Sun Foundation

Sun Foundation The Sun Foundation was established to assess, strengthen and advance the arts in underserved rural and urban communities.

The Sun Foundation, founded by educator/artists Joan Root and Robert Ericksen in 1973, is an arts and science educational organization located in rural Washburn, Illinois. During the late 1960s, many segments of our community did not have access to the arts because of economics, geographical location, or lack of exposure. Artists had limited access to schools, community centers, other artists, and

professionals working in other disciplines. The arts were not acknowledged as part of elementary and secondary curriculum; most elementary schools did not have an art curriculum or an art teacher. There was a need for an organizational structure to foster new talents and audiences for the arts and integrate the arts into other disciplines. There was also a need to foster cooperation between, artists, arts groups, businesses, schools and the community for joint efforts and sharing of resources. The Foundation is organized exclusively for education, scientific, and charitable purposes. Specifically, the Foundation shall research, design, produce and disseminate educational materials which advance and develop integrative and interdisciplinary studies between artists and scientists and the understanding thereof, to enable mankind to live in harmony with nature, by securing a quality environment for all life, thereby enriching the human condition. The Sun Foundation works to assist, strengthen, and advance the arts and environmental sciences in rural and urban communities by providing quality and innovative programs, services, regranting financial support and cooperative efforts for the general public, underserved groups, schools, Illinois artists and local arts organizations.

07/16/2026
07/14/2026
07/02/2026

? Buckminster Fuller invented the word "tensegrity." A combination of "tensional" and "integrity."

It describes structures that maintain stability through continuous tension rather than stacking solid elements on top of each other. The concept was inspired by a sculpture made by his student Kenneth Snelson at Black Mountain College in 1949.

Fuller saw tensegrity everywhere. In architecture. In nature. In the human body itself. He believed it was the structural principle the universe runs on.

07/02/2026
06/22/2026

Heartfelt thank yous are overdue to our volunteer ASIW nurses! Thanks for caring so well for all of us .

Thank you to Zion Coffee Bar for being the Art and Science In The Woods Coffee sponsor. Essential!!!
06/19/2026

Thank you to Zion Coffee Bar for being the Art and Science In The Woods Coffee sponsor. Essential!!!

Here is a revised video from Frank Blain for ASIW 26! We'll have more videos in the future from Jason Bowling to share.
06/15/2026

Here is a revised video from Frank Blain for ASIW 26! We'll have more videos in the future from Jason Bowling to share.

Art and Science in the Woods is a five-day program held Monday thro...

Art & Science in the Woods 2026 is in the books! Enjoy this video created by Frank Blain.
06/13/2026

Art & Science in the Woods 2026 is in the books! Enjoy this video created by Frank Blain.

2026 Arts & Science in the Woods at the Sun Foundation.Art and Sci...

06/12/2026

We’ve been getting lots of messages from people concerned about the Sun Foundation grounds. The worst of the storm missed us and we seem to be in good shape. We are not sure how the roads are to get to us. We plan on holding ASIW as usual tomorrow . Any changes we’ll notify participants early tomorrow. any questions message Sharon Obery.

Address

1276 Sun Road
Washburn, IL
61570

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