Connie Andrews spends much of her time creating art, both paintings and sculpture. Her work is in many private and public locations throughout Central Illinois, the United States and as far away as Germany. She has also been helping students of all ages express themselves and find their own unique voice through the visual arts and singing for the last 20 years.
Read MoreJanie is a trauma informed yoga teacher in Peoria, IL. She is a Trapeze Yoga Teacher and studio owner, Doula and Reiki Master with ten years of experience and over 1,000 hours of teaching and working with the public in schools, businesses, studios, hospitals and more. Janie is known for her yoga events and unique style of teaching. She received her first 200-hour RYT in St. Louis and second in Barcelona, Spain where she obtained her Yoga Teaching Degree, Trapeze Yoga Teaching Certification and teacher apprenticeship. Jamie moved back to Peoria in 2018 and obtained her Trauma-Informed Teaching, Reiki Master and Doulaship Certirficates. She opened up a Trapeze Yoga studio in Peoria Heights in January 2023. She is a Yoga Teacher committed to community, inclusion and connection.
Read MoreSharon has pursued her singular vision with a variety of disciplines, including cast glass, bronze and ceramics in the sculptural realm, plus printmaking and works on paper. For over 30 years she has explored the intersections of art, science, conservation and the natural world. She has run Opal Glass Studios since 1983 and continues to complete many important commissions and show her work in galleries and museums, as well as creating public art installations at a wide variety of venues.
Read MoreJames has been affiliated with the Sun Foundation for over 20 years. He has a BA in theater history from Illinois State University and MDiv from Wesley Theological Seminary. He has performed with Peoria Players and Cornstock Theater, as well as theatres in Washington, DC and Virginia. He served on the boards of directors of Williamsburg (VA) Players and Actors Theatre of Columbus (OH).
Read MoreMark has decades of experience teaching students about insect biology and identification. He has conducted insect research on multiple continents and has published nearly 60 peer reviewed articles on various groups of insects. Although he has focused on ants for much of his research, he is well versed in many different groups of insects. He has taught students as young as 5 and as old as 95.
Read MoreElla is a graduate of the University of Illinois Fine Arts department. She teaches artists of all ages and assists in gallery exhibits. She also shows her own work in various galleries and private collections She currently heads the primary and middle school art departments at Next Generations Primary School in Champaign, IL. She resides in Champaign with her husband Chad and daughter Zoe.
Read MoreFox is an ecological activist and adventurer who makes a living as a storyteller. He is the Communications director for the Illinois Audubon Society. He has published 30 books, produced several PBS programs, and tours the planet planting seeds of hope for the future. He portrays a dozen historical characters with a focus on world changing scientists. Fox coordinates the Sun Foundation YouTube channel. He and his wife also run a B&B in Bishop Hill, IL.
Read MoreDr. Everett is an associate professor of Environmental Science and Chair of Science and Mathematics at Eureka College. She is also a board member of ParkLands Foundation and former Stewardship Chair and Secretary. Her teaching focuses on local ecosystems, with particular attention paid to small farms and local food systems. Outside of her profession, Katy lives in Washington with her family and loves growing food and native plants, and playing with her two kids and pup. She loves staying active, particularly outdoors, and is a client and friend of Yogi Janie who has helped Dr. Everett incorporate mindful movement and meditation inter her courses and personal life.
Read MoreFor over 20 years Dan has taught the subjects of Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Anatomy, Environmental Science, Agriculture, and Agricultural science for high school grades 9-12. He is a fifth-generation farmer with experience growing commercial crops, livestock, bees, orchards and maple sugar. Dan has also taught thousands of 5th-8th graders outdoor education at the Loredo Taft Field Campus as part of the outdoor education master’s program. He is a master naturalist for the University of Illinois, and is part of Tom Brown Jr.s tracker school apprentice program.
Read MoreGretchen is a Henna artist and massage therapist. She has been a henna artist for nine years and works at local fairs and events. She has a bachelors degree in Art Education and taught art for 19 years. Gretchen and her husband Dan live on a farm in Paw Paw with their three boys. There they enjoy lots of time in nature and teaching others about their love of nature and art.
Read MoreDaisy Fritz works for Illinois Prairie District Public Libraries, cataloging books for 6 Woodford county libraries. In their free time, they are an active performer at Corn Stock Theatre and Peoria Players Theatre, as well as having performed extensively at the former Broadway Deli and Lounge.
Read MoreMS, ED, ISU. Shelley has taught kids of all ages and abilities about science, stories and art in local classrooms for over 25 years. She currently works as a coach for kids (and adults) with ADHD and is also a HealthRhythms Empowerment Drum Facilitator, leading rhythm programs at schools, nursing homes, and other agencies in the area. Art & Science in the Woods is her favorite week of the year!
Read MoreA.A. Illinois Central College. Doug is the herpetologist on staff at the Peoria Zoo where has worked since 1980. He has an interest in working with amphibians and turtles and has worked with some of the world’s most endangered species. For the last 15 years he has worked on the Alligator Snapping Turtle recovery program with the D.N.R., University of Illinois, U.S. F. W. Service and Pontiac High School. He sits on the Boards of the Peoria Academy of Science, the Central Illinois Herpetology Society and the Sun Foundation. He is a professional member of the AZA, the world’s largest conservation organization. He enjoys working with children and has been involved with the Sun Foundation since 1981.
Read MoreSusie is a wildlife biologist who loves learning about our local wild animals and their habitats. She currently woks as Chief Naturalist at Peoria Park District’s Forest Park Nature Center and serves as President of Environmental Education Association of Illinois. She’s very excited to spend a week in the prairies at the Sun Foundation, one of her favorite places on Earth!
Read MoreGuest Artist—MFA University of Illinois. Recipient of the State of Illinois Lincoln Award. Nationally exhibited sculptor and professional musician. Chairman of Sculpture Department, Art Institute of Chicago. Sun Foundation Board Member and Arts Advisor.
Read MoreMegan is the health and social science librarian at Miami University, Ohio. She received a Bachelor’s of Arts in Biological Sciences from North Kentucky University and a PhD in Botany from North Dakota State University where she researched algal ecology. Before becoming a librarian, she taught biology and non-majors environmental science courses as a an adjunct at several universities. She loves the opportunity to spend time outdoors and to share her knowledge about nature.
Read MoreJimmy is a First Nation’s Artist. He has spent decades learning the songs of many tribes and performs regularly at museums, libraries, schools, Pow Wows and festivals. His performances reflect the ever evolving Native culture while carefully incorporating traditional ways, stories, songs and dance.
Read MoreJesi believes relationship building is the foundation for learning. She is a homeschooling parent to three kiddos, a Scout leader, and educator at the Universalist Unitarian Church of Peoria. She enjoys making messes, exploring new environments and learning about the world!
Read MoreYona loves to teach—from little kids to adults. Whole brain and experiential learning are the best—that is why Art and Science in the Woods rocks! Yona has three children that have attended camp for years and are now volunteer TAs. Yona loves to kayak and takes long walks with his dog Kassie.
Read MoreAdam has been teaching and sharing a passion for art in the Peoria area for over 20 years with positions including: an instructor at ASIW, Contemporary Art Center of Peoria and Lakeview Museum. Adam is an alumnus of Illinois State University and continues to express his art at a studio in his residence. During his career he has worked and mentored under Preston Jackson, Jere Allen, Julie Wasson and Tracy Snowman. Adam is a Chef, IT professional, Artist, Cyclist and Proud Father.
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