Program History

 

Art and Science in the Woods (1974 – present)

A week long day camp giving over 450 students ages 6-18 the opportunity to learn hands-on with professional artists, engineers, designers, scientists, and educators in nature’s classroom. Classes are taught on a rural 800-acre property consisting of a fresh water marsh, oak hickory forest, prairies, ponds, wetlands, streams, and fossil beds.

Clean Water Celebration (1993 – present)

A free 2-day event attended by 3,000 middle and high school students each year along with the general public. Participants learn how to conserve, protect, and restore our precious water resource through interactive exhibits, classrooms, keynote presentations, and performances. The Water Week program made way for the current Clean Water Celebration environmental classroom.

Highlight of Keynote Speakers:

  • Dr. Silvia Earle, marine biologist and national geographic explorer

  • Chad Pregracke, Founder of Living Lands and Waters, 2013 CNN hero

  • Dr. Jacqueline Quinn, NASA environmental engineer

  • Dr. Michael Wiant, archeologist and anthropologist

  • Stiv Wilson, 5 Gyres Institute

  • Roger Klocek, senior biologist at the Shedd Aquarium

  • Rainy Shorey, wildlife ecologist and biologist

  • Terra Brockman, author and founder of The Land Connection

  • Heart of the Beast, puppet and mask theater

  • Hugh O’Brien, Environmentalist and actor

  • Corinne Wood, lieutenant governor and chair of IL river coord. Council

  • Brettny Hardy, dolphin research center

  • Dietrich Schaaf, international crane foundation

  • David Zalaznik, photographer

Water Week (1989 – 1990)

Science curriculum in schools including exhibits and keynote speaker Jean Michel Cousteau. The program included student exhibits and citywide activities focusing on water. The city of Peoria proclaimed a citywide “Water Week.” This program was the predecessor of the Clean Water Celebration environmental classroom.

Community Arts Access regranting program (1990 – present)

Through a matching grant from the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency, along with community contributions, funds are regranted to area schools, libraries, artists, and art organizations for community and public art programs. Since 1990, $423,000 in grants have been awarded to area artists, libraries, schools and arts organizations. The Community Arts Access program was created by adapting the Artist in Residency program.

Artists in Residency (1979 – 1993)

Residencies ranged from 1 week to 1 year in area schools and community centers. The Artist in Residency program transformed into the Community Arts Access program in 1993.

  • 152 residencies in multiple disciplines including writing, theater, playwriting, painting, sculpting, ceramics, pottery, dance, visual arts, music, folk arts.

Environmental Field Trips (1980 – present)

Trips for school and community organizations offering interdisciplinary curriculum for all grade levels. This program emphasizes nature study as an activity that draws from and enhances other disciplines such as the arts, social studies, and sciences. Students learn about topics such as fossils and rocks, Native American studies, field science, primitive skills, or arts.

Field Science Programs (1974 – present)

Field Science expeditions for families and the general public. Fossils and Rocks expedition led by Bradley University Geologist Dr. Merrill Foster (PhD, Harvard University). Reptiles and Amphibians expedition led by Peoria Zoo Herpetologist Doug Holmes.

  • Fossils and Rocks (74 – present) – geologist Dr. Merrill Foster

  • Reptiles and Amphibians (07 – present) – herpetologist Doug Holmes

Winter Warming (2006 – present)

Wine-tasting benefit to support Sun Foundation children’s programs. An evening of delicious wine, brew, and food tasting. Guests socialize while enjoying a vast silent auction, guest artist exhibit and sales, and other fun activities.

Aboriginal Skills Programs (2001, 03, 05-06, 09-13)

Survival skills workshops and classes taught by naturalist and primitive skills specialist Brett Root Ericksen and other aboriginal skill specialists. A wide range of programs and workshops are offered to students, providing outdoor survival skills, which leads to self-empowerment, independence, and increased learning capabilities.

