Seeking Artists for the 2026 Wawasee Fine Arts Festival

Seeking Artists

Wawasee Fine Arts Festival at Oakwood

Saturday, May 23, 2026 | 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Chautauqua Wawasee is now accepting artist applications for the 2026 Wawasee Fine Arts Festival at Oakwood. This juried fine arts festival brings together talented artists, collectors, and the community for a full day of art, creativity, and connection.

Held on the grounds of Oakwood Resort, this festival is designed with artists in mind. The day includes live music, food vendors, and space for families to enjoy the experience, all while giving artists the opportunity to connect with an engaged audience in a beautiful lakeside setting.

Artist Details at a Glance

Event Date: Saturday, May 23, 2026
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Location: Oakwood Resort, Lake Wawasee
Booth Space: 12’ x 12’
Standard Booth Fee: $125 per space
Application and Jury Fee: $25 per medium

Early Bird Discount

Artists who submit their application by April 1, 2026, may take advantage of the Early Bird rate of $100 per booth, plus the $25 application and jury fee.

Important Dates

Early Bird Deadline: April 1, 2026
Final Application Deadline: May 1, 2026
Artist Notification: Artists will be notified by email if their application has been accepted

Artists who have been juried in a previous Wawasee Fine Arts Festival and are exhibiting the same medium will be considered pre-juried for the 2026 event.

What Artists Can Expect

Drive-up access for booth set up and tear down
Optional early setup on Friday evening
Volunteer booth sitters available for short breaks
Rain or shine event
White tents are preferred but not required
No access to electricity
Artists will transact their own sales and are responsible for complying with state and local sales tax regulations.

Apply to Participate

Complete details, requirements, and the printable application are available below.

Download the 2026 Artist Application here.

Questions may be directed to:
Debbie Yankosky
Email debbie@chqw.org
Phone 574-377-7543

We look forward to welcoming new and returning artists to another creative and inspiring day at Lake Wawasee.

Full details, requirements, and policies are outlined in the artist application.

by CHTQAAdmin

Art, Events

Pottery Workshop for Beginners with Scott Souers

Pottery Workshop for Beginners with Scott Souers-UPDATE- SOLD OUT

Hands-On Stoneware Pottery Class | Spring 2026

Kick off the 2026 season with our popular Pottery Workshop for Beginners, offered by Chautauqua-Wawasee. This three-week beginner pottery class is ideal if you’ve been looking for a hands-on introduction to working with clay.

Participants will learn directly from professional potter Scott Souers in a small, supportive class setting. Designed specifically for beginners, this workshop focuses on hand-built stoneware pottery techniques in a relaxed and encouraging environment.

What You’ll Create

During the workshop, participants will create three finished stoneware pieces:

One slab built mug
One slab-built tray
One coiled bowl (unglazed)

All equipment, tools, and clay are provided. Scott Souers will also fire and glaze all completed pieces, ensuring your finished pottery is food-safe and ready to enjoy.

Please note: Participants should bring a small plastic pail and a hand towel to each class.

About the Pottery Instructor: Scott Souers

With more than 45 years of experience, Scott Souers is a potter specializing in stoneware and American Redware pottery.

American Redware is the earliest pottery style produced in the American colonies, traditionally made from locally sourced red earthenware clay. It represents a truly historic and distinctly American pottery tradition.

Stoneware pottery, which is the focus of this workshop, is fired at high temperatures, making it strong, durable, and long-lasting. Once fired, stoneware does not absorb water, making it ideal for food-safe mugs, bowls, and plates. It also retains heat well, making it perfect for everyday use.

Now retired, Scott produces pottery in limited quantities. His work is available locally at the Wawasee Fine Art Gallery.

Wawasee Fine Art Gallery
10601 IN-13, Syracuse, IN 46567

Workshop Details

Workshop Title: Beginning Pottery Workshop
Technique: Hand-built stoneware pottery
Dates: March 12, 19, and 26
Time: 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM
Location: Syracuse Community Center
1013 N. Long Drive, Syracuse, IN
Instructor: Scott Souers
Cost: $65.87
Participant Limit: 8 people

Reserve Your Spot

Space is limited. To reserve your ticket, please click HERE.

