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X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Allerton Park & Retreat Center
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250203T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250203T200000
DTSTAMP:20260818T170249Z
CREATED:20250829T152843Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260818T170249Z
UID:10000146-1738602000-1738612800@allerton.illinois.edu
SUMMARY:The Farms: Silent Book Club
DESCRIPTION:Need a good place to relax and concentrate on your latest read? Then swing out to the Mansion for our Silent Book Club from 5 to 8 p.m. on select Mondays.\nThe evening will begin with a brief group discussion of what we are currently reading and to swap recommendations. Then participants will break up to do what they love: READ! You can curl up in the Butternut Room\, find a chair in the Solarium or read in front of a fire in the Gallery. If you’re listening to an audio book – bring your favorite craft to work on while you listen! If the weather is nice\, feel free to bring a lawn chair or blanket and read outside.\nA cash bar will be available.\nSilent Book Club is free* and registration is not required. Just show up with a book\, bring your favorite snack and get to reading!\n*If you would like to make a donation to support this and other Farms classes\, you can make a tax-deductible gift here. (Choose “Allerton Park Programs & Events Fund” under “Gift Designation.”)\n2025 Book Club dates are:\nFeb. 3\nFeb. 17\nMarch 3\nMarch 17\nApril 7\nApril 21\nIf you will need disability-related accommodations to participate\, please email owarren@illinois.edu.\nAbout The Farms\nThe Farms: An Allerton Folk School\, offers classes\, workshops\, and gatherings focusing on art\, health & wellness\, history\, nature & outdoor education\, or science. All experiences value hands-on\, experiential teaching and learning\, and are facilitated by and for the members of the community.\nSee the complete Spring Session schedule here.
URL:https://allerton.illinois.edu/event/the-farms-silent-book-club-2/
LOCATION:IL
CATEGORIES:The Farms
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://allerton.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/books_4187.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250208T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250208T120000
DTSTAMP:20260818T170242Z
CREATED:20250829T154233Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260818T170242Z
UID:10000222-1739001600-1739016000@allerton.illinois.edu
SUMMARY:(SOLD OUT) The Farms: Barn Quilt Painting (February)
DESCRIPTION:Experience Level: Beginner\nNo barn? No problem! Join the barn quilt movement by creating your own painted quilt block to use on the inside or outside of your home at Barn Quilt Painting on Saturday\, Feb. 8 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the Greenhouse Auditorium.\nThis workshop will start with a pre-primed board with a design already drafted (choose from a heart or sunburst design during registration). Students will tape and paint at their own pace\, choosing from a wide variety of colors.\nInstructor Jane Cade will also share history of barn quilts\, techniques\, tips\, and discuss how to properly seal your finished piece after the paint has dried for 48 hours. Leave with a 20×20″ wooden ‘quilt block’ to keep for yourself or share your talents and give someone a handmade gift.\n$90/person. Register here by Feb. 1. All sales are final.\nLearn more about the space where your course will take place here. If you will need disability-related accommodations in order to participate\, please email owarren@illinois.edu.\nBy attending\, you consent to your image being used in Allerton marketing\, social media and publications. Please alert the photographer or videographer if you do not want your image taken.\nAbout the Instructor\nJane Cade is a retired teacher from Clinton Junior High School. She has been painting barn quilts for eight years and sells her work online and at craft festivals. She teaches classes at Parkland Community College and will be teaching classes at her workshop beginning next year.\nAbout The Farms\nThe Farms: An Allerton Folk School\, offers classes\, workshops\, and gatherings focusing on art\, health & wellness\, history\, nature & outdoor education\, or science. All experiences value hands-on\, experiential teaching and learning\, and are facilitated by and for the members of the community.\nSee the complete Spring Session schedule here.
URL:https://allerton.illinois.edu/event/sold-out-the-farms-barn-quilt-painting-february/
LOCATION:IL
CATEGORIES:The Farms
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://allerton.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Barn-Quilt-GRAPHIC.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250208T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250208T160000
DTSTAMP:20260818T170247Z
CREATED:20250829T154235Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260818T170247Z
UID:10000224-1739008800-1739030400@allerton.illinois.edu
SUMMARY:(SOLD OUT) The Farms: Link it! Chainmaille Jewelry
DESCRIPTION:Experience Level: Beginner\nLearn how to use the pattern originally used in armor for jewelry making at Link it! Chainmaille Jewelry on Saturday\, Feb. 8 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in The Studio.\nHistorically\, chainmaille was used as protective armor\, as the linked rings resulted in a strong\, flexible fabric. Jewelers have adopted the repeatable pattern of the rings to make unique pieces of jewelry. In this workshop\, instructor Billie Theide will help students make and source jump rings\, create patterns and make jewelry. Students will receive a toolkit to keep\, along with a folder of instructional materials to take home.\n$100/person. Register here by Feb. 1. All sales are final.\nLearn more about the space where your course will take place here. If you will need Linkdisability-related accommodations in order to participate\, please email owarren@illinois.edu.\nBy attending\, you consent to your image being used in Allerton marketing\, social media and publications. Please alert the photographer or videographer if you do not want your image taken.\nAbout the Instructor\nBillie Theide is a former chair of the Crafts Program at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign\, where she is Professor Emerita. Theide is a metalsmith\, jeweler and ceramicist. Her work is in public art collections around the world including the Smithsonian\, Museum of Arts & Design in New York City\, Nelson Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City and the Racine Art Museum\, among others.\nShe is the recipient of a Visual Arts Fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts and five Artists Fellowship Grants from the Illinois Arts Council. Theide has been recognized for her excellence in teaching and is a Distinguished Member and Past-President of the Society of North American Goldsmiths.\nAbout The Farms\nThe Farms: An Allerton Folk School\, offers classes\, workshops\, and gatherings focusing on art\, health & wellness\, history\, nature & outdoor education\, or science. All experiences value hands-on\, experiential teaching and learning\, and are facilitated by and for the members of the community.\nSee the complete Spring Session schedule here.
