MONTICELLO — Expect bands from near and far when the Allerton Park & Retreat Center’s 2024 Concert Series presented by Cim-Tek Filtration kicks off in June. The musical menu will include talented musicians ranging from Monticello’s own Billy Galt & the Blues Deacons on July 5 to New York-based pop rock band Homeschool on June 14 and east coast Americana and electric-folk band Hudost to end this year’s series of outdoor concerts on Sept. 13. As always, variety will be a common theme, … [Read more...] about Summer Concert Series for 2024 announced
Whimsical artwork focus of visiting resident
MONTICELLO — There is definitely a whimsical, child-like joy — complete with bunnies and unicorns — to the art of Anyuta Gusakova, a Russian-born artist who will be a visiting resident at Allerton Park and Retreat Center starting April 9. And ‘joy’ is the word this artist uses often when describing the art she creates, from small ceramic animals to eight-foot-high resin and fiberglass pieces. “I make sculpture and drawings that give people joy. I want to connect with their inner child,” said … [Read more...] about Whimsical artwork focus of visiting resident
2024 Retreat & Review released
Allerton’s Retreat & Review for 2024 has been published! The 24-page publication looks at some highlights of 2024 — of which there were many! Among the items in this year’s Retreat & Review: — Top 10 Allerton Facts, things you may or may not know about the Park and its history — A recap of some new experiences that were endeavored such as new retreats — The work it takes (staff and volunteers) to set up Holiday GLOW — Allerton being inducted into the Old-Growth Forest Network — … [Read more...] about 2024 Retreat & Review released
The Farms gets off to a good start, continues to roll
MONTICELLO — Staff at Allerton Park and Retreat Center are not slowing down when it comes to The Farms: An Allerton Folk School, which kicked off with a 36-course offering last fall. The Winter 2024 session is also offering a myriad of courses — both one-offs and multi-session ones — as it encourages people to learn a new skill, whether it be bookbinding, dancing, meditation, weaving, wine tasting and more. A busy schedule of planning has not left Senior Program Coordinator Olivia Bunting … [Read more...] about The Farms gets off to a good start, continues to roll
Decatur ag students create art for GLOW
MONTICELLO — What started as a high school class project is now part of this year’s Holiday GLOW at Allerton Park and Retreat Center. Decatur Eisenhower agriculture teacher Scott Davidson said when students began work on the three large letters — “F, F and A” to promote ag education — about a year ago, he was not sure where the finished product would end up. At first, Davidson saw the wood and metal creation going on display at the Living Science Farm of the new Dwayne O. … [Read more...] about Decatur ag students create art for GLOW
RESIDENT WRAPS UP RESEARCH
Urban planner Kelsey Zlevor has finished up her residency and hopes to take knowledge she has gleaned while at Allerton to help design public spaces with elements that help people experiencing depressive episodes. She conducted four workshops — the final one on Wednesday with Park staff — which used craft supplies to help participants re-visit fond memories. Zlevor said Allerton was an ideal place to conduct her research. “I love it. It’s beautiful. It’s been the ability to immediately … [Read more...] about RESIDENT WRAPS UP RESEARCH
History Happy Hour: Architects of Allerton
At the May 16 History Happy Hour, McCraw Family Visitor Center Coordinator Sarah Putman talked about the Architects of Allerton. Her presentation is included in the .pdf below. Architects of Allerton … [Read more...] about History Happy Hour: Architects of Allerton
History Happy Hour: Original Pieces in the Mansion
At the Nov. 16 History Happy Hour, McCraw Family Visitor Center Coordinator Sarah Putman talked about Original Pieces in the Mansion. Her presentation is included in the .pdf below. Original Pieces in the Mansion … [Read more...] about History Happy Hour: Original Pieces in the Mansion