Program Support

Activities are made possible in part by our Regional Art Partner, the Community Foundation of St. Joseph County, and the Indiana Arts Commission, which receives support from the State of Indiana and the National Endowment for the Arts.

by CHTQAAdmin

Events, Faith

Old Fashioned Hymn Sing on Palm Sunday

Old Fashioned Hymn Sing Returns on Palm Sunday at Syracuse Community Center

A Larger Venue for a Growing Community Tradition

Due to an overflowing crowd at our first-ever Old-Fashioned Hymn Sing in the quaint, historic Oakwood Chapel, Chautauqua-Wawasee is relocating this popular community event to a larger venue. The Old Fashioned Hymn Sing will now be held at the Syracuse Community Center, 1013 N. Long Drive, Syracuse, allowing more people to attend and enjoy more convenient parking.

Continuing a Beloved Hymn Sing Tradition

Many churches once held a Hymn Sing as a Sunday evening service, bringing communities together through music and worship. Chautauqua-Wawasee’s Old Fashioned Hymn Sing continues this tradition on Palm Sunday evening, March 29, from 5–6 p.m.

Led by Dr. Larry Allen

Dr. Larry Allen will lead the singing of some of Christianity’s most beloved hymns, including “Holy, Holy, Holy” and “Amazing Grace.”

A Free Community Event Open to All

This free community program encourages attendees to arrive early to secure good seating and begin identifying favorite hymns to sing. Everyone is invited to join this community hymn sing as voices are lifted together in praise to the Lord.

A Time of Comfort, Reflection, and Song

Many favorite hymns carry deep meaning, recalling a simpler time and offering comfort to the soul. If you are longing to sing and hear those beloved songs, don’t miss the opportunity to attend Chautauqua-Wawasee’s Old Fashioned Hymn Sing in Syracuse, Indiana.

When

Palm Sunday, March 29
5:00–6:00 p.m.

Where

Syracuse Community Center
1013 N Long Dr
Syracuse, IN 46567

Learn More About Chautauqua-Wawasee

To learn more about Chautauqua-Wawasee community programs, many of which are suitable for the entire family, visit our “About Chautauqua” page. For questions, please call (574) 377-7543.

by CHTQAAdmin

Art, Events

Purdue Varsity Glee Club Returns to Syracuse on April 17

Purdue Varsity Glee Club Brings Over a Century of Musical Excellence to Syracuse

Chautauqua-Wawasee is proud to welcome back the Purdue Varsity Glee Club for a special performance on Friday, April 17, 2026, at 7:30 PM at the Wawasee High School Auditorium.

This return performance continues a cherished tradition, bringing one of the nation’s most celebrated collegiate vocal ensembles back to the Syracuse community for an evening of outstanding musical artistry.

A Legacy of Excellence Since 1893

Founded in 1893, the Purdue Varsity Glee Club has built and maintained its reputation as the nation’s premier collegiate glee club for more than 130 years. Cincinnati Pops Orchestra conductor Erich Kunzel once declared them “still the number one Glee Club in the country.”

The ensemble’s distinguished history includes performances at six presidential inaugurations, appearances at Carnegie Hall, and concerts at venues across the United States and abroad. As musical ambassadors for Purdue University, members of the Glee Club represent a wide range of academic disciplines while balancing rigorous studies with an unwavering commitment to musical excellence.

Under the direction of William E. Griffel and Scott Hines, the ensemble performs an eclectic repertoire that includes gospel, jazz, contemporary selections, classical works, and patriotic music, often enhanced by their signature vocal arrangements.

Featured Ensembles and Musical Variety

The April 17 concert will feature the full Purdue Varsity Glee Club along with four specialty ensembles, each offering its own distinctive sound:

BaNaNa
Flashbacks
Roots
Top of the Class

These groups bring a range of styles to the stage, from 1950s nostalgia and barbershop classics to contemporary vocal jazz, creating a dynamic and engaging concert experience.

Event Details and Tickets

Date: Friday, April 17, 2026
Time: 7:30 PM (Doors open at 7:00 PM)
Location: Wawasee High School Auditorium
1 Warrior Path, Suite 1
Syracuse, IN 46567

Tickets:

$25 for adults
$15 for students

Tickets are available now and may be purchased through Eventbrite by clicking HERE.

For more information about the Purdue Varsity Glee Club, click HERE.

About Chautauqua-Wawasee

Chautauqua-Wawasee is a volunteer-driven local nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching community life through high-quality programming in the arts, education, faith, and recreation. The organization continues the historic Chautauqua mission of bringing people together across generations through experiences that educate, inspire, and entertain. Learn more HERE.

by CHTQAAdmin

Education, Events, Recreation

Waterfowl Festival | Northern Indiana Spring Migration

What’s Flying Through Northern Indiana This Spring?

