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
Summer Concert Series for 2024 announced
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
CHEF DELVALLEY DRAWS ON NATIVE INFLUENCES
Chef Benny DelValley began working in kitchens at age 16, and has worked in many over past 20 years with different styles, from seafood to Spanish and tapas. (First was Scully’s Chicken and Fish in Urbana.) He has been an executive chef and has worked in catering. “I really don’t have a culinary identity because I have just been exposed to so many cultures because of my family and my upbringing. I just love everything.” DelValley’s mom is registered with the Native American Community. He … [Read more...] about CHEF DELVALLEY DRAWS ON NATIVE INFLUENCES
Upgrading Accessibility Through Major Projects
Allerton Park and Retreat Center is in the midst of three projects that will increase accessibility at the Monticello-area park. They include the first phase of an off-road multi-use path, power chairs that will soon be available to check out, and continuation of the park’s first fully accessible woodland trail. The trio of efforts have been at least partially funded by state and local grants, as well as private donations. The multi-use path, which received a $130,110 grant from the … [Read more...] about Upgrading Accessibility Through Major Projects
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
John Gregg Allerton’s room restored in memory of his niece, Jane Schowalter
It is common for staff at Allerton Park and Retreat Center to hear stories from visitors who have fond memories of the 1,500-acre park, which was donated to the University of Illinois by Robert Allerton in 1946. But a history like that of the late Jane Gregg Schowalter is not one they hear very often. Donations made to Allerton in memory of Jane have been used to restore the former bedroom of her uncle, John Gregg Allerton, the decades-long companion and legally adopted son of Robert … [Read more...] about John Gregg Allerton’s room restored in memory of his niece, Jane Schowalter
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
