Steve Hoffman

MONTICELLO — A 2015 Urbana High School graduate who is now a photographer and visual artist in Chicago will be the next Artist-in-Residence at Allerton Park & Retreat Center. Lemareyè Jones will combine many of his current passions during a three-week stay beginning July 26 at the Monticello-area park, including the clash of technology and nature, photography, visual arts and West African culture. His plans include photographing pieces of technology in a natural setting to spur … [Read more...] about Photographer, visual artist is next Artist In-Residence

Staff from LifeLinks Mental Health in Mattoon spent a 2024 spring day at Allerton, taking part in a variety of Farms workshops, including Mansion and Formal Garden tours, a "windowsill" gardening workshop, and yoga. "Our staff was overwhelmingly impressed by the workshops and all of the surroundings Allerton had to offer during our retreat. The herb gardening and yoga workshops were smashing successes. As I wander through our building, I see the succulents and herbs lovingly growing on … [Read more...] about LifeLinks Mental Health holds retreat

MONTICELLO — Adults deserve some summer fun too. That’s the idea behind Allerton Park’s Camp Lost Garden, which will provide an ‘adult summer camp’ complete with craft workshops, s’mores, relay races and more on June 27-30. “Campers can expect a variety of activities including arts and crafts, recreational activities, team building, but also plenty of time to just relax and enjoy nature,” said Jordan Zech, the park’s associate director of retreat center and programming. She added … [Read more...] about Camp Lost Garden, a summer camp for adults!

MONTICELLO — Megan Koeppel gets excited when she talks about her natural dye-making processes. The North-Carolina-based artist will investigate what Allerton Park and Retreat Center will offer to that passion when she spends three weeks at the Monticello-area park from May 20 to June 7 as its next artist-in-residence. “I’m excited to do research and discover what things around Allerton can give natural dyes,” said Koeppel, who grew up in Milwaukee. “I am from the Midwest but most of my dye … [Read more...] about Megan Koeppel, artist-in-residence

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

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

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

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