A New Waterfowl Festival Invites the Public to Experience Migration Up Close

A Front-Row Seat to Spring Migration

This March, bird watchers, nature lovers, and curious minds alike are invited to experience spring migration up close. The Waterfowl Festival offers a full day dedicated to birds, wetlands, and conservation.

Tippecanoe Audubon Society, Ducks Unlimited, and Chautauqua-Wawasee jointly host the festival. The event takes place at the Oakwood Resort in Syracuse. It welcomes participants of all ages and experience levels.

March marks peak migration along the Mississippi Flyway. During this time, waterfowl and other wetland birds move north through the region. The Waterfowl Festival in Northern Indiana offers a rare chance to observe this seasonal movement firsthand.

Guided Birding Experiences

Festival participants can join guided field trips to Tri-County Fish & Wildlife Area and the Pisgah Marsh Boardwalk. Both locations sit along key migration routes.

Expert birders lead these outings in coordination with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. Participants learn to observe and identify birds in real time. These trips provide hands-on experience in active wetland habitats.

Workshops and Hands-On Activities

In addition to outdoor birding, the festival offers an indoor activity track. This option allows participants to balance time inside and outside.

Ducks Unlimited volunteers lead waterfowl identification workshops, duck box building, and decoy painting activities. These sessions help participants tailor the day to their interests. They also provide flexibility based on weather or comfort level.

Speaker Series on Waterfowl and Conservation

An afternoon speaker series rounds out the program. These talks focus on waterfowl biology, migration, and conservation.

Featured speakers include
• Adam Phelps, Indiana DNR Waterfowl Biologist, discussing changes to migration patterns along the Mississippi Flyway
• Hunter Mentges, presenting an introduction to identifying and aging waterfowl
• A representative from Indiana Audubon, discussing the successful reestablishment of sandhill cranes in Indiana

Partners in Conservation

The Tippecanoe Audubon Society supports conservation and environmental education. Its work promotes appreciation and preservation of birds, wildlife, and diverse ecosystems.

The Tri-County Fish & Wildlife Area and Pisgah Marsh Wildlife Management Areas are managed by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. These areas provide quality outdoor recreational opportunities.

Ducks Unlimited works to conserve, restore, and manage wetlands and waterfowl habitat. This work benefits birds, wildlife, and the communities that depend on healthy ecosystems.

Chautauqua-Wawasee proudly partners with these organizations. Together, they bring the first-ever Waterfowl Festival to the Syracuse area.

Tickets and Registration

Tickets to the Waterfowl Festival are $20 per person. The price includes a buffet lunch. Registration is strongly encouraged.

Tickets may be purchased through Eventbrite by clicking HERE.

Follow us on Facebook for updates!

by CHTQAAdmin

Art, Education, Events, Faith, Recreation

Chautauqua Wawasee 2026 Program Schedule

Discover the Chautauqua Wawasee 2026 Program Schedule, a full year of inspiring events celebrating Arts, Education, Faith, and Recreation in the Syracuse and Lake Wawasee community. This year’s lineup blends beloved traditions with new programs designed to inform, entertain, and connect.

Program Schedule Highlights for 2026

The ever-popular Purdue Varsity Glee Club Performance returns on April 17, filling the spring air with music, harmony, and school spirit.

In July, our Famous Hoosier Series will feature Ralph Teetor. If you missed this film and discussion in 2024 at the Pickwick Theater, mark your calendar for July 28 when it returns to Chautauqua-Wawasee.

Our growing Arts Programs continue to expand in 2026 with hands-on workshops. Included in the lineup are Pottery, Stained Glass Mosaics, Pour Paint, and Plein Air Painting. These offerings support our ongoing goal of establishing our region as a true Artists’ Destination.

And since our Patriotic Speaker Series features a new historical figure each year, we’re especially excited to announce that George Washington will be our featured guest in 2026. His engaging reenactment will bring America’s early days to life through storytelling and character portrayal.

Returning Favorites

You’ll see the return of crowd favorites like the Pawasee Dog Parade, Taps Across the Water, Old Fashioned Christmas, and our Historic Cruises — all programs that continue to bring joy, connection, and tradition to our community year after year.

Plan Ahead

Mark your calendars, invite your friends, and make 2026 a year to remember with Chautauqua Wawasee. You can always find the most up-to-date information on all of our programs on the Chautauqua-Wawasee Facebook page. You can also check the Chautauqua-Wawasee calendar of events.

by CHTQAAdmin

Events, Faith, Recreation

Old Fashioned Christmas Oakwood Resort | Holiday Cheer Returns 2025

By Kip Schumm
Chautauqua-Wawasee

Old Fashioned Christmas Oakwood Resort Returns

Syracuse, IN – The Old Fashioned Christmas at Oakwood Resort is back! On Saturday, November 29, from 5:30 to 8 PM, families are invited to enjoy one of northern Indiana’s most beloved free holiday events. This evening tradition brings joy to all ages with a magical tree lighting, Santa visits, wagon rides, and festive activities.