  • Self Bow Workshop (2001)

  • Primitive Hide Tanning Workshop (2001)

  • Coyote Games (2001)

  • ASAP Program (not including ASIW) (2001, 03, 05)

  • Flint Knapping, Bow Making, Fire Workshop (2006)

  • Osage Self Bow Class (2009 – 2013)

Beekeeping Program (2011 – 2013)

Workshops taught by beekeeper, educator, and 5th generation farmer Dan Fitzpatrick. Participants learn about the basics of bee keeping including the bee life cycle, swarming behavior, traps, hive maintenance, equipment considerations, and bee introduction.

Sustainability Programs (1976-77, 92, 94-96, 98, 2011-13) 

  • Solar Energy Today Workshop for 4H students (76) – Yahya Safdari and Mark Cordes

  • Bio-Humic Soil Building Organic Farm Workshops (77, 92, 94, 95, 96, 98, 2011-13) – Organic Farming workshops offer consultations and presentations for farmers, agriculture students and teachers, schools, as well as government and community organizations. Gary McDonald introduces organic farming methods that increase farm income, improve soil quality, reduce soil erosion, eliminate use of hazardous chemicals, and support soil stewardship for future generations.

  • 1-Day Wind Power Project (77) – Bill Becker

Suzuki School of Music (1979 – 2012)

Students are taught the Suzuki method of music instruction by certified Suzuki teachers. This method helps students develop in many ways such as enhancing listening and motor skills, promoting the use of both sides of the brain, increasing self-esteem, prose, and the love of music. Lessons are offered in violin, piano, cello, and guitar through individual and group repertory lessons. Students participate in community concerts, institute workshops, and teacher training.

Blacksmithing Program (1978 – 2010)

Blacksmithing programs coordinated and lead by master blacksmith Gary Jameson. Using the tools of 9 generations of blacksmiths, participants learn and further their skills, instructed by master blacksmiths from the Illinois Valley Blacksmith Association.

  • Blacksmith Workshops and Demos (78-90)

  • Blacksmithing Apprentice Program (1990 – 2010)

Earth’s Table Dinner (2009)

Benefit dinner to support Sun Foundation children’s programs. This feast features organic sustainable ingredients and served in the beautiful outdoor landscapes of the Sun Foundation.

Music Programs (not including Suzuki itself) (1979, 81-89, 91, 95, 2003-04)

  • Suzuki Children’s Symphony of Japan concert and workshops (1979)

  • Leonard Rose Dress Rehearsal program (1979)

  • Music Presentations (81, 87, 89, 91)

  • Violin Workshop (82)

  • Benefit Luncheon and Fashion Show (83)

  • Master Music Classes for high school students with members of the Peoria Symphony Orchestra (1984 – 88)

  • Choosing and Learning an Instrument Workshop (86)

  • Suzuki Workshops (86, 03, 04)

  • Guitar Workshops and Concerts (87)

  • Sun Foundation Program Benefit Concert (87, 88, 95) – Art Thieme, Dan Keding, Tandy Lacy, Greg Steil, Jim Kanas, Bill Close

Teacher Training Programs (1974, 75, 80-89, 91-95, 99)

  • Comprehensive Fine Arts Education Curriculum Development Program (K-6)

  • Special Ed Training

  • Teacher In-Services about various art and science topics

  • Various Art Workshops

  • Teaching Reading and Writing through the Arts

  • Field Science Teacher training

  • Olympics of the Mind state seminar and conference (82): educational conference for teachers and general public

  • Project Wild Workshops – interdisciplinary environmental education workshops (84, 85) Dr. Lambertus Princen

  • Science Literacy Program (91-93, 95) – ECHOS: Ecosystems, Critical Habitats and On-going Education Solutions

Theater Programs and Performances (1978 – 1998)

  • Theater Workshops (78, 80, 81, 83-87)

  • WIU Theater Performances for elementary and secondary schools (1979 – 98)

  • Prairie Voices performance for Lacon Old Settlers Days (81)

  • Portable Puppets performances at Lakeview (81-82)

  • Theater Productions and Performances (81, 84-86)

  • Little Red Riding Hood Puppet Show (82)

  • National Shakespeare Company of NY Performances for area high schools (82, 87-90)

  • Free Shakespeare Company of Chicago Performances for area high schools (84, 85, 87)

  • Chicago Shakespeare Company Performances for area high schools (86, 87)

Dinosaur Day Program (1981 – 1995)

Dinosaur Day was held at Bradley University geology department, hosted by head geologist and instructor Dr. Merrill Foster, Bradley University. Participants learned through interactive exhibits and workshops by geologists and artists. Keynote speakers were national known paleontologists.