URL:https://allerton.illinois.edu/event/sold-out-the-farms-link-it-chainmaille-jewelry/
LOCATION:IL
CATEGORIES:The Farms
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://allerton.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/CHAINMAILLE-scaled-zIAe30.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250209T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250209T170000
DTSTAMP:20251208T161940Z
CREATED:20250829T153955Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251208T161940Z
UID:10000207-1739109600-1739120400@allerton.illinois.edu
SUMMARY:(SOLD OUT) The Farms: Beginner Sourdough Breadmaking
DESCRIPTION:Experience Level: Beginner \nLearn about the process of making sourdough bread at Beginner Sourdough Breadmaking on Sunday\, Feb. 9 and March 16 from 2 to 5 p.m. in the Mansion Kitchen and Carriage House. (Each class will cover the same material). \nInstructor Hannah Fink will cover the basic biology of a ferment and what it means to a sourdough culture\, how to mix sourdough\, how to maintain a healthy starter in your home and the importance of baking with regionally grown grains. Students will also get hands-on experience as they learn to mix sourdough. \nPrepared dough will be available to showcase baking and for students to prepare a snack toward the end of class. Students will take home their own jar of sourdough culture\, a sample of gains from Janie’s Mill\, as well as printouts of everything covered\, simple recipes and a thorough list of resources. \n$75/person. Register 10 days before each workshop. All sales are final. \nRegistration links: \n— Feb. 9 \n— March 16 \nLearn more about the space where your course will take place here. If you will need disability-related accommodations in order to participate\, please email owarren@illinois.edu. \nBy attending\, you consent to your image being used in Allerton marketing\, social media and publications. Please alert the photographer or videographer if you do not want your image taken. \nAbout the Instructor \nHannah Fink — a baker and local food enthusiast — started Tooth Butter Cottage Bakery in Urbana so she could be at home with her son and still keep her hands in dough. She revels in naturally leavened bread and quality pastries and focuses on organic whole grains\, mostly stone milled from Janie’s Mill in Ashkum. \nShe is of the firm belief that a “toothy dose of good butter” is the best start\, which led to the name of her business that bakes for special orders and pop-up collaborations with fellow creators. \nHannah started baking about 10 years ago while working in the music industry in Nashville and ended up falling in love with enough to change careers. She started as a bread delivery driver\, then worked as a kitchen manager at Pear Tree Estate in Champaign and as a pastry manager in Michigan. \nFink is a member of the Artisan Grain Collaborative and is looking forward to passing on the knowledge she has gained on breads and grains. \nAbout The Farms \nThe Farms: An Allerton Folk School\, offers classes\, workshops\, and gatherings focusing on art\, health & wellness\, history\, nature & outdoor education\, or science. All experiences value hands-on\, experiential teaching and learning\, and are facilitated by and for the members of the community. \nSee the complete Spring Session schedule here.
URL:https://allerton.illinois.edu/event/sold-out-the-farms-beginner-sourdough-breadmaking-2/
LOCATION:IL
CATEGORIES:The Farms
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://allerton.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/sourdough-breadmaking.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250213T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250213T200000
DTSTAMP:20260818T170242Z
CREATED:20250829T154236Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260818T170242Z
UID:10000225-1739466000-1739476800@allerton.illinois.edu
SUMMARY:The Farms: Needlefelt Ladybug
DESCRIPTION:Experience Level: Beginner\nLearn the art of needlefelting at Needlefelt Ladybug on Thursday\, Feb. 13 from 5 to 8 p.m. in The Studio.\nInstructor Stephanie Block will teach students how to make an adorable ladybug in honor of the beneficial insect. Participants will work through the process step-by-step and leave with a completed needlefelt ladybug.\n$65/person. Register here by Feb. 10. All sales are final.\nLearn more about the space where your course will take place here. If you will need disability-related accommodations in order to participate\, please email owarren@illinois.edu.\nBy attending\, you consent to your image being used in Allerton marketing\, social media and publications. Please alert the photographer or videographer if you do not want your image taken.\nAbout the Instructor\nStephanie Block is the co-owner of Sundrop Alpacas near Bement. She has been producing popular yarn from her own alpacas for more than eight years. Stephanie’s spinning style is self-taught\, and she is continuously learning so that she can share that knowledge with others.\nAbout The Farms\nThe Farms: An Allerton Folk School\, offers classes\, workshops\, and gatherings focusing on art\, health & wellness\, history\, nature & outdoor education\, or science. All experiences value hands-on\, experiential teaching and learning\, and are facilitated by and for the members of the community.\nSee the complete Spring Session schedule here.
