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.