Health Programs (1984, 85, 88, 89, 91, 93)

  • Illness and Healing Workshops (1984, 85, 88, 89, 93) – Dr. Bernard Siegel

  • Catastrophic Illness Workshop

  • Psychology of Illness and Art of Healing Workshop

  • Lecture Program with Methodist

  • Out of My Mind Lecture

  • Laugh Your Way to Health (1991) – Dr. Annette Goodheart, psychotherapist

  • Cancer Support Network Workshop (1991) – Dr. Carl Simonton, psychologist

Photography Programs (1977, 79-81, 87, 91-93)

  • Photography Workshops (1977, 79, 80, 81)

  • Through the Looking Glass Optics Program (1980)

  • Coming Era of Photo Electronics lecture (87) – photography workshop

  • View Camera Workshop (1991, 92, 93)

Child Development Programs (1979, 84-85, 91)

Workshops and conferences offered for teachers, parents, and general public to learn about child development, learning, and abuse prevention.

  • The Potential of the Child Conference (1979)

  • Growth and Understanding Conference (1979)

  • The Whole Child Symposium (1984, 85)

  • Parenting Workshops (1984, 85)

  • Child Abuse Conference (1984, 85)  and Sexual Abuse Performance (85)

  • ACTION Conference (1985)

  • How Can We Prepare our Children for the Future Workshop (1991)

Native American Programs (1974-81, 85-87, 91)

  • Workshops and Programs (74, 80, 81, 85, 86, 87, 91)

  • “Sun Gave Man the Power” Film Documentary and Lectures (1975, 76, 77) – aired on PBS and shown in museums and for the National Park Service – written and produced by Bob and Joan Ericksen, narrated by Studs Terkel

  • “Hands and Spirit” Blackfeet Crafts slide program: an oral history handed down from elders – shown at Glacier National Park and area schools (75)

  • Blackfeet Slide Program (78)

  • Native American Festival (87) – Blackfeet slide program

Nutrition Programs (1978-81, 84, 90-91)

Conferences, workshops, and lectures given by nationally and regionally known nutritionists to encourage healthy eating and nutrition practices.

  • Nutrition Conferences (1978, 79, 84)

  • Tasting Dinner: Lecture, Film, QandA (80)

  • Benefit Lecture (80) – Dr. Lendon Smith

  • Nutrition Workshops (1980, 81)

  • Food Borne Illness Lecture (1990)

  • Broccoli Squad Task Force (1991)

  • Fat Substitutes Lectures (1991)

Community Building Program (1985 – 1988)

Conferences, lectures, and workshops led by nationally known author and army psychiatrist Dr. M. Scott Peck

  • Futures Forum: Building the Bridge to Tomorrow conference – Community Building Workshop (85)

  • True Meaning of Community Lecture (86)

  • Community Program (87)

  • Workshop Meeting (88)

Robotics Program (1983-85, 87)

Alfred Slote, author

  • Robotics Program (83, 84)

  • Robot show, tour of the Museum of Science and Industry (85)

  • Robot Day, ICC (87) with Alfred Slote and local engineers for students

Exhibits and festivals

  • ASIW student exhibits all years (74 – present)

  • “Hands and Spirit” Blackfeet Crafts slide program (75)

  • Children’s 2 day art film festival at peoria public library (81)

  • Prairie Day Celebration : Prairies of IL photography exhibit (82, 83) – Bob Ericksen

  • Photography Exhibits (82, 84, 85, 87, 88)

  • Arts week exhibit, student art (83, 89)

  • Marshall county art exhibit (87)

  • “The Wooden Bird” exhibits at Lakeview Museum and IL State Museum : IL bird carvers 1880 – 1990 (89, 90) – Tandy Lacy

  • A tribute to small things: slide and music program capturing beauty of the country and its people (81)

  • Open house, reading, exhibit by Nancy Rawles (87)

