A folk school is a space where a community can come together to learn skills and trades that are relevant to personal growth as well as culturally diverse, to learn from each other and build relationships, and to empower individual and community lifelong learning. Individual expression and social interaction are developed and supported through classes crafts, outdoor education, nature, cooking, storytelling, and other expressions of culture.
Learn more about the history of Folk School here.
Part of what makes folk schools so special is the opportunity to learn from your own neighbors and community members! The Farms is always looking for skilled and experienced individuals who value experiential learning and hands-on experiences and are interested in leading and facilitating classes. Learn more and apply to be an instructor here.
The Farms hosts classes, workshops, and gatherings focused on art, outdoor education, science, storytelling, and wellness. (Examples include, but are not limited to: painting, campfire cooking, photography, backpacking, climatology, folk storytelling and story creation, and traditional and culturally diverse crafts and skills.)
To make a suggestion for a class or gathering, submit your response to our Community Survey. This will help us serve you in the best way possible.
To register for a Farms class, please visit The Farms page on the Allerton website. You will be directed to CourseStorm where you can fill out a registration form and submit your payment.
Due to the nature of folk school courses, instructor fees, and supplies needed for classes, all class purchases are FINAL and no refunds will be given. Registrations can be transferred to another person up until the day before the class begins. Registrations can only be transferred to another student once. If you would like to transfer your registration to another person, please call us as soon as possible at 217-333-3287 or email owarren@illinois.edu.
If a course is cancelled for any reason, registered students will have the option to apply their registration to another course with open registration or receive a full refund.
Courses will be held in a space that is appropriate for that particular experience. Each course description will include where on the Allerton Estate it will be located, as well as directions on how to get there. Possible locations include the Mansion (Library, Carriage House, Solarium, Gallery), Greenhouse Auditorium, Studio, Music Barn, or Meadow.
If a course is mobile, like backpacking, hiking, or foraging, there will be a designated meeting spot. If it is relocated, communication will be shared to students via email at least one day prior.
If you are unsure of where a space is located or need accommodations, please email owarren@illinois.edu.
Most courses will include all supply and material costs in the registration fee. If any experience requires additional supplies, it will be noted in the description. (i.e., a notebook for a creative writing class or backpack for an extended hiking trip.)
Unless otherwise noted, all experiences at The Farms are for adult and young adult students 18 and up. The Farms will also have courses specifically geared toward families and intergenerational collaboration. Youth-specific programs are included on our Event Calendar.
