Experience Level: Beginner Learn the art of needlefelting at Needlefelt Bumblebee on Tuesday, April 15 from 5 to 8 p.m. in The Studio. Instructor Stephanie Block will teach students how to make an a needlefelt bumblebee to honor the efforts of this very important pollinator. Participants will work through the step-by-step process and leave with […]

Experience Level: Beginner Learn a unique art form at Intro to Mosaic Art on Wednesday, April 16 from 5 to 7:30 p.m. in The Mansion Library Kari Keller will teach students the basics of mosaic art, from selecting tesserae to assembly and grouting. All will take home a unique, hand-decorated flower pot at the end of […]

Experience Level: Beginner (all ages) Use plant-based materials in an environmentally-friendly process at Indigo Dyeing with the Environment in Mind on Wednesday, April 16 from 5 to 8 p.m. in the Mansion Carriage House. In this workshop, instructor Jenny Knavel will familiarize you with a creative, multicultural practice that utilizes prominently plant-based materials. Students will […]

Experience Level: Knitting experience required; must be proficient knitting garter stitch Put your knitting experience to use at Knitting 201: Mittens on Thursdays, April 17 and 24 from 1 to 4 p.m. in The Studio. In this two-week course, instructor Billie Theide will help students further their knitting skills by expanding on the Knitting 101 […]

Experience Level: Beginner Whether you want to learn to knit or just need a refresher, enroll in Knitting 101: Knitting for Beginners on Thursdays, April 17 and 24 from 2 to 5 p.m. in The Studio. Led by fiber artist Billie Theide, participants will learn the basics of knitting, including needle and yarn selection. Students will […]

Experience Level: Beginner No 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, April 19 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the Studio. Students will begin the workshop with one of two options on […]

Experience Level: Beginner (all ages) Get a first-hand look at how honey bees manage hive activity at Beehive Observation on April 19* and 27, May 11 and 25, June 8 and 22, July 6 and 20 and Aug. 3, 17 and 31 from 1 to 3 p.m. in The Studio and outside at the beehives. […]

Experience Level: Beginner No 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 Saturdays, May 3, May 17 or Aug. 2 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Greenhouse Auditorium. (Each class covers the […]

Experience Level: Some weaving experience needed Continue your journey into the world of weaving at Beginning Weaving II on Saturday and Sunday, May 10-11 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Greenhouse Auditorium. This 2-day class with instructor Sharon Bowles will be a continuation of Beginning Weaving I, but instead of everyone doing the same article […]

Experience Level: Beginner Experience camera-less photography and the joy of recording the beauty of nature at Springtime Cyanotype & the Magic of Light on Saturday, May 17 from 2 to 4 p.m. in the Greenhouse Auditorium. Instructor Crystal Hartman will guide students through a fun, straightforward process of creating beautiful prints with the magic of light. […]

Experience Level: Beginner Learn the basic mechanics of using a spinning wheel to make your own yarn at Learn to Spin Yarn on Tuesdays, May 20, June 10, July 8 and Aug. 19, from 5 to 8 p.m. in The Studio. (Each date covers the same material.) After a brief introduction from instructor Stephanie Block, students will have […]

Experience Level: All Learn to play as a group and share the joy of playing dulcimer at Dulcimer Jam Session on Saturdays, May 24, June 28 and Aug. 23 from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. in The Studio. This relaxed environment is perfect if you need a quick refresher on songs you learned in a […]

Experience Level: Beginner (ages 15+) Learn about cheese-making at Making Fresh Mozzarella on Tuesday, May 27 and Wednesday, June 11 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the Mansion Solarium. Instructor Lee Schuler will take students through the process of turning milk to curd and curd into fresh mozzarella. Students will be able to sample their […]

Experience Level: Beginner Learn to weave a special basket at Basket Weaving: The Bees Knees on Friday, May 30 from 12 to 4 p.m. in the Greenhouse Auditorium. Instructor Bonnie Rideout will share information about twining, how to start and stop a weave and weaving with round reed as students create their own unique basket, […]

Meet us on the night of the full moon to strengthen your body, mind and spirit at Full Moon Yoga on Thursday, June 12 and Friday, Aug. 8 from 8 to 9 p.m. in the Meadow. Instructor Josie Heck with Yoga Off the Square will lead the class through strength poses perfect for students of […]