  • Native American Festival (87) – Blackfeet slide program

  • “Living Traditions” exhibit in area public libraries: traditional artists of Marshall county (88) – Tandy Lacy

  • Prairie Conference: Prairies of IL photography exhibit (88) – Bob Ericksen

  • Drawing exhibit (89)

  • Voice for Youth: Professional 2-person art show (91)

  • CWC organization, group, and students interactive exhibits (93 – present)

  • Barns of Marshall County photography exhibit at Marshall County Historical Society – Bob Ericksen

Celebrations

  • Summer Solstice (86)

  • Equinox Celebration (86, 87)

  • Annual holiday celebration (87)

  • Star party (87)

  • Fire sculpture and fall membership gathering – firing of the kiln (94)

  • Fall light, fall celebration of the arts (99)

  • 20th Anniversary Dinner (1993) – dinner celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Sun Foundation

  • 30th Anniversary Dinner (2003) – dinner celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Sun Foundation

  • 40th Anniversary Dinner (2013) – dinner celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Sun Foundation

Miscellaneous Science Programs

  • Design in Nature Slide Program (74)

  • Discovery Dome, donation of marine specimen collection (77)

  • The Illinois, River of change educational tour (78)

  • Environmental Science Programs (79, 81)

  • Family nature hikes (80 – 82, 87, 89, 92, 95)

  • Indian Summer Nature Night (81)

  • Trees – historic and present uses (81)

  • Animal signs – identifying tracks and noticing signs (81)

  • Living Fossils Program (1981) – Bob Cooper

  • Cross country skiing – exploring backwater of IL river (81, 83)

  • Cabbage patch kids: nature identification, trail sampler, Indian pow-wow (86)

  • Getting in Touch with Nature in Central IL Class (86)

  • Rocket building and launching (86)

  • Astronomy class (86)

  • Summer ponds – water studies (86)

  • River road days program, picnic and hike, creativity with natural materials (87)

  • Science Bookfair at Peoria Public Library Speakers (88)

  • Outdoor environmental program (89)

  • Lessons from the ancient forest program (92)

  • Backyard wilderness class (94)

  • Environmental Research and Education – Living Upstream: Seminar on Food Issues (1999) – Dr. Sandra Steingraber

  • (Bird Related Programs)

    • Migration of water fowl and other birds program (80)

    • Blue Bird Day (84)

    • It’s for the Birds celebration of Audobon (86)

    • John James Audobon day (88)

Miscellaneous Arts Programs

  • (General)

    • Environmental Arts Slide Programs, Workshops, Lectures (1974)

    • Art Workshops and Lectures (75, 76, 79)

    • Art: a child’s survival kit (78)

    • Art Demonstrations, classes, and workshops for District 150 (1980)

    • Lakeview tours and art activities (82, 83)

    • Art in the Park Workshops/classes (83, 84)

    • Smile in French class (86)

    • Poetry reading (87)

    • Video presentation lecture (87) – Barbara Skyes Dietze and Jim Morrissette

    • Artists Symposium (1989, 90)

  • (School Programs Specifically)

    • Special Arts Program – classes/workshops for hearing/visually impaired/handicapped (79-81)

    • Picture lady program (82)

    • Artists in Education Pilot Project (85)

    • Writing Programs in Schools (85)

    • Storytelling in schools (86)

    • After school art classes (93, 94) – drawing and watercolor, art in motion

    • After school classes (95) – paper making

    • Pee Wee arts program for preschool/kindergarten students (99)

  • (General Art Classes and Lectures)

    • 3 week painting class series (76)

    • Batik fabric design lecture (78)

    • Raku, ceramics lecture (78)

    • Shibori/Japanese resist fabric dying program (80)

    • Crafts Apprentice program (80, 81) – ceramics, ironsmith, painting

    • Studio workshops and tours (81)

    • Studio art classes (83)

    • Creative writing classes (86)

    • Woodcarving and woodworking (86)

    • Classes – Art Surprises, Drawing, Clay, Vincent Van Gogh, Illustrations, Illuminations (86, 87)

    • Pastel class (90)

    • Tools and techniques for bird carving and painting lecture and demo (92)

