Experience Level: Beginner (Ages 16+)  Learn about various stitching methods at Intro to Hand Sewing on Sunday, May 17 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. in The Studio.   Instructor Jennie Ingram will help students learn the basics of practical hand sewing including the basting stitch, running stitch, back stitch, whip stitch, hem stitch, slip/ladder stitch, and how […]

Experience Level: Beginner (Ages 16+)  Learn about various stitching methods at Intro to Hand Sewing on Sunday, May 17 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. in The Studio.   Instructor Jennie Ingram will help students learn the basics of practical hand sewing including the basting stitch, running stitch, back stitch, whip stitch, hem stitch, slip/ladder stitch, and how […]

Experience Level: Beginner Create a functional and unique basket for your coffee table and, of course, bagels, at Basket Weaving: Bagel Basket on Friday, May 22 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. in The Studio.  Instructor Bonnie Rideout will lead students as they start by creating a woven, filled base for the basket. Students will then learn about […]

Experience Level: All Levels  Get outside and express your creativity at Plein Air Painting on Friday through Sunday, May 22 to 24 from 12-4 p.m. Outside and in the Evergreen Lodge (May 22) and The Studio (May 23-24).  Students will start with a brief discussion each day at the designated meeting location then head outdoors […]

Experience Level: Intermediate (have taken Beginning Weaving I & II or similar experience)  Expand your weaving skills to learn a new weaving technique at Weaving Twill on Saturdays, May 23 & 30 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. in the Greenhouse Auditorium.  This two-day class led by Sharon Bowles will lead students in a discussion of various 4 […]

Experience Level: Beginner Learn about unique behaviors of one of the masters of the night at Great Horned Owls: Mating, Nesting, & Owlets on Sunday, May 24 from 12-1:30 p.m. in the Mansion Library.  Instructor Mark Glenshaw will share what he has been able to observe and document of mating, nest selection, feeding of the […]

Experience Level: Beginner  Learn how to improve your health by letting go of highly processed foods at Basics of Plant-Based Eating on Wednesday, May 27 from 5-7 p.m. in The Studio.  Instructor Karla Freeze will share the story of how she regained her health by adding more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds to her diet. […]

Experience Level: Beginner  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, May 30 from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. in The Studio.  Students will begin with one of two options on a pre-primed board with their choice of design already drafted […]

Experience Level: Beginner (Ages 16+)  Learn various ways to look at the surrounding landscape and translate it to paper at Drawing from Nature on Saturday, May 30* from 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the Illinois Arboretum (1800 S. Lincoln Ave., Urbana)*. (Rain date will be Sunday, May 31st.) Award-winning artist Mandy Roeing will help students in guided sketchbook work […]

Experience Level: Beginner  Meet us under a full moon to strengthen your body, mind and spirit at Full Moon Yoga in the Meadow: — Saturday, May 30, 7:30-8:30 p.m. — Monday, June 29, 8-9 p.m.  — Wednesday, July 29, 7:30-8:30 p.m. — Friday, Aug. 28, 7-8 p.m.  — Saturday, Sept. 26, 6:30-7:30 p.m.  Instructor Josie Heck with Yoga Off the Square will lead the […]

Experience Level: Beginner (Ages 13+)  Learn about crocheting at Granny Squares 101: Crochet for Beginners on Sunday, May 31 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. in The Studio.  Led by fiber artist Billie Theide, students will learn the basics of crochet, how to chain, create basic stitches, change colors, read work, fix mistakes and bind off.  Each student will leave […]

Experience Level: Beginner (Ages 13+)  Learn about crocheting at Granny Squares 101: Crochet for Beginners on Sunday, May 31 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. in The Studio.  Led by fiber artist Billie Theide, students will learn the basics of crochet, how to chain, create basic stitches, change colors, read work, fix mistakes and bind off.  Each student will leave […]

Experience Level: All Levels Enjoy the peaceful, serene atmosphere of Allerton as it provides the perfect setting for Summer Yoga every Tuesday in June, July and August from 9-10 a.m. in the Fu Dog Garden: June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 July 7, 14, 21, 28 Aug. 4, 11, 18, 25  Instructor Josie Heck with […]

Experience Level: Beginner Take wood boards and transform them into a decoration for your garden at a Wooden Planter Workshop on Saturday, June 6 from 1 to 4:30 p.m. in the Shop (located behind the Studio). Instructor Lou Ann Koebel will help students build a small (20” x 9”) wooden planter from just a few […]

Experience Level: Should be comfortable using a sewing machine (Ages 16+) Learn how to quilt in one class at Quilt-As-You-Go Potholders on Saturday, June 6 from 1-5 p.m. in The Studio.   Instructor Jennie Ingram will introduce students to commonly used quilting terms, helpful tools like rotary cutters and mats, and heat proof materials used in sewing […]