URL:https://allerton.illinois.edu/event/the-farms-needlefelt-ladybug/
LOCATION:IL
CATEGORIES:The Farms
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://allerton.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/needlefelt-ladybug.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250214T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250214T210000
DTSTAMP:20260818T170242Z
CREATED:20250829T154016Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260818T170242Z
UID:10000213-1739557800-1739566800@allerton.illinois.edu
SUMMARY:(SOLD OUT) The Farms: Paint Your Partner
DESCRIPTION:Celebrate Valentine’s Day at Paint Your Partner on Friday\, Feb. 14 in the Mansion from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Inspired by the Paint Your Partner Challenge\, guests will enjoy a casual date night with pizza\, paint\, drinks and laughs.\nEach table will be supplied with paint brushes\, acrylic paints and a canvas. Seated across from their partner\, guests will paint a portrait of them. After both artists have completed their work of art there will be a moment of truth: How much does the canvas look like the person sitting across from them?\n$35/person. Register here by Feb. 11. All sales are final.\nConsider making a weekend of it and register for Valentine’s Dinner for Two here.\nComplete your visit with a discounted overnight stay in the Mansion or one of our guesthouses ($110/night + tax). View rooms here and book online or by calling 217-333-3287. \nLearn more about the space where your course will take place here. If you will need disability-related accommodations in order to participate\, please email owarren@illinois.edu.\nBy attending\, you consent to your image being used in Allerton marketing\, social media and publications. Please alert the photographer or videographer if you do not want your image taken.\nAbout The Farms\nThe Farms: An Allerton Folk School\, offers classes\, workshops\, and gatherings focusing on art\, health & wellness\, history\, nature & outdoor education\, or science. All experiences value hands-on\, experiential teaching and learning\, and are facilitated by and for the members of the community.\nSee the complete Spring Session schedule here.
URL:https://allerton.illinois.edu/event/sold-out-the-farms-paint-your-partner/
LOCATION:IL
CATEGORIES:The Farms
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://allerton.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/paint-your-partner.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250215T103000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250215T133000
DTSTAMP:20260818T170239Z
CREATED:20250829T154354Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260818T170239Z
UID:10000228-1739615400-1739626200@allerton.illinois.edu
SUMMARY:(SOLD OUT) The Farms: Beginning Weaving I (Morning)
DESCRIPTION:Experience Level: Beginner\nLearn the basics of working with a loom at Beginning Weaving I (Morning) on Saturdays\, Feb. 15 through March 15 from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Greenhouse Auditorium.\nThis 5-week class led by Sharon Bowles will encompass all aspects of beginner weaving as students create a table runner. Participants will become familiar with weaving terminology\, parts of the loom\, figuring the weaving pattern for the width of the loom and project\, measuring out the warp\, beaming the warp back to front\, threading heddles\, threading the reed\, tying on the warp\, and winding bobbins.\n$250/person*. Register here by Feb. 8. All sales are final.\n*Students should bring a 4-shaft loom if they have one. All other supplies will be provided\, including a loom if needed.\nLearn more about the space where your course will take place here. If you will need disability-related accommodations to participate\, please email Olivia Bunting at owarren@illinois.edu.\nBy attending\, you consent to your image being used in Allerton marketing\, social media and publications. Please alert the photographer or videographer if you do not want your image taken.\nAbout the instructor\nSharon Bowles began weaving in 1990 and started teaching shortly after. She was taught to weave in a one-on-one class and wove two table runners in 12 (approximately) 2-hour lessons\, and she teaches the same method when she teaches. Sharon has experience in weaving with silk\, lace weaving\, 8-shaft pattern weaving\, parallel weaving\, block weaves\, and Shaker reproduction towels.\nShe has taught many workshops and classes to weavers’ guilds in Florida\, Ohio\, and Champaign-Urbana. She earned her Journeyman certification from the Weavers Guild of Boston in 2021 and a master’s certification in April of 2022. Most recently\, Sharon taught Beginning Weaving I at The Farms\, and a 2-day workshop in four shaft patterns for the Champaign-Urbana Spinners and Weavers Guild.\nAbout The Farms\nThe Farms: An Allerton Folk School\, offers classes\, workshops\, and gatherings focusing on art\, health & wellness\, history\, nature & outdoor education\, or science. All experiences value hands-on\, experiential teaching and learning\, and are facilitated by and for the members of the community.\nSee the complete Spring Session schedule here.