    • Luncheon, lecture, and workshop (92) – Dorothy Cannell, author

    • Sandra Cook commemorate plate ceramics workshop (92)

    • Drawing classes (94)

    • Jewelry class (94)

Integrative Science and Arts Programs

  • Cross Cultural Education and Design Science Program Presentation (74)

  • Art and Science Slide Presentation for school and civic groups (76)

  • 5 Senses Program to discover Nature, and 5 senses nature and craft program (80, 81, 82)

  • Historical: history of Marshall county (81, 83, 85, 87)

  • Art and science experience and picnic (84)

  • Campfire talks (87)

  • Presentations (87, 88, 90, 91)

  • One sensational weekend (88)

  • School programs (89-90)

  • Star hunters and storytelling class (90)

Publications    

  • Sun Book – book of poetry written and illustrated by Art and Science in the Woods students (79-85)

  • Sun Journal (82 – present), Havana Printing

  • “Living Traditions” publication: traditional artists of Marshall county (88) – Tandy Lacy, M and D Printing

  • “The Wooden Bird” publication: IL bird carvers from 1880 – 1990 (89, 90) – Tandy Lacy, Heinz publishing

  • Sun Foundation Trail Guide 2012-13 (Laurel Ellis, Claire Jones, and Brandon Klein), Varsity Publications

Film and Video Productions

  • Native American film and lecture (74) – Bob and Joan Ericksen

  • “Sun Gave Man the Power” Film Documentary and Lectures (1975, 76, 77) – 27 minute film broadcast on PBS and shown in museums and for the National Park Service – written and produced by Bob and Joan Ericksen, narrated by Studs Terkel

  • “Hands and Spirit” Blackfeet Crafts slide program: an oral history handed down from elders – shown at Glacier National Park and area schools (75)

  • “Man and His Environment” film preview and lecture (76) – Bob and Joan Ericksen

  • Fine Arts Curriculum Development videos – teacher training for grades K-12 (78)

  • “Together We Shine” Documentary (2011) – Art and Science in the Woods Documentary produced by Eve Studnicka and Will Crotz

Various Workshops (1974 – 90, 92, 94, 98 – 2000)

  • Creative Writing, Painting, Computer Graphics, Ceramics, Massage, History of Marshall County, Stress Management, Chisanbop Finger Calculation (80-85), Dance, Weaving, Jewelry, Glass Blowing, print making, workshop for clergy of all faiths, managing arts as a business, “Operation Spaceship Earth”, etc…

Special Subject Lectures

  • “Man and his Environment” film preview and lecture at Lakeview Museum (76), Bob Ericksen, artist

  • Shroud of Turin lecture held at Bradley University (83) – Shroud Professional Imagist

  • “Mythology and Human Nature” lecture at Bradley (86) – Dr. M. Scott Peck

  • Marine Environment and Global Conservation Challenges (89) – John Michel Cousteau, world explorer

  • “Rediscovery of the World” (89) – John Michel Cousteau, world explorer

  • Global Change Lecture “Down to Earth Information Programs” (92), Dr. James MacMahon, scientist

  • Frida Kahlo lecture and fiesta dinner for Latin American Month at Sun Foundation Center (2004)

  • Historic Jamestown lecture (09) – Kelsey Noack, archaeologist

  • “Make No Little Plans: Daniel Burnham and the American City” lecture (09) – Jim Morrissette, videographer

Sun Foundation Awards

Outstanding individuals are recognized for their work to better the community and planet Earth.

  • Clean Water Celebration Making Waves Award (1993 – present) – Awards representing individuals, schools, governments, and businesses who have gone above and beyond to protect and conserve water resources locally and globally.

  • Sun Foundation Service Awards (1994, 2004, 2014) – Awarded to exceptional volunteers and supporters during Sun Foundation anniversary dinners.

Please see the awards that the Sun Foundation has received here.

The Sun Foundation was founded 1972, incorporated in 1973, and gained 501(c)3 status in 1974.

Presenters, Instructors, & Program Speakers 1974-2016

Download a list of the amazing variety of people who have given generously of their time and talents through the Sun Foundation’s history!