Experience Level: Beginner Learn the basics of macramé at Macrame Plant Hangers on Friday, June 13 from 6 to 8 p.m. in The Studio. In this beginner-friendly class, Macy McCall of TwinFringe will share some of the most common macramé knots. Students will choose from variety of colors to customize their own handmade plant hanger […]

Experience Level: Beginner Learn to decorate summer-themed cookies with royal icing, butter cream and rolled buttercream at Summer Cookie Decorating on Wednesday, June 18 from 6 to 9 p.m. in the Mansion Carriage House. Instructor Jennifer Holhubner will walk students through wet-on-wet technique, outlining and flooding, and how to make flowers. Each participant will leave […]

Experience Level: Beginner Make time for meditation, reflection and journaling at Intuitive Yoga & Journaling on Thursdays, July 3, 10, 24 and 31 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. outdoors in the Meadow (or in case of rain in the Music Barn). Led by certified yoga instructor Olivia Tasch, these classes will feature one hour of […]

Experience Level: Beginner Learn how to use edible flowers in your cooking at Eat Your Flowers on Tuesday, July 8 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Mansion Carriage House. Learn from Instructor and Blue Dragonfly Catering Owner Leah Bodine about what Mother Nature has provided for beautiful additions to our meals. Students will make […]

Experience Level: Beginner Enjoy a Full Moon Hike celebrating the ‘Buck Moon’ on Thursday, July 10 from 8 to 10 p.m., starting from the Main Parking Lot. Allerton Natural Areas Manager Alex Lourash will lead the hike through the woods to listen for owls and other nocturnal wildlife under the light of a full moon. The July full moon is […]

Experience Level: Beginner Learn a variety of hand embroidery stitches and create a unique craft item at Embroidery 101: Summer Flower Sampler on Saturday, July 12 from 12 to 4 p.m. in The Studio. Instructor Billie Theide will introduce students to the history of embroidery and samplers and help them learn about transferring designs to […]

Experience Level: Beginner Explore the botany, natural history and flavors of several local wild edible plants at Edible Midwest Natives on Wednesday, July 16 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. in the Mansion Carriage House. Heidi Leuszler, the owner and head chef of Berries and Flour in Champaign, will focus on native plants that are harvestable […]

Meet us under a new moon to strengthen your body, mind and spirit at New Moon Yoga on Wednesday, July 23 from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. in the Meadow. Instructor Josie Heck with Yoga Off the Square will lead the class through strength poses perfect for students of all levels.Students are encouraged to bring their […]

Experience Level: Beginner Save money by learning how to make several everyday condiments at Make Your Own Condiments on Tuesday, July 29 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Mansion Carriage House. In this class, instructor Leah Bodine will help students create the following homemade condiments: ketchup, stone-ground mustard, mayonnaise, butter, sour cream, buttermilk and […]

Experience Level: Beginner Learn how to create unique Allerton-inspired prints at Printmaking in Nature on Wednesday, July 30 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Mansion Carriage House. Although printmaking is often done with linoleum blocks and ink, it can also be done with gelatin. Instructor Sally Walsh will walk students through the different […]

Experience Level: Beginner Learn how to grow herbs in the Central Illinois climate and then taste how they are used in a meal at Cooking with Herbs on Saturday, Aug. 9 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m in the Herb Garden and Mansion Carriage House. Join Kay Karnes, Master Gardener and Mid-America Gardener panelist, in the Herb […]

Experience Level: Beginner Learn to work with 11/0 glass seed beads at Beaded Jewelry on Saturday, Aug. 9 from 12 to 4 p.m. in The Studio. Instructor Billie Theide will lead students through making a pair of beaded earrings, sharing a variety of techniques and finishes. These same techniques can be applied to jewelry that functions as […]

Experience Level: All levels (ages 16+) Grab a smock, roll up your sleeves and dive into the art of portraits at Experimental Portraiture Painting on Sunday, Aug. 10 from 12-4 p.m. in The Studio. Instructor Vivian Krishnan will help students learn experimental approaches to portraiture using charcoal, ink, paints and more. Studies will be done […]

Experience Level: Beginner Make your own acrylic pour creation and enjoy time with other artists at Acrylic Pour Painting on Sunday, Aug. 10 from 1 to 3 p.m. in the Greenhouse Auditorium. Instructor Alexis Henson of Alexis Walter Creations will introduce students to the artistic and spontaneous experience of abstract fluid art as they learn […]

