in memory of her mother, Geraldine Mitchell.

Generous support for Access for All free days is provided by Art Bridges Foundation's Access for All program.

The Access for All: Alfred Conteh Returns event takes place June 9, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., at Peoria Riverfront Museum. More information about the event can be found on the museum’s website at peoriariverfrontmuseum.org.