URL:https://allerton.illinois.edu/event/sold-out-the-farms-beginning-weaving-i-morning-3/
LOCATION:IL
CATEGORIES:The Farms
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://allerton.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/WEAVING-NEW-ONE_8975.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250215T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250215T150000
DTSTAMP:20260818T170242Z
CREATED:20250829T154756Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260818T170242Z
UID:10000241-1739620800-1739631600@allerton.illinois.edu
SUMMARY:The Farms: Wedding Cookie Decorating
DESCRIPTION:Experience Level: Beginner\nLearn about decorating wedding-themed cookies at Wedding Cookie Decorating on Saturday\, Feb. 15 from 12 to 3 p.m. in the Mansion Carriage House.\nCookie decorator Jennifer Holhubner will walk students through decorating with royal icing\, crusting butter cream and rolled buttercream as they learn wet-on-wet techniques\, outlining\, flooding how to make flowers. Each student will receive directions for five different cookies.\n$75/person*. Register here by Feb. 9. All sales are final.\n*Students should bring a take-home container.\nLearn more about the space where your course will take place here. If you will need disability-related accommodations to participate\, please email Olivia Bunting at owarren@illinois.edu.\nBy attending\, you consent to your image being used in Allerton marketing\, social media and publications. Please alert the photographer or videographer if you do not want your image taken.\nAbout the instructor\nChampaign-Urbana native Jennifer Holhubner taught herself how to decorate cakes when she was 16 years old and took up cookie decorating in 2019.\n“Although they intimidated me\, I forged on and got better with each order. I still have room to grow as we all do in whatever task we take on\,” she said. “But I love to share the aspects of baking and decorating. I can actually now say\, I am cookier!”\nJennifer also teaches decorating classes at Parkland College.\nAbout The Farms\nThe Farms: An Allerton Folk School\, offers classes\, workshops\, and gatherings focusing on art\, health & wellness\, history\, nature & outdoor education\, or science. All experiences value hands-on\, experiential teaching and learning\, and are facilitated by and for the members of the community.\nSee the complete Spring Session schedule here.
URL:https://allerton.illinois.edu/event/the-farms-wedding-cookie-decorating/
LOCATION:IL
CATEGORIES:The Farms
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://allerton.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/WEDDING-COOKIES-THIS-ONE-1-scaled-E4KqHg.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250215T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250215T170000
DTSTAMP:20260818T170241Z
CREATED:20250829T154354Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260818T170241Z
UID:10000229-1739628000-1739638800@allerton.illinois.edu
SUMMARY:(SOLD OUT) The Farms: Beginning Weaving I (Afternoon)
DESCRIPTION:Experience Level: Beginner\nLearn the basics of working with a loom at Beginning Weaving I (Afternoon) on Saturdays\, Feb. 15 through March 15 from 2 to 5 p.m. in the Greenhouse Auditorium.\nThis 5-week class led by Sharon Bowles will encompass all aspects of beginner weaving as students create a table runner. Participants will become familiar with weaving terminology\, parts of the loom\, figuring the weaving pattern for the width of the loom and project\, measuring out the warp\, beaming the warp back to front\, threading heddles\, threading the reed\, tying on the warp\, and winding bobbins.\n$250/person*. Register here by Feb. 8. All sales are final.\n*Students should bring a 4-shaft loom if they have one. All other supplies will be provided\, including a loom if needed.\nLearn more about the space where your course will take place here. If you will need disability-related accommodations to participate\, please email Olivia Bunting at owarren@illinois.edu.\nAbout the instructor\nSharon Bowles began weaving in 1990 and started teaching shortly after. She was taught to weave in a one-on-one class and wove two table runners in 12 (approximately) 2-hour lessons\, and she teaches the same method when she teaches. Sharon has experience in weaving with silk\, lace weaving\, 8-shaft pattern weaving\, parallel weaving\, block weaves\, and Shaker reproduction towels.\nShe has taught many workshops and classes to weavers’ guilds in Florida\, Ohio\, and Champaign-Urbana. She earned her Journeyman certification from the Weavers Guild of Boston in 2021 and a master’s certification in April of 2022. Most recently\, Sharon taught Beginning Weaving I at The Farms\, and a 2-day workshop in four shaft patterns for the Champaign-Urbana Spinners and Weavers Guild.\nAbout The Farms\nThe Farms: An Allerton Folk School\, offers classes\, workshops\, and gatherings focusing on art\, health & wellness\, history\, nature & outdoor education\, or science. All experiences value hands-on\, experiential teaching and learning\, and are facilitated by and for the members of the community.\nSee the complete Spring Session schedule here.
