We are excited to announce that Allerton’s inaugural In Residence Program will begin this winter, thanks to generous donations from two couples, Joan and Peter Hood and Dana Brehm and Larry Baumann!
The In Residence Program offers artists and naturalists the opportunity to live and create at the Allerton estate. The Program will not only support and highlight the meaningful work of creators and researchers, but bring awareness to the unique characteristics of the Park and continue the legacy of Robert Allerton, who often hosted great thinkers and makers at his home. Besides creating while on-site, the resident will host a program that involves the public in their work and process, as well as donate a work intended to further engage visitors once their residency is done.
Long time Allerton users and supporters Joan and Peter Hood donated an endowment which will provide yearly funds to be used for the resident stipend and public programming, and Central Illinois natives Dana Brehm (GIES, ’97) and Larry Baumann supported the renovation of Robert Allerton’s ice house, which will serve as lodging for the resident.
John E. Bannon (FAA, ’90), Chicago-based multimedia artist/educator and University of Illinois alumnus, will be the inaugural resident. Bannon has work in public and private collections worldwide, and plans to create something for Allerton that incorporates the already unique and unexpected experiences of the Park.
Learn more about John E. Bannon here. Visitors can look forward to seeing some of his previous sculptures (pictured below) showcased at this year’s Kirby Winter Wellness Walk (December 5- January 31)!
Find more information about the In Residence Program here.
“Breathe”, “Eye Candy”, and “Universe” sculptures by Bannon.