Peoria Library Will Host Joseph Petarde Sculpture Exhibit
The exhibition, featuring works by photographer Seth Lowe, will be on display throughout October 2026.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Fine Art
Live Poll
Do you plan to visit local historical exhibits or art shows in your area soon?
Beginning October 1, 2026, the Peoria Public Library will host Joseph Petarde: Maestro of Stone. This exhibition highlights the work of the late Italian immigrant sculptor through a series of large-scale photographs.
Why it matters
The exhibit provides a unique opportunity to view intricate sculptural details from historic local landmarks that are otherwise difficult to observe from the sidewalk.
The exhibition features nearly 40 large-scale photographs documenting the legacy of sculptor Joseph Petarde. These images capture carvings from prominent sites including the GAR Hall and St. Peter's Church.
The players
Joseph Petarde
He was an Italian immigrant and sculptor whose stonework adorns several historic buildings across Peoria.
Seth Lowe
He is a photographer and the great-great-grandson of Joseph Petarde who documented the sculptor's surviving work.
Peoria Public Library
It is the primary public library system in Peoria and the host venue for the upcoming exhibition.
The details
Photographer Seth Lowe, the great-great-grandson of the sculptor, traveled across Central Illinois to capture these specific sculptural details. The collection highlights Petarde's contributions to the area, which date back to his immigration from Italy in the late 19th century.
Timeline
The exhibition runs from October 1 to October 28, 2026.
Joseph Petarde immigrated to the United States in the late 19th century.
Industry Dynamics
This exhibition follows a pattern set by regional archival projects that seek to preserve the physical legacy of 19th-century immigrant craftspeople. It highlights the growing interest in local historical preservation through contemporary photography.
Residents can view the exhibition for free during the library's standard operating hours throughout the month of October. The display offers an accessible way to study architectural details that are typically obscured from street-level views.
The takeaway
The project demonstrates how family legacies can be bridged through modern photography to revive interest in historical stonework. Residents interested in architecture may find the close-up perspectives of the carvings to be a valuable resource for local history research.
Further reading
Learn more about local cultural events on the Fine Art page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Peoria Public Radio.
Live Poll
Do you plan to visit local historical exhibits or art shows in your area soon?