URL:https://allerton.illinois.edu/event/sold-out-the-farms-beginning-weaving-i-afternoon-3/
LOCATION:IL
CATEGORIES:The Farms
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://allerton.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/WEAVING-NEW-ONE_8975.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250216T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250216T150000
DTSTAMP:20260820T193325Z
CREATED:20251208T161934Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260820T193325Z
UID:10000892-1739714400-1739718000@allerton.illinois.edu
SUMMARY:The Farms: Public Mansion Tours
DESCRIPTION:Have you ever wandered around Allerton and wondered what the inside of the historic Mansion looks like? Would you like to hear more about the unique history of Robert Allerton and the creation of his estate? Learn all of this and more during our Public Mansion Tours\, which are conducted throughout the year*.\nTours last about 60 minutes and will primarily cover the first floor of the home with an optional trip to the second and third floors when available.\n$10/person (5 and under free and do not require a ticket). Register here. All sales are final.\n*2025 tour dates:\n— Sunday\, Jan. 19\, 2-3 p.m.\n— Sunday\, Feb. 16\, 2-3 p.m.\n— Sunday\, March 16\, 2-3 p.m.\n— Sunday\, April 20\, 2-3 p.m.\n— Sunday\, May 18\, 2-3 p.m.\n— Sunday\, June 15\, 2-3 p.m.\n— Sunday\, July 13\, 2-3 p.m.\n— Sunday\, Aug. 17\, 2-3 p.m.\n— Sunday\, Sept. 14\, 2-3 p.m.\n— Saturday\, Oct. 4\, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.\n— Sunday\, Oct. 26\, 2-3 p.m.\n— Friday\, Oct. 31\, 4-5 p.m.\n— Sunday\, Nov. 16\, 2-3 p.m. \nIf you will need disability-related accommodations to participate\, please email Sarah at sputman2@illinois.edu.\nBy attending\, you consent to your image being used in Allerton marketing\, social media and publications. Please alert the photographer or videographer if you do not want your image taken. \nAbout The Farms\nThe Farms: An Allerton Folk School\, offers classes\, workshops\, and gatherings focusing on art\, outdoor education\, science\, storytelling\, and wellness. All experiences value hands-on\, experiential teaching and learning\, and are facilitated by and for the members of the community\nSee the complete Fall schedule here.
URL:https://allerton.illinois.edu/event/the-farms-public-mansion-tours-feb/
LOCATION:IL
CATEGORIES:The Farms,Tours/Hikes
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://allerton.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/bowling-lawn-view_2322-e1773168599490-mY2maN.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250219T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250219T200000
DTSTAMP:20260818T170237Z
CREATED:20250829T153707Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260818T170237Z
UID:10000200-1739988000-1739995200@allerton.illinois.edu
SUMMARY:The Farms: Wines of the World
DESCRIPTION:Experience Level: Beginner\nTake part in a delicious series at Wines of the World on Wednesdays\, Feb. 19\, March 12\, March 26 and April 9 from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Mansion Solarium.\nRenowned wine educator and television personality Mike Lee will lead this delightful and delectable wine class\, where he takes students on an enchanting journey through the vineyards both domestically and across the globe. With a wealth of knowledge and passion for introducing students to tasting\, talking\, and understanding wine\, Mike’s engaging style immerses students in wines of the world.\nMike’s class is for beginners and wine lovers alike\, from the refined elegance of Bordeaux to the inspiring hills of Tuscany\, the bold flavors of Rioja and the full\, rich vintages of California. Each class will include tastings of 5 to 6 wines (see below for details on varieties).\n$200/person for the entire series* or $60/class (Ages 21+). Register by Feb. 12 or one week before each class. All sales are final.\nRegistration links:\n— Feb. 19: Navigating Blends/The Art of Winemaking — discover the world of blended wines and why winemakers choose to blend\n— March 12: Sense of Place — a class contrasting wines from regions across the globe\n— March 26: Oregon and Washington — exploring American winemakers outside of California\n— April 9: Choosing Wines for Any Occasion — Match wines to seasons and occasions\n*Sign up for all four classes individually and use the promo code “WINE40” to get $40 off at checkout.\nLearn more about the space where your course will take place here. If you will need disability-related accommodations in order to participate\, please email owarren@illinois.edu.\nBy attending\, you consent to your image being used in Allerton marketing\, social media and publications. Please alert the photographer or videographer if you do not want your image taken.\nAbout the Instructor\nMike Lee is an accomplished wine\, spirits\, and beer educator with 9+ years in the alcohol industry. Having achieved the Wine and Spirit Education Trust (London) Certified Educator achievement in Wine\, Lee is certified to teach levels 1 and 2 internationally. With experience with class sizes large and small\, he is known for his ability to adapt to any learning environment with excellent facilitation skills.\nAbout The Farms\nThe Farms: An Allerton Folk School\, offers classes\, workshops\, and gatherings focusing on art\, health & wellness\, history\, nature & outdoor education\, or science. All experiences value hands-on\, experiential teaching and learning\, and are facilitated by and for the members of the community.\nSee the complete Spring Session schedule here.
