Jeff Boshart has had a lifelong passion for art. He is a sculptor and educator who teaches sculpture at Eastern Illinois University. Boshart’s job involves introducing students to the history and contemporary issues in sculpture as well as demonstrating how and why artists create or invent. Boshart also works with various materials and tools and teaches others how to safely use them. When he is not busy teaching, Boshart enjoys working on large-scale sculpture installations that typically involve a lot of planning.

Some of the truly great and influential authors of the last century have hailed from Illinois. Whether it be Jane Addams writing on the great social issues of her time in Chicago, or Ray Bradbury writing fantasy novels, Illinois has a rich history of literature.

It is important to celebrate Illinois' rich literary history. Below are but a few of Illinois' great authors.

April is National Poetry Month!  The month is about celebrating American poets and encouraging people to read and write poetry. It is marked by thousands of events across the state, all of which celebrate poetry. In honor of the celebration, we want to honor Illinois poets.

There have been many great poets who lived and worked in Illinois. Featured here are a few of the best-known. We know there are many great poets out there. Are you an Illinois poet? Submit your best work and we may feature it. IlikeIllinois@gmail.com

Sarah Capps was born, raised and educated in Illinois. She became passionate about art at a young age and obtained an MFA from Southern Illinois University in metalsmithing in 1972. Capps spent eight years teaching at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and Eastern Kentucky University before returning to Illinois, where she taught a variety of art classes at Rend Lake College for nearly 23 years. Now in retirement, Capps keeps busy by painting and making jewelry.

Joel Ryser became passionate about art at a young age and currently teaches at Moline High School. Outside of school, his latest interest is Hot Glass Inc., a non-profit organization he founded to teach art to teenagers. He has touched countless lives through his work as an educator, and you can read on to learn more about his artwork.