Artist Statement
To create the collage of Peoria's skyline and the Murray Baker Bridge, I have used paper towels painted with leftover paint from classes I have given. I spread the paper towels out on a plastic tray and cover them with paint, then allow it to dry completely before cutting the towels into the various shapes needed for the image. I used a colorful photo I took (and enhanced) as my inspiration. The cut shapes are then glued to a boxed canvas for display.
Biography
I am a native of Central Illinois, having lived in both Peoria and East Peoria. I graduated from Manual High School in 1976, then Bradley University in 1980. I received my Masters in Education from Olivet Nazarene in 2006. I am married to Rick, my high school sweetheart. We have three adult children and seven grandchildren. My husband and I own the Hive Art Studio, where I offer a variety of classes to all ages. I am currently teaching art part-time at St. Jude Catholic School. Rick and I also have an intergenerational garden and art program called Beautiful GIFT (Gardens Impacting the Future Today).
Ms. Tockes composed a poem for her remarks at the city's Banners and Boxes Beautification Program press conference on August 15, 2025. It's titled "The Power of Public Art" and is listed in full below.
The Power of Public Art
When I was asked to reflect
on the power of public art
I found the benefits are many.
Here are a few just to start.
Public art is for all.
It's for everyone to see.
No tickets or reservations
because public art is free.
Art reflects our world.
It can educate and inspire.
It fosters public engagement.
It can set souls on fire.
Art has the power to unite.
It can challenge and transform us.
If I mentioned all the reasons
my list would be enormous.
But it's worth taking some time
to reflect on art's power.
Without its energy and beauty
our lives would be dour.
Art can be therapeutic.
It can help people feel.
It can guide us and unite us.
It can help us to heal.
Art can cross language barriers.
It has no defined borders.
Artists can speak without words
and create without orders.
Art promotes open-mindedness.
It fosters social engagement.
It brings us together.
It does away with estrangement.
It can show cultural identity
and promote civic pride.
It opens our minds to new things
freeing feelings locked inside.
Art can bring out our best.
It can keep people engaged.
It can show the cruelty of war
and leave us outraged.
Life isn't always rosy.
Art can give us a reprieve.
It helps us hold onto hope,
when we no longer believe.
When artists' work is displayed
it is very validating.
It gives us all a reason
to keep on creating.
So, to the good people here,
who run our hometown,
Your local artists say thank you
for displaying our art all around.
Jody Tockes
August 14, 2025