URL:https://allerton.illinois.edu/event/the-farms-wines-of-the-world/
LOCATION:IL
CATEGORIES:The Farms
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://allerton.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Wines-of-the-World.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250221T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250221T120000
DTSTAMP:20260818T170235Z
CREATED:20250829T154015Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260818T170235Z
UID:10000212-1740128400-1740139200@allerton.illinois.edu
SUMMARY:The Farms: Intro to Birding and eBird
DESCRIPTION:Experience Level: Beginner (all ages)\nLearn more about birdwatching at an Intro to Birding and eBird on Fridays\, Feb. 21 and 28 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. in The Studio and outdoors.\nAllerton Natural Areas Manager Nate Beccue will help students learn about bird identification during the cooler months\, when fewer species are on the landscape. Participants will learn how to identify year-round residents as well as winter visitors by focusing on distinctive features like plumage patterns\, feeding behavior and vocalizations.\nWinter species at the Park typically include woodpeckers\, nuthatches\, owls and finches\, each adapted to survive the harsher conditions.\nA key aspect of the course will be learning to use eBird\, a tool for birders developed by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology\, which allows users to log their sightings\, track seasonal patterns\, access local checklists and help anticipate which species are likely be seen. The app also includes real-time data to help birders identify hot spots within the Park\, making it easier to locate wintering birds. It also helps in global conservation efforts by compiling valuable data about bird populations and trends.\nEach class will be split between learning in the classroom and birding in the field. A limited number of binoculars will be available on a first-come basis. At times the hikes will leave the trails\, so please dress accordingly.\n$20/person (all ages). Register here by Feb. 17. All sales are final.\nIf you will need disability-related accommodations in order to participate\, please email Nate Beccue at nbeccue@illinois.edu.\nBy attending\, you consent to your image being used in Allerton marketing\, social media and publications. Please alert the photographer or videographer if you do not want your image taken.\nAbout The Farms\nThe Farms: An Allerton Folk School\, offers classes\, workshops\, and gatherings focusing on art\, health & wellness\, history\, nature & outdoor education\, or science. All experiences value hands-on\, experiential teaching and learning\, and are facilitated by and for the members of the community.\nSee the complete Spring Session schedule here.
URL:https://allerton.illinois.edu/event/the-farms-intro-to-birding-and-ebird/
LOCATION:IL
CATEGORIES:The Farms
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://allerton.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Birding-and-ebirdBANNER.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250221T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250221T160000
DTSTAMP:20260818T170236Z
CREATED:20250829T154355Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260818T170236Z
UID:10000231-1740132000-1740153600@allerton.illinois.edu
SUMMARY:(SOLD OUT) The Farms: Weaving a Mantel Basket
DESCRIPTION:Experience Level: Beginner\nEnjoy a day of weaving at Weaving a Mantel Basket on Friday\, Feb. 21 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Greenhouse Auditorium.\nIn this workshop\, instructor Bonnie Rideout will start students off with a ‘D’ handle and a woven\, filled base and teach the techniques of twining\, start/stop weaving\, decreased weaving and the use of an overlay.\nAll students will go home with a useful Mantel-style basket with an accent color of black.\n$90/person. Register here by Feb. 6. All sales are final.\nLearn more about the space where your course will take place here. If you will need disability-related accommodations in order to participate\, please email owarren@illinois.edu.\nBy attending\, you consent to your image being used in Allerton marketing\, social media and publications. Please alert the photographer or videographer if you do not want your image taken.\nAbout the instructor\nBonnie Rideout wove her first basket in 1994 and quickly caught the “basket bug.” She created a business — Bonnie’s Baskets in Decatur — in 2006 to teach others to weave. She is also a traveling instructor and has taught weaving in 18 states.\nFind out more about Bonnie on her website\, Facebook\, Instagram and Etsy pages.\nAbout The Farms\nThe Farms: An Allerton Folk School\, offers classes\, workshops\, and gatherings focusing on art\, health & wellness\, history\, nature & outdoor education\, or science. All experiences value hands-on\, experiential teaching and learning\, and are facilitated by and for the members of the community.\nSee the complete Spring Session schedule here.
URL:https://allerton.illinois.edu/event/sold-out-the-farms-weaving-a-mantel-basket/
LOCATION:IL
CATEGORIES:The Farms
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://allerton.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Bonnie-Rideout-Mantel-Basket-Photo.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250222T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250222T120000
DTSTAMP:20251208T162008Z
CREATED:20250829T154554Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251208T162008Z
UID:10000233-1740218400-1740225600@allerton.illinois.edu
SUMMARY:The Farms: Beginning Mountain Dulcimer
DESCRIPTION:Experience Level: Beginner \nLooking for an easy-to-learn and fun instrument to keep your mind active? Then enroll in Beginning Mountain Dulcimer on Saturdays\, Feb. 22 through March 22 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in The Studio. \nPlaying the dulcimer requires only a love of music and a desire to create beautiful sound. It is a simple instrument that requires little musical knowledge. In this course\, instructor Lou Ann Koebel will lead students through basic chords and strum patterns that will give them the ability to play rounds\, fiddle tunes and much more! \nDulcimers are available for rent by emailing Lou Ann Koebel at koebel@illinois.edu. \n$225/person (Ages 12+; 12- to 15-year-olds must be accompanied by a registered adult.) Register here by Feb. 19. All sales are final. \nLearn more about the space where your course will take place here. If you will need disability-related accommodations to participate\, please email Olivia Bunting at owarren@illinois.edu. \nBy attending\, you consent to your image being used in Allerton marketing\, social media and publications. Please alert the photographer or videographer if you do not want your image taken. \nAbout the instructor \nLou Ann Koebel currently leads a weekly dulcimer jam for the East Central Dulcimer Illinois Dulcimer Club at Lincoln Square. She also plays in a local band that visits and performs at local assisted living facilities. \nKoebel has taught beginning dulcimer classes for The Farms\, where she has had a wonderful time teaching the group and realized her love of teaching and passing on the tradition of playing a mountain dulcimer. Lou Ann also plays at area music festivals. \nAbout The Farms \nThe Farms: An Allerton Folk School\, offers classes\, workshops\, and gatherings focusing on art\, health & wellness\, history\, nature & outdoor education\, or science. All experiences value hands-on\, experiential teaching and learning\, and are facilitated by and for the members of the community. \nSee the complete Spring Session schedule here.