Artist-in-Resident Joha Harrison will facilitate an evening of creating community-based art at A Community Collage: An Artist-in-Residence Outreach Event on Monday, Aug. 11 from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Mansion Library. In an open-house style setting, Harrison, a California-based photographer and painter, will help participants create an abstract collage that will be turned into […]

Experience Level: Beginner Learn how to make beautiful and delicious focaccia bread at Focaccia Art on Tuesday, Aug. 12 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Mansion Carriage House. Instructor Leah Bodine will lead students through the process of this unique art form, making focaccia bread from scratch, then ‘painting’ it with vegetables and herbs to […]

Experience Level: Beginner Learn how to craft a unique basket at Basket Weaving: Bloom on Friday, Aug. 15 from 12 to 4 p.m. in the Greenhouse Auditorium. Instructor Bonnie Rideout will lead students through the making of a woven filled base using a ‘D’ handle. Students will learn twining, starting and stopping, and the use of overlays. Accent colors […]

Experience Level: Beginner Learn the skills of improvisation, including scene creation and team dynamics at Improve Your Improv on Thursdays, Aug. 21 through Oct. 2 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the Music Barn. Instructor Kyle Tasch returns to The Farms to teach this popular course, which will be jam-packed with improvisational fun that uses both short-form […]

Experience Level: All skill levels Make your vacation photos into works of art at Watercolor Travel Journal on Friday through Sunday, Aug. 22-24 from 1 to 5 p.m. in the Greenhouse Auditorium. 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 […]

Experience Level: Beginner (all ages)Get a first-hand look at how honey bees manage hive activity at Beehive Observation on April 19* and 27, May 11 and 25, June 8 and 22, July 6 and 20 and Aug. 3, 17 and 31 from 1 to 3 p.m. in The Studio and outside at the beehives. (Each […]

Allerton provides the perfect setting to relax, unwind, and reconnect with your body and spirit at Fall Yoga on Tuesdays, Sept. 2 through Oct. 28 from 9 to 10 a.m. in The Meadow. All levels are welcome for this donation-based class. Josie Heck from Yoga Off the Square will lead students through strengthening poses and […]

Experience Level: Beginner Learn to paint on a beautiful surface at Santorini Stone Painting on Wednesday, Sept. 3 from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Mansion Solarium. Mined in Greece, Santorini stone is a strikingly white and sparkling natural stone, often cut and polished for construction and landscape purposes. Instructor Sara Gentry will show how this smooth […]

Experience Level: BeginnerLearn the skills of improvisation, including scene creation and team dynamics at Improve Your Improv on Thursdays, Aug. 21 through Oct. 2 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the Music Barn. Instructor Kyle Tasch returns to The Farms to teach this popular course, which will be jam-packed with improvisational fun that uses both short-form games […]

Experience Level: Beginner Join Allerton Natural Areas staff for Fall Bird Hikes on Fridays, Sept. 5 through Oct. 31 from 9 to 11 a.m. Meet in the Main Parking Lot*. As birds begin to move south in the fall, the variety of species in the Park changes weekly. All levels of birders and bird-lovers are invited to observe […]

Experience Level: Beginner Use inspiration from Allerton to create unique pieces of jewelry at Botanically Inspired Pendant & Necklace on Saturday, Sept. 6 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in The Studio. In this beginning jewelry class taught by fiber artist Billie Theide, students will work with precious metal to create a unique, one-of-a-kind silver […]

Experience Level: Beginner Learn the basics of working with a loom at Beginning Weaving I (Morning) on Saturdays, Sept. 6 through Oct. 4 from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Greenhouse Auditorium. This 5-week class led by Sharon Bowles will encompass all aspects of beginner weaving as students create a table runner. Participants will become […]

Experience Level: Beginner Learn the basics of working with a loom at Beginning Weaving I (Afternoon) on Saturdays, Sept. 6 through Oct. 4 from 2 to 5 p.m. in the Greenhouse Auditorium. This 5-week class led by Sharon Bowles will encompass all aspects of beginner weaving as students create a table runner. Participants will become familiar […]

Experience Level: All levels Step into a world where nature meets creativity at Mushroom Mosaics on Sunday, Sept. 7 from 1 to 3 p.m. in the Mansion Carriage House. In this workshop perfect for beginners and seasoned crafters alike, instructor Danielle Reed will guide students through the process of designing and making their own decorative mushroom […]

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: BeginnerNeed a good place to relax and concentrate on your latest read? Then swing for our Silent Book Club on selected Mondays* from 5 to 8 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 to do what […]