Experience Level: Beginner Slow down and discover the meditative art of embroidery at Slow Stitch Garden Studies on Thursday, June 11 from 6-8 p.m. in the Studio. Current Hood Artist in Residence Hillary Waters Fayle will share a selection of basic embroidery stitches and techniques while exploring stitching as a mindful, creative practice. Using simple […]

Experience Level: Beginner Slow down and discover the meditative art of embroidery at Capturing Sunlight & Shadows: An Introduction to Cyanotype Printing on Saturday, June 13 from 2-4 p.m. in the Studio. Current Hood Artist in Residence Hillary Waters Fayle will share the magic of cyanotype, one of the earliest photographic processes and the precursor […]

Experience Level: Beginner (All Ages 13+)  Learn basic drawing and watercolor techniques at Watercolor Birds on Sunday, June 14 from 1-4 p.m. in the Mansion Carriage House. Instructor Shannon Percoco will lead students in a simple drawing technique to create a graphic transfer of a bird. Students will then learn some basic watercolor techniques to give their drawings […]

xperience Level: Beginner  Explore the botany, natural history and flavors of several local wild edible plants at Edible Midwest Natives on Tuesday, June 16 from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. in the Evergreen Lodge.  Heidi Leuszler, owner and head chef of Berries and Flour, will focus on native plants that are harvestable at the time of class. Those could […]

Experience Level: Beginner  Explore the botany, natural history and flavors of several local wild edible plants at Edible Midwest Natives on Tuesday, June 16 from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. in the Evergreen Lodge.  Heidi Leuszler, owner and head chef of Berries and Flour, will focus on native plants that are harvestable at the time of class. Those could […]

Experience Level: Beginner (All Ages 13+)  Learn how a few common garden plants can be used to make simple and effective first aid preparations at Herbal First Aid: Oils & Salves on Tuesday, June 16 from 5-8 p.m. in the Evergreen Lodge.  Experienced herbalist Liz Faermark of Talk Wild Herbs will share information about three […]

Experience Level: Beginner (All Ages 13+)  Learn how a few common garden plants can be used to make simple and effective first aid preparations at Herbal First Aid: Liniments, Washes & Poultices on Wednesday, June 17 from 5-8 p.m. in the Evergreen Lodge.  Experienced Herbalist Liz Faermark of Talk Wild Herbs will teach students the […]

Experience Level: Intermediate (students should have taken Basics of Plant-Based Eating)  Expand your knowledge of eating plant-based at Practice of Plant-Based Eating on Thursday, June 25 from 5-7 p.m. in The Studio.  Instructor Karla Freeze will dive deeper into the practice of plant-based eating, helping students live a healthier lifestyle. Learn some tips and tricks on how […]

Experience Level: All Levels (Ages 15+)  Create a bright, expressive bird illustration full of personally at Quirky Bird Watercolor Workshop on Saturday, June 27 from 1-4 p.m. in The Studio.  Instructor Emily Tackitt will guide students through this workshop focusing on expressive color and loose, playful textures. Students will explore layering vibrant watercolor washes, adding energetic line […]

Experience Level: Beginner  Learn printmaking processes at Lino Cuts & Prints on Sunday, June 28 from 12-5 p.m. in the Mansion Library.  For a very long time, print-makers have transferred images from specially prepared plates to plants, fabric, wood and metal. In this workshop, instructor Billie Theide will help students learn to design, carve, prepare […]

Experience Level: Beginner Experience Allerton after dark at a Full Moon Hike on Monday, June 29 or Wednesday, July 29 from 8-10 p.m. Allerton Natural Areas Managers will lead this memorable walk through the woods to listen for owls, coyotes, and other nocturnal wildlife under the light of a full moon. The June 29 hike will […]

Experience Level: Should be comfortable using a sewing machine Learn a new quilting technique at Quilting 101: Foundation Paper Piecing on Tuesday, July 7 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. in the The Studio.  Students will create complex and colorful geometric patterns and motifs with accuracy using paper. If this isn’t enough fun, instructor Billie Theide will be bringing her […]

Experience Level: All skill levels  Make your vacation photos into works of art at Watercolor Travel Journal on Friday through Sunday, July 10-12 from 12-4 p.m. in  The Studio.  Instructor Deb Marett will teach the basics of watercolor painting, drawing skills and putting a layout together to create pages in journals that capture memories and turn them into a […]

Experience Level: All skill levels  Make your vacation photos into works of art at Watercolor Travel Journal on Friday through Sunday, July 10-12 from 12-4 p.m. in  The Studio.  Instructor Deb Marett will teach the basics of watercolor painting, drawing skills and putting a layout together to create pages in journals that capture memories and turn them into a […]

Experience Level: Beginner (Ages 12+)  Learn about soft pastels and ways to use them through basic mark-making techniques at Introduction to Pastel Painting on Sunday, July 12 from 1-4 p.m. in the Mansion Library.  Award-winning artist Mandy Roeing will help students learn about pastels and paint to create a simple still life to take home. More than just […]