URL:https://allerton.illinois.edu/event/the-farms-beginning-mountain-dulcimer-2/
LOCATION:IL
CATEGORIES:The Farms
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://allerton.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/dulcimer-beginner.jpeg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250224T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250224T193000
DTSTAMP:20260818T170226Z
CREATED:20250829T153542Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260818T170226Z
UID:10000196-1740418200-1740425400@allerton.illinois.edu
SUMMARY:The Farms: Learn to Bake Scones
DESCRIPTION:Experience Level: Beginner\nLevel up your coffee and teatime and Learn to Bake Scones on Monday\, Feb. 24 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Mansion Carriage House.\nScones are the perfect companion for warm beverages\, and in this workshop Chef Leah Bodine will lead students through the process of mixing batter for two different flavors of scones. Students will take home recipes\, instructions and dough to bake their scones at home.\n$45/person. Register here by Feb. 17. All sales are final.\nLearn more about the space where your course will take place here. If you will need disability-related accommodations to participate\, please email Olivia Bunting at owarren@illinois.edu.\nBy attending\, you consent to your image being used in Allerton marketing\, social media and publications. Please alert the photographer or videographer if you do not want your image taken.\nAbout the instructor\nLeah Bodine calls herself the ‘accidental chef’ with years of experience in the food industry. She started her catering company\, Blue Dragonfly Catering\, to express her creative mind in food preparation and cultivating recipes. She loves sharing her skills with others and seeing the fascination on students’ faces when they realize how creative they can be and how easy it is to do so.\nHer experiences in the food industry have led her to live in Paris and cater for rock and country legends.\nAbout The Farms\nThe Farms: An Allerton Folk School\, offers classes\, workshops\, and gatherings focusing on art\, health & wellness\, history\, nature & outdoor education\, or science. All experiences value hands-on\, experiential teaching and learning\, and are facilitated by and for the members of the community.\nSee the complete Spring Session schedule here.
URL:https://allerton.illinois.edu/event/the-farms-learn-to-bake-scones/
LOCATION:IL
CATEGORIES:The Farms
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://allerton.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/scones2.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250227T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250227T120000
DTSTAMP:20260818T170224Z
CREATED:20250829T154554Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260818T170224Z
UID:10000234-1740650400-1740657600@allerton.illinois.edu
SUMMARY:The Farms: Beginning Pen & Ink
DESCRIPTION:Experience Level: Beginner\nLearn to draw\, shade and create texture at Beginning Pen & Ink on Thursdays\, Feb. 27 through March 20 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in The Studio.\nInstructor Emily Tackitt will teach the basics of hatching\, dots and varied line to help students learn how to create texture and visual interest.\n$65/person*. Register here by Feb. 24. All sales are final.\n*Students should bring:\n— Spiral bound sketchbook or mixed media pad (9”x12”)\n— Pencil\n— Kneaded eraser\n— See through plastic ruler\n— 1 to 3 black roller ball\, gel or felt tip Sharpie-type pens with varying tip sizes.\nLearn more about the space where your course will take place here. If you will need disability-related accommodations in order to participate\, please email owarren@illinois.edu.\nBy attending\, you consent to your image being used in Allerton marketing\, social media and publications. Please alert the photographer or videographer if you do not want your image taken.\nAbout the instructor\nEmily Tackitt is a mixed-media artist based in Monticello whose passion for creating art began as a young girl. She has taught watercolor classes and also teaches drawing techniques through her YouTube Channel\, where she walks viewers through watercolors\, acrylics and markers to create fun and beautiful artwork.\n“I love using my emotions to create my artwork\, and find it very therapeutic\,” Tackitt said. “In my free time\, I like to exercise\, binge-watch art tutorials and play with my grandchildren.”\nYou can find out more about Tackitt on YouTube\, Bluesky or by emailing her at emilysartjourney@yahoo.com.\nAbout The Farms\nThe Farms: An Allerton Folk School\, offers classes\, workshops\, and gatherings focusing on art\, health & wellness\, history\, nature & outdoor education\, or science. All experiences value hands-on\, experiential teaching and learning\, and are facilitated by and for the members of the community.\nSee the complete Spring Session schedule here.
