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We are thrilled to once again feature the work of talented artists at Holiday GLOW! Read on to learn more the artists and their pieces... Q: Can you share a little about your background as an artist and/or your creative process? Zoelle Nagib: Making art has been a part of my life since childhood. Both of my parents’ are professional craftspeople, and their expertise in neon, ceramics, and photography laid the groundwork for my art literacy. As a pre-teen, I spent hours using a torch, … [Read more...] about Holiday GLOW: Artist Interviews

Allerton Park and Retreat Center has announced it is refocusing sales efforts, prioritizing more public offerings instead of private event bookings. The Mansion, located at 515 Old Timber Road in Monticello, has historically been used for a variety of purposes, but Park staff says it will now have a greater emphasis on public accessibility through lodging and events. Park officials note that while the Mansion will still be available for weddings, conferences, and other private events, the … [Read more...] about Allerton shifting focus from Mansion weddings to lodging, events

Our Advancement Committee is providing another opportunity for you to double your impact when you make a gift to Allerton!  The 2021 Matching Gift Challenge will match dollar-for-dollar every donation under $500 made before December 31, 2021.  You can give to the Friends of Allerton fund, or designate your donation to the area of Allerton that means the most to you: the Mansion, Formal Gardens, Natural Areas, or Accessibility. Last year's Challenge inspired a tremendous outpouring of … [Read more...] about 2021 Matching Gift Challenge

Last month, our Natural Areas staff helped University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign biologists and Illinois Natural History Survey conduct a Northern Saw-Whet Owl survey. They were fortunate to net two and attached a numbered identification band to their legs that will allow other researchers who capture them to identify where these migratory owls have been. Owls are weighed, measured, sexed and aged and then quickly released. The two Allerton visitors were both females - one hatched in 2021 and … [Read more...] about Northern Saw-Whet Owl Survey

Aumaine Rose Smith, a poet based in Cleveland, is currently living onsite as Allerton's Fall 2021 Artist In-Residence. Prior to her residency, we interviewed Aumaine to learn more about her life, profession, and expectations for her time at Allerton. What is your background as an artist and what sparked your creative journey? "My interest in writing was likely sparked by growing up around many books. My mom was able to teach me to read when I was fairly young, and my grandma gave me a … [Read more...] about Allerton In-Residence Fall 2021: Interview with Aumaine Rose Smith

"If you’re thinking fall color is lacking compared to late October of most years, you are correct. 'The fall color is definitely behind. Generally I think of wet falls having good color, but this year I get the feeling that everything is going to be muted. Hopefully I am wrong!' said Nate Beccue, the Natural Areas Manager at Allerton Park & Retreat Center." Continue reading here. Photo: Steve Hoffman, Piatt County Journal Republican … [Read more...] about Fall color sneaking in…but slowly

Sit back and enjoy Allerton wildlife -- clips from June through September with a possible Bigfoot?! Enjoy! … [Read more...] about Creek Cam 10

Dave and Debra Rathje of Decatur have made a one million dollar gift to continue improvements to Allerton. The Rathje’s donation will be directed to the Fu Dog Garden and the Solarium, the window-lined ‘back porch’ of the Mansion. A portion of their investment will be used to make immediate updates to each area, including restoration work to the House of the Golden Buddhas, the prominent gazebo in the Fu Dog Garden, as well as the statues it contains. In addition, endowment funds have been … [Read more...] about Rathje’s second $1million donation will improve Allerton gardens, Mansion