Experience Level: All Levels  Learn the basics of weaving and take home a basket at Basket Weaving: Long Way Home on Friday, July 17 from 10 a.m-4 p.m. in The Studio.  Instructor Bonnie Rideout will lead students in laying out a woven, filled base and instruct students in twining, triple twining, and experimenting with creativity. Accent […]

Experience Level: Beginner  Enjoy all things lavender and make relaxing lavender products at Lovely Lavender on Wednesday, July 22 from 6-8 p.m. in the Evergreen Lodge.  Instructor Julie Lauper will lead students in a calming lavender workshop. Start with snacking on some lavender bread and lavender ice cream while drinking lavender lemonade, coffee or chai. Then, […]

Experience Level: Beginner  Try learning a new fiber art at Punch Needle Coasters on Sunday, July 26 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. in the The Studio.  Students in this class will learn to design motifs, scale and transfer designs, and set up a tension hoop. Then, students will learn the basics of punch needle to form perfectly […]

Experience Level: Beginner  Create tasty cordials to add to your favorite beverage at Black Walnut & Elderflower Cordials on Thursday, July 30 from 5:30-8 p.m. in Evergreen Lodge.  Heidi Leuszler, owner and head chef of Berries and Flour, will introduce students to two plants — Elder (Sambucus canadensis) and Black Walnut (Juglas nigra). The class will discuss […]

Experience Level: Beginner  Spend your morning among the flowers at a Floriography Bouquet Workshop on Saturday, Aug. 1 from 10-11:30 a.m. in The Studio. Florist Ava Porter will teach students the basics of floral design using the Victorian language of flowers to create living masterpieces of fresh flowers with special meanings. Students will go home […]

Experience Level: Beginner Get a first-hand look at how honey bees manage hive activity at Beehive Observation on Sundays, April 12 & 26, May 10 & 24, June 7 & 21, July 5 & 19, Aug. 2, 16 & 30 and Sept. 13 & 27 from 1 to 3 p.m. in The Studio and outside at […]

Experience Level: Beginner Need a good place to relax and concentrate on your latest read? Then swing out for our Silent Book Club on selected Mondays* from 5 to 7 p.m. The evening will begin with a brief group discussion of what we are currently reading and to swap recommendations. Then participants will break up […]

Experience level: All levels Cultivate connection with your body, mind, and nature at Arboretum Sunset Yoga on Mondays, March 30, April 13, May 11, July 6 or August 3 from 7-8 p.m. in the Oak Grove at the Illinois Arboretum (1800 S. Lincoln Ave., Urbana)*. Kristina Reese will lead an all-levels class integrating yoga poses, […]

Experience Level: All Levels Enjoy the peaceful, serene atmosphere of Allerton as it provides the perfect setting for Summer Yoga every Tuesday in June, July and August from 9-10 a.m. in the Fu Dog Garden: June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 July 7, 14, 21, 28 Aug. 4, 11, 18, 25  Instructor Josie Heck with […]

Experience Level: Beginner  Connect with the New Moon and the star signs to strengthen your body, mind and spirit at New Moon Yoga:  — Saturday, May 16, 7:30-8:30 p.m. at the Music Barn — Monday, June 15, 8-9 p.m. in the Meadow — Tuesday, July 14, 7:30-8:30 p.m. in the Bowling Lawn — Wednesday, Aug. […]

Experience Level: Beginner Learn about the art of stained glass at Intro to Stained Glass: Leaping Fish on Friday, August 14 from 5:30-9 p.m. in the Evergreen Lodge. Instructor Kari Keller will teach students how to cut, shape and assemble a stained-glass mouse to take home. Grinding, fitting and soldering will be covered. $100/person*. Register here. […]

Experience Level: Beginner  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, August 15 from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. in The Studio.  Students will begin with one of two options on a pre-primed board with their choice of design already drafted […]

Experience Level: Beginner  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, August 15 from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. in The Studio.  Students will begin with one of two options on a pre-primed board with their choice of design already drafted […]

Experience Level: All Levels, All Ages  Learn more about how owls hunt for their prey at Great Horned Owls: Hunting & Feeding on Sunday, August 16 from 12-1:30 p.m. in the Mansion Library.  Owl enthusiast Mark Glenshaw is back at Allerton to teach students more about these majestic creatures. His engaging lecture will focus on the hunting […]

Experience Level: All Levels  Learn the basics of weaving and take home a new basket at Basket Weaving: April Flowers on Friday, Aug. 21 from 12-4 p.m. in The Studio.  […]

Experience Level: All Levels (Ages 16+) Join an edible mushroom expert for a scenic and educational trek at Foraging for Wild Mushrooms on select Sundays from 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m. meeting at […]

Experience Level: Beginner Step up your baking game and skip the butter at Baking with Olive Oil on Sunday, Aug. 23 from 1-3 p.m. in the Mansion Carriage House. Chef […]