Tree Lighting Sparks the Celebration

The evening begins at 5:30 PM with music, followed by a dazzling countdown to the lighting of the towering Christmas tree in front of the Resort at 6 PM. This signature moment sets the tone for a night filled with wonder. After the tree lighting, the grounds open, welcoming guests into a winter wonderland of holiday fun.

Visitors will meet favorites like Santa and Mrs. Claus, Buddy the Elf, Frosty, Toy Soldiers, Reindeer, and even the Grinch. Families can mingle, take photos, and enjoy holiday cheer as children wait for their visits with Santa.

Stories, Nativity, and Chapel Reflections

Follow the decorated path to listen as an elf reads The Night Before Christmas. Then pause at the Live Nativity, a moving scene that adds depth to the evening. Just beyond, step into the historic Oakwood Chapel to hear the Biblical Christmas story. This quiet space provides a moment of reflection, reminding all of the true meaning of Christmas.

Family Activities for All Ages

Guests will discover activities and treats throughout the grounds:

Horse-drawn wagon rides around the Resort
A live reindeer encounter for children and adults
Fire pits with hot chocolate, cookies, and s’mores
Games, a photo booth, and costumed carolers sharing songs

Because everything happens outdoors, the atmosphere feels nostalgic and community-centered — the perfect way to begin the holiday season.

Event Details for Old Fashioned Christmas Oakwood Resort

When: Saturday, November 29, 5:30–8 PM
Where: Oakwood Resort, Syracuse, Indiana
Cost: FREE

For more information about this event and other upcoming events, visit Chautauqua-Wawasee Events.

Dress warmly and join us at Oakwood Resort for a night of joy, wonder, and holiday cheer.

Remember, the grounds open only after the tree is lit, so arrive on time to enjoy every moment of this magical evening!
Whether you’re sipping cocoa by the fire or singing along with carolers, Old Fashioned Christmas at Oakwood Resort promises a night of joy, wonder, and community connection.

See you there!

This event has concluded. Details are retained as part of Chautauqua-Wawasee’s programming archive.

by CHTQAAdmin

Education, Events, Recreation

Syracuse Ghost Tour: Haunted Past Comes Alive

The Syracuse Ghost Tour premieres on Saturday, October 18, 2025, bringing history and hauntings together in one unforgettable evening. This one-night-only walking tour takes guests through downtown Syracuse, Indiana, where they’ll meet the “ghosts” of the past and hear the stories that shaped the town.

What You’ll Experience

At each stop, volunteer storytellers portray figures from Syracuse’s history—some famous, others infamous. Guests will encounter a bank president tied to a tree during a daring robbery, hear how Andrew Carnegie helped fund the public library, and listen to a silent film star’s memories of summers on Lake Wawasee. Firefighters recall blazes in the Pickwick Block, while pioneering teachers share their trailblazing stories. Each tale is told on the very ground where it happened, blending fact, legend, and Halloween spirit.

Tour Details

Tours run from 6:00 to 9:00 pm, departing every fifteen minutes. Each lasts about an hour and covers a half-mile of flat, mobility-friendly paths. Designed for all ages, the Syracuse Ghost Tour combines history, performance, and a touch of the supernatural.

Location

Tours will begin at Moore’s Affordable Furniture, located at 200 E. Main St., Syracuse, IN

Admission

11-Adult: $3 / Children 10 and under are FREE!

Reserve Your Spot

Click HERE to reserve your spot and join us for an evening where Syracuse’s haunted past comes alive.

This event has concluded. Details are retained as part of Chautauqua-Wawasee’s programming archive.

by CHTQAAdmin

Events, Recreation

Wawasee “Then & Now” Historical Cruise 2025

Wawasee Then and Now Historical Cruise 2025

Wawasee “Then and Now” Historical Cruise-2025

We know Lake Wawasee as Indiana’s largest natural lake, lined with impressive mansions and charming cottages. But what did its shores look like long ago? The Wawasee Then and Now Historical Cruise invites you to step back in time and explore the fascinating history of this beloved lake. Presented by Chautauqua-Wawasee and the Syracuse-Wawasee Historical Museum, this popular annual event offers a rare look at the lake’s shoreline as it once was.