URL:https://allerton.illinois.edu/event/the-farms-beginning-pen-ink/
LOCATION:IL
CATEGORIES:The Farms
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://allerton.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/PEN-AND-INK-1-scaled-6W9Z4Y.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250227T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250227T153000
DTSTAMP:20260818T170225Z
CREATED:20250829T154753Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260818T170225Z
UID:10000237-1740661200-1740670200@allerton.illinois.edu
SUMMARY:The Farms: Beginning Drawing from Nature
DESCRIPTION:Experience Level: Beginner\nBring nature to life in your artwork at Beginning Drawing from Nature on Thursdays\, Feb. 27 through March 20 from 1 to 3:30 p.m. in The Studio.\nThis course\, led by Monticello-based artist Emily Tackitt\, is aimed at the beginner who has no drawing experience. Students will learn how to bring items from nature to life with shading and blending.\n$70/person*. Register here by Feb. 24.  All sales are final.\n*Students should bring:\n— Spiralbound mixed media sketchbook in preferred size (9×12 is standard)\n— No. 2 pencil\n— Clear plastic ruler\n— Kneaded eraser\n— Pencil blending tool\nLearn more about the space where your course will take place here. If you will need disability-related accommodations in order to participate\, please email owarren@illinois.edu.\nBy attending\, you consent to your image being used in Allerton marketing\, social media and publications. Please alert the photographer or videographer if you do not want your image taken.\nAbout the instructor\nEmily Tackitt is a mixed-media artist based in Monticello whose passion for creating art began as a young girl. She has taught watercolor classes and also teaches drawing techniques through her YouTube Channel\, where she walks viewers through watercolors\, acrylics and markers to create fun and beautiful artwork.\n“I love using my emotions to create my artwork\, and find it very therapeutic\,” Tackitt said. “In my free time\, I like to exercise\, binge-watch art tutorials and play with my grandchildren.”\nYou can find out more about Tackitt on YouTube\, Bluesky or by emailing her at emilysartjourney@yahoo.com.\nAbout The Farms\nThe Farms: An Allerton Folk School\, offers classes\, workshops\, and gatherings focusing on art\, health & wellness\, history\, nature & outdoor education\, or science. All experiences value hands-on\, experiential teaching and learning\, and are facilitated by and for the members of the community.\nSee the complete Spring Session schedule here.
URL:https://allerton.illinois.edu/event/the-farms-beginning-drawing-from-nature/
LOCATION:IL
CATEGORIES:The Farms
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://allerton.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/drawing-from-nature.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250228T123000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250228T140000
DTSTAMP:20260818T170223Z
CREATED:20250829T153537Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260818T170223Z
UID:10000192-1740745800-1740751200@allerton.illinois.edu
SUMMARY:The Farms: Writing Habits: In Three Parts
DESCRIPTION:Experience Level: Writers of all skill levels\nWhether you are a writer in the middle of a project or an author who is looking to start a new effort\, enroll in Writing Habits: In Three Parts\, a three-part online course on Fridays\, Feb. 28\, March 7 & 14 from 12:30 to 2 p.m.\nIn this course\, University of Illinois Writers Workshop Assistant Director Azlan Smith will help writers answer three questions: 1) What memories\, intentions\, experiences and connections do you take with you into writing? 2) What feels close to you inside the habit of writing? 3) What do you try to actively forget or let go of through your writing?\n$75/person for the entire series or $30/class. Register for the series here by Feb. 24 or one day prior to each class below. All sales are final.\n— Feb. 28: Using Memories & Experiences in Writing\n— March 7: What Feels Close to You?\n— March 14: Letting Go\nA Zoom link will be sent to students prior to the class.\nIf you will need disability-related accommodations in order to participate\, please email owarren@illinois.edu.\nBy attending\, you consent to your image being used in Allerton marketing\, social media and publications. Please alert the photographer or videographer if you do not want your image taken.\nAbout the instructor\nAzlan Smith holds an MFA in Creative Writing (Fiction) and is working on a Ph.D. in Writing Studies at the University of Illinois. Their research interests include: 1) collaboration\, storytelling and fiction as research; 2) art research; 3) public art facilitation; 4) the role of storytelling in knowledge creation; 5) multimodal writing; and 6) scholarly communities across departmental boundaries.\nAbout The Farms\nThe Farms: An Allerton Folk School\, offers classes\, workshops\, and gatherings focusing on art\, health & wellness\, history\, nature & outdoor education\, or science. All experiences value hands-on\, experiential teaching and learning\, and are facilitated by and for the members of the community.\nSee the complete Spring Session schedule here.
URL:https://allerton.illinois.edu/event/the-farms-writing-habits-in-three-parts/
LOCATION:IL
CATEGORIES:The Farms
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://allerton.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Writing-SBaBHp.jpg
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END:VCALENDAR