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

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

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

Functional pottery made in beginner pottery workshop

Art, Events

Pottery Workshop for Beginners with Kim Marcadis

Introduction

If you’ve been looking for a pottery workshop for beginners, this is your chance to work with professional potter Kim Marcadis in a small, hands-on class. Perfect for those new to clay, this workshop will guide you through creative techniques in a relaxed, encouraging environment.

About the Pottery Instructor: Kim Marcadis

Kim Marcadis is a full-time potter with a working studio and gallery in North Webster, Indiana. She specializes in playful, functional pottery that is rich in color and texture.

While most of her work is crafted on the potter’s wheel, Kim also hand-builds pieces from clay slabs. Many of her designs are inspired by nature—featuring birds, flowers, farm animals, and lake life—and she often imprints textures using natural materials like leaves and bark.

Kim first discovered pottery in eighth grade but returned to it in 2005 after moving to North Carolina. She studied at Clayworks Studio & Gallery in Charlotte, where her love for clay was rekindled. In 2016, she returned to North Webster and converted her grandfather’s mechanic shop into a studio and gallery.

Creative Process in Kim’s Pottery Workshop for Beginners

Kim’s pottery process emphasizes exploration and creativity. She fires her work in an electric oxidation kiln and uses layered surface design techniques, including:

Incising
Slip trailing
Painting with underglazes
Clear glaze finishing

These methods allow each beginner student to explore texture and technique in their own way.

Workshop Details

Workshop Title: Pottery Workshop – For Beginners
Dates: August 14, 21, and 28th
Time: 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Location: Syracuse Community Center- 1013 N. Long Drive, Syracuse
Instructor: Kim Marcadis
Cost: $60.00 (Plus a $5.87 Eventbrite processing fee.)
Participant Limit: 8 people

To reserve your spot/ticket, please click HERE.

See Kim Marcadis’ Work Online

View more of Kim’s pieces at her gallery site:
Backwater Girl Pottery

by CHTQAAdmin

Art, Events

Beginners Stained Glass Workshop in Syracuse

New for 2025: Discover the Art of Stained Glass

Looking ahead to fall? This is a great time to explore a new hands-on art class in Syracuse. Chautauqua Wawasee and the Syracuse Parks Department are excited to introduce a beginner’s stained glass workshop.

During this three-session course, you will learn how to select a pattern, cut and grind glass, apply copper foil, solder, and finish your own stained glass panel. The process is simple to follow and deeply rewarding.

All materials, tools, and equipment are included in the registration fee.

Stained glass artist Sally Mahnken

Meet Your Instructor: Sally Mahnken

Sally Mahnken is a Syracuse-based stained glass artist and a regular exhibitor at the Wawasee Fine Arts Festival, where she has shown her work for the last 10 years. She has also participated in the Winona Lake Fine Arts Show twice and exhibited pieces in two regional galleries. These venues have offered great opportunities to share and sell her work, as well as focus on commissioned stained glass.

Her creations include stained glass panels, sun catchers, tables, lamps, and windows. In addition, she uses leftover scrap glass to create mosaics—both as a sustainable practice and an artistic challenge.

Sally works with the copper foil technique made popular by Tiffany, and sometimes uses lead cam to frame circular designs. She has taken numerous classes to sharpen her skills and broaden her creative range. However, she is quick to say she does not consider herself a professional stained glass artist. In her own words, she considers herself “a very good amateur.”

Beginners Stained Glass Workshop

Dates: September 4, 11, and 18
Time: 5:00 to 7:30 PM
Location: Syracuse Community Center, 1013 N Long Dr., Syracuse, IN
Instructor: Sally Mahnken
Cost: $65.87 (Includes a $5.87 Eventbrite fee)
Class Size: Limited to 8 participants

Register HERE

This brand-new class is limited to just 8 participants. Register early to reserve your spot and experience the joy of stained glass. You’ll leave with a finished piece and the knowledge to continue creating on your own.

by CHTQAAdmin

Chautauqua Wawasee Fine Arts Festival 2025

Art, Events

Wawasee Fine Arts Festival 2025 | Art, Music & Family Fun

Wawasee Fine Arts Festival Returns to Oakwood Resort

Chautauqua-Wawasee is proud to host the 11th Annual Wawasee Fine Arts Festival at Oakwood Resort on Saturday, May 24, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

This beloved outdoor festival brings together a diverse range of fine art, featuring pottery, watercolor, oil painting, jewelry, and specialty art crafted from natural materials like wood, glass, and metal. Each piece is one-of-a-kind, created by talented artisans who reflect the beauty of the world around us — many with a lake-life influence perfect for the Syracuse-Wawasee community.

This year’s festival will welcome more than 30 juried artists, ensuring a broad and inspiring selection for guests to explore. Every artist is carefully selected to provide fine art of the highest quality — so you’re sure to discover a special treasure to take home.

Plein Air “Paint Out” Returns

Also returning this year is the popular Plein Air Paint Out, sponsored by the Northern Indiana Plein Air Artists Association. Plein Air, or “painting outdoors,” allows artists to capture the local landscape directly onto canvas while immersed in the environment.

All Plein Air artwork will feature scenes from the Syracuse/Wawasee area. Prizes will be awarded following the event, with Plein Air pieces available for purchase shortly after 4:00 p.m.

A Fun-Filled Day for the Whole Family

The festival will take place outdoors (rain or shine) in the beautiful lakefront park setting at Oakwood Resort in Syracuse, Indiana. In addition to browsing incredible art, families will find activities for children, both recreational and artistic — so there’s truly something for everyone!

Enjoy delicious food and drinks from local food trucks on-site, or visit Oakwood’s Pier & Back Porch Restaurant for a relaxing meal.

Admission is free, with free parking available. For added convenience, a golf cart shuttle will be running between the parking lot and the festival grounds.

Live Music Entertainment

Guests can enjoy live music throughout the day, featuring performances by Garry Jones Music and Michelle Fife on the Dulcimer.

Event Details:

What: Wawasee Fine Arts Festival at Oakwood
When: Saturday, May 24, 2025 | 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Where: Oakwