Sharon Bladholm continues to create art around the confluence of science, nature, conservation and biodiversity. She explores local Midwestern ecosystems as well as rainforest, both the Pacific coastal temperate rainforest, and the tropical rainforest in Latin America. Her mediums are diverse, including ceramic, bronze, cast glass in the sculpture realm, often including natural elements. Her two dimensional work ranges from printmaking, including monotype, etchings, as well as drawings, bamboo rice, paper, kites, and watercolors on antique ledger paper. She enjoys teaching people of all ages and getting them excited about exploring nature.
Read MoreAareon, a textile artist from Peoria, Illinois, found his passion for fabric arts after inheriting a sewing machine from his great-grandmother, Norma Jean Clifford. This gift sparked his journey into Textile Art, blending traditional techniques with modern creativity. With limited resources but a natural talent for repurposing, Aareon has built his practice around sustainability and innovation. He skillfully deconstructs discarded materials, transforming them into intricate works of art. His commitment to "NO SCRAPS LEFT BEHIND" reflects his environmental consciousness and dedication to honoring the materials he uses.
Read MoreMark DuBois - Mark 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. He is well versed in the biology and behavior of 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 who makes a living and make sa difference as a storyteller. He is the Director of Outreach and Membership 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 also coordinated our you tube channel https://www.youtube.com/@SunFoundationIL He and his wife are currently working to restore habitat in Peoria Heights, IL
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 11 years and works at local fairs and events. She has a bachelor’s degree in Art Education and taught art for 19 years. Gretchen and her husband Dan live on a farm in Paw Paw with their 3 boys. There they enjoy lots of time in nature and teaching others about their love of nature and art.
Read MoreDaisy is a local performer, director, stage manager, stage hand, sound designer, and committee member for Corn Stock Theatre, as well as a library administrator for Illinois Prairie District Public Library in Metamora. She works professionally back stage on touring productions at the Peoria Civic Center and has performed professionally on the stage of the former Broadway Lounge in Peoria.
Read MoreShelley has been teaching about science and stories and creativity to kids of all ages and abilities for the past 25 years in special education classes, gifted & talented programs, and camp experiences. Shelley is also a certified HealthRhythms Empowerment Drumming Facilitator who leads drum and rhythm events at schools, nursing homes, and other agencies. Art and Science in the Woods is Shelley's favorite week of the year!
Read MoreDoug is currently the herpetologist on staff at the Peoria Zoo. He has thirty eight years of full time experience working with animals and children. He has worked with many highly endangered animals as well as worked on the state’s Alligator Snapping Turtle recovery program. He is a professional member of the AZA and sits on the Peoria Academy of Science Board. He is the President of the Central Illinois Herpetological Society and sits on the board of the Sun Foundation. He has been an instructor for the Sun foundation since 1981. He hopes to share his knowledge with kids about the environment and environmental issues.
Read MoreSusie is a wildlife biologist who loves learning about our local wild animals and their habitats. She currently works as Chief Naturalist at the Peoria Park District and serves as President of Environmental Education Association of Illinois. She’s very excited to spend a week in the natural spaces 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 Sciences 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 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, bicycle and takes long walks with his dog Rosie. Yona also consults, installs and teaches in the solar industry.
Read MoreAdam Maas is an artist and instructor based in the Peoria area with over 20 years of experience. He has taught at various institutions, including the Sun Foundation’s Art & Science in the Woods (ASIW) program, the Contemporary Art Center of Peoria, and Lakeview Museum. An alumnus of Illinois State University, Adam continues to create art in his home studio. Throughout his career, he has worked and mentored under artists such as Preston Jackson, Jere Allen, Julie Wasson, and Tracy Snowman. In addition to his artistic endeavors, Adam is a chef, IT professional, cyclist, and proud father.
Read MoreLuke grew up in rural upstate New York. He attended Colorado State University where he studied Natural Resource Management and Watershed Science. Luke has worked for several federal, tribal and non-profit organizations on river and forest habitat restoration projects. He currently resides in the Champlain Valley region where he works for the Ruffed Grouse Society in partnership with the Vermont Natural Resource Conservation Service. In his spare time, he enjoys cooking outdoors, fishing, hunting and working with various farms and watershed organizations.
Read MoreSue graduated from Purdue University with a degree in Special Education. She holds a certificate in Sign Language Interpreting from Illinois Central College. She is a mom and a science lover. She currently lives in Nashville, TN and works as a freelance sign language interpreter.
Read MoreOriginally from Central IL, she is a life-long ASIW camper, turned teacher, and credits camp for igniting her drive to follow her creative passions. Julia is a passionate fiber arts teacher whose work celebrates the beauty of sustainable, hands-on creativity. With a deep commitment to earth conservation and environmental stewardship, she integrates principles of recycling, upcycling, and mindful resource use into every aspect of her teaching. While guiding students through a range of fiber-based skills, Julia emphasizes the power of the slow arts—not just as a technique, but as a philosophy that fosters patience, connection, and mindfulness. Her approach encourages students to slow down, engage with their materials thoughtfully, and make something both beautiful and purposeful from the world around them. She often incorporates repurposed fabrics, natural dyes, and recycled materials into her lessons, reinforcing the message that creativity can coexist with sustainability. Through her classes, Julia aims to nurture not only the skills of her students but also their sense of responsibility as makers, instilling a love for both the craft and the planet. Through her practice, Julia believes that the slow, intentional act of creating with one's hands can help reconnect us with the earth, one stitch at a time.
Read MoreElisa teaches art at Northern Arizona University, School of Art + Design. She holds a MA in Sustainable Communities and an MFA, Fine Arts, Post Modern Practice. The Woodford County Native works to integrate science and creative writing across her curriculum. As a student within the inaugural Sun Foundation Art and Science in the Woods program, she loves teaching children and connecting with her Central Illinois Roots.
Read MoreDr. Wilcoxen is a Professor of Biology at Millikin University in Decatur, Illinois. He is the Chair of the Board for the Sun Foundation and also President of the Board for the Illinois Raptor Center. His current research focuses on immune defense and disease in Illinois songbirds, birds of prey, and amphibians. Travis is originally from Lewistown, IL and earned his Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Eureka College and Ph.D. in Biology from the University of Memphis.
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