Teens, join us for a selfie scavenger hunt through Allerton’s Holiday GLOW!

Gather a group of friends to create a team of 2-5 and race against other teams to snap photos of all the clues.  The first team back with photos of every clue will earn the ultimate bragging rights – being crowned the Allerton GLOW Getter!

Tickets are FREE for kids aged 13-18.  Parents are welcome to tag along but can also take a solo GLOW walk if desired.  Moon Bean Coffee truck will be on-site serving hot beverages (it’s cocoa season)!  The hunt will happen rain or shine so prepare for the weather and bring your own flashlight and a camera or phone.

Posting pictures on social media is not required, but if you post, we’d love for you to use #GLOWGetter to light up the Allerton Instagram feed.

If you require disability accommodations to participate in the event, please contact Sarah Putman at sputman2@illinois.edu at the time of registration.

Friday, Nov 17th & Friday, Dec. 15th

10:30am – 2:00pm

Allerton Mansion Library (11/17)

Studio (12/15)

$140/class

Registration Deadline: November 13th & December 11th

Experience level: N/A

In a one day gathering, concepts of personal growth and wholeness are first learned through the use of film clips, art, poetry, myth etc. Then, through the use of writing, art, poetry, and music, each participant will work on their personal expression of wholeness. And finally, the participant shares their creation with the group if they choose.

Instructor Bio

Mary Ryan M.S. is a Jungian-oriented therapist with 40 years of experience working with individuals, couples, and groups. She has been on the faculty for 3 universities teaching classes to students from age 18 to 80 on personality and personal growth. With the Academy of Addictions Treatment Professionals, she trained therapists in Chicago and St. Louis. She has worked in both hospitals and treatment centers and has a private practice in Springfield, IL while also facilitating a Prison Fathers group at Jacksonville Correctional Center. Mary has had art displayed in two galleries and combines her experience in art and film with her work with clients and in her teaching.

Want to add a little adventure to your Holiday GLOW experience?  Sign up today to participate in the GLOW All-Ages Scavenger Hunt starting December 15th.

Registration is FREE for the GLOW All-Ages Scavenger Hunt.  On December 15th a set of clues will be emailed to all registrants.  Use those clues at Allerton’s Holiday GLOW lighted walk any day between December 15th and 23rd from 5-9pm.  Post your pictures on Instagram with #AllGLOWnup.

$10/car suggested donation can be made upon entering the park, or donate online.  Donations are an important part of the success of the Holiday GLOW event.  Thank you for keeping this and other public programs continuing year after year!

If you require disability accommodations to participate in the event, please contact Sarah Putman at sputman2@illinois.edu at the time of registration.

Registration deadline: December 6, 2023

Urbana-based local artist Kari Keller of Kari’s Occasions will demonstrate simple but fun techniques to paint and decorate glass bulb ornaments. Participants will create their own keepsake ornament for the holidays.

Instructor Bio: My name is Kari Keller. I have been an arts and crafts enthusiast since I was a very young child. I have a lot of experience in drawing and painting, and have dabbled in a large variety of other art forms including macramé, perler bead art, cake topper design, painting ceramic plates, acrylic pouring, and digital art. I also have a thriving side business as a face painter for these past 8 years. I love trying new things and making new friends!

Tuesday, Dec. 12th, 5:00-6:00pm & 6:00-7:00pm

Thursday, Dec. 21st, 4:00-5:00pm & 5:00-6:00pm

Studio

$20/person, per timeslot

Registration Deadline: December 5th & December 14th

Experience level: beginner

Create a new type of holiday decoration that you can take home to add to your decor. All participants will receive a large white votive candle and use melted tea light candles of various colors to paint designs around the outside of the candle. Make it holiday themed, or paint designs that would work for a year-round decoration.

There are 4 chances to participate in this folk school class. Choose one (or 2) that best fits your schedule.

Instructor Bio

Olivia Bunting is the Senior Program Coordinator at Allerton Park & Retreat Center. She loves being outside, tending her plants while trying not to kill them, and crafting. The Farms gives her an excuse to learn new things and finish those half-done crafts she's been meaning to complete for a while.

Tuesday, Dec. 12th, 5:00-6:00pm & 6:00-7:00pm

Thursday, Dec. 21st, 4:00-5:00pm & 5:00-6:00pm

Studio

$20/person, per timeslot

Registration Deadline: December 5th & December 14th

Experience level: beginner

Create a new type of holiday decoration that you can take home to add to your decor. All participants will receive a large white votive candle and use melted tea light candles of various colors to paint designs around the outside of the candle. Make it holiday themed, or paint designs that would work for a year-round decoration.

There are 4 chances to participate in this folk school class. Choose one (or 2) that best fits your schedule.

Instructor Bio

Olivia Bunting is the Senior Program Coordinator at Allerton Park & Retreat Center. She loves being outside, tending her plants while trying not to kill them, and crafting. The Farms gives her an excuse to learn new things and finish those half-done crafts she's been meaning to complete for a while.

Have you ever wandered around Allerton Park 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?  Register for one of our Public Mansion Tours held each month!

Mansion tours start at 2pm and begin in the Gallery of the Mansion.  Tours typically last between 45 and 60 minutes.

$10/person, ages 5 and under are free

Space is limited and tours typically sell out.

(NOTE: If tickets are sold out and you need additional children’s tickets, email Sarah Putman at sputman2@illinois.edu.)

If you will need disability-related accommodations in order to participate, please email Sarah Putman at sputman2@illinois.edu.

Bookbinding for Artists’ Books

Led by: Peter Bushell

Tuesdays: January 16, 23, 20; February 6, 13

5:00-8:00pm

Studio

Registration Deadline: 1/2/2024

Skill level: Beginner

Registration fee: $120/series

Course Description:

This course will introduce you to a variety of binding options for artist’s books that can be produced by hand. Each class will be a 3-4 hour studio experience getting introduced to a particular book style and binding technique; then there will be time for hands-on production. The first class will include a survey of artist’s books and binding styles, as well as an introduction to terms of book anatomy and commercial binding. Subsequent classes will be organized per binding style and allow time for production. Each book produced will be a blank model, but additional discussion will be possible if the student has ideas for further development of books with content.

About the Instructor:

Peter Bushell recently retired from a 29-year career as a graphic design professor from Illinois State University. While there he reveled in teaching students a variety of subjects including typography, image making, mark making and branding, information design, interactive and web design, as well as letterpress printmaking, book arts and book binding. Bushell’s creative efforts in design, book arts, and letterpress printmaking have garnered awards and recognition from regional, national, and international competitions, exhibitions, and publications. Currently he continues to be active as a freelance graphic designer, a book artist, and a letterpress printmaker. Bushell is compelled to create, and in all his creative endeavors—whether graphic design and typography, book arts or letterpress printmaking—he strives for an excellent marriage of concept and form. He is excited for the opportunity to share with you some excellent examples of artist’s books and the practical details related to a variety of binding forms and hopes the lessons you’ll learn in this course will feed your next creative venture into artist’s books and bookbinding.