Local historian Ann Garceau will narrate this 2-hour cruise aboard the SS Lillypad II, sharing captivating stories about historic hotels, notable events, famous property owners, entertainment venues, marinas, and more. A detailed booklet of historical photos will be provided so you can follow along as the cruise circles the lake. Along the way, you’ll hear little-known facts and behind-the-scenes stories that bring Lake Wawasee’s past to life.

Event Details for Wawasee Then and Now Historical Cruise 2025

Date: Thursday, September 25, 2025
Time: 1:00 – 3:00 PM (Boarding begins at 12:45 PM)
Location: The Frog Tavern, 1116 South Harkless Drive, Syracuse, Indiana
Cost: $28.52 per person
Tickets: Must be purchased in advance by clicking HERE.

Why Join Us on This Historical Lake Cruise?

This event offers a unique opportunity to see Lake Wawasee from a historical perspective that few ever experience. From stories of grand hotels and bustling marinas to the quiet charm of early cottages, Ann Garceau brings history to life with rich detail and captivating storytelling. Past attendees have praised the combination of scenic lake views, engaging narration, and rare archival photographs.

Snack food will be available, and a cash bar will be open throughout the cruise. Because this event sells out quickly, early ticket purchase is highly recommended.

Questions?

Call 574-377-7543 or email info@chautauquawawasee.org.

Chautauqua-Wawasee is a non-profit organization providing quality programs rooted in the four pillars of Arts, Education, Faith, and Recreation, making Syracuse and the surrounding region a wonderful place to visit, live, work, and raise a family.

by CHTQAAdmin

Education, Events

Revitalization of the Miami Culture – Indiana and Beyond

In celebration of Archaeology Month, Chautauqua-Wawasee will host “Bringing History Alive” with a program on the Revitalization of the Miami Culture: Indiana and Beyond. The presentation is free to attend outdoors at the Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation Ruddell Pavilion, 11586 N State Route 13, Syracuse, IN, on Saturday, September 6 from 10 AM to Noon.

Logan York, Tribal Historic Preservation Officer of the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma, will discuss contemporary revitalization of Myaamia culture and review ancient Tribal history of Myaamiaki neehi Myaamionki: Miami People and Miami Land, including the Tribe’s removal to and establishment in Oklahoma. The present era of revitalization, including the Tribal processes and reasoning that underlay Myaamia strategies for cultural renewal, will be Logan’s focus. He will highlight contemporary Miami art and the artists who are significant contributors to Myaamia cultural revitalization.

Two regionally famous Myaamia artists, Dani Tippmann (fine basketry) and Katrina Mitten (beadwork), will be present to share samples of their art and to dialogue about their exquisite work for attendees to view both before and after the presentation.

About the Presenters

Image of Logan York

Logan York is the Tribal Historic Preservation Officer for the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma and a citizen of the Tribe. Logan is an active member of the Miami community, attending tribal events, stomp dances, and other cultural gatherings. He has a bachelor’s degree from Miami University in Anthropology with minors in History and Archaeology. Logan came to work for the Tribe in April of 2022 after previously working for Rebecca Hawkins, the consulting archaeologist for the Miami Tribe. As THPO, he is part of the Cultural Resources Office team that is located in the Miami ancestral homelands.

Dani Tippmann is a citizen of the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma and an award-winning artist who has been beading for more than 45 years. Her works have been acquired by the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma, the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian, the Smithsonian’s Renwick Gallery of American Art in Washington, D.C., and the Eiteljorg Museum of Native American and Western Art in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Katrina Mitten, Food Program Director for the Miami Tribe, a citizen of the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma, is descended from Takumwah and Chief Richardville. She was honored by the Eiteljorg Museum of Native and Western Art as Artist in Residence (in 2012, 2014, 2015, and 2024) for being a Plant Tradition Bearer and for her mastery in basketry that is made from the gift of nature’s plant world.

Why Attend?

Step into a living history experience that bridges the past and present of the Miami people. This unique program offers a rare opportunity to hear directly from Miami Tribal leaders and artists about their cultural revitalization, ancestral traditions, and vibrant contemporary art. Learn how centuries-old practices are being renewed, view exquisite basketry and beadwork up close, and connect with the stories that continue to shape the Myaamia identity today. Whether you’re passionate about history, Indigenous culture, or the arts, you’ll leave inspired, informed, and enriched.

More Information: Follow the Chautauqua-Wawasee Facebook page or call (574) 377-7543

by CHTQAAdmin