Allerton

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Allerton In-Residence Fall 2021: Interview with Aumaine Rose Smith

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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

Fall color sneaking in…but slowly

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"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

Rathje’s second $1million donation will improve Allerton gardens, Mansion

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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

Allerton’s Fall Residency Announced, Applications Open for Spring 2022

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Aumaine Rose Smith has been selected as Allerton's Fall 2021 Artist In-Residence. Smith, a poet based in Cleveland, will spend two weeks living in the newly renovated Ice House on the Allerton estate. Allerton’s In-Residence program, which began last November, offers artists and naturalists the opportunity to immerse themselves in their work and find inspiration from the Park. The program aims to support and highlight the meaningful work of creators and researchers, making their professions … [Read more...] about Allerton’s Fall Residency Announced, Applications Open for Spring 2022

Peony Path Update

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Thanks to over 400 (!!) donors and our generous sponsors, this year's Picnic with the Peonies fundraiser presented by Cass Concepts raised nearly $26,000 towards installing an accessible path in the visitor-favorite Peony Garden! In addition, Deborah and Michael Westjohn have made a generous gift to complete the installation and improve the surrounding landscape, as well as provide an endowment for the path. Construction has begun, and concrete will be poured later this month! Read about this … [Read more...] about Peony Path Update

In-Residence Program Spring 2022: “Rooting a Deeper Connection”

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In partnership with the University of Illinois Office of the Vice Chancellor for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (OVCDEI) and with support from Joan and Peter Hood, we are excited to announce our Spring 2022 In-Residence Program! Open to artists and naturalists, the Spring 2022 residence will highlight and celebrate the arts and study of nature within Black and Latinx communities. By focusing on artistic and environmental innovation within the Black and Latinx communities, Allerton intends … [Read more...] about In-Residence Program Spring 2022: “Rooting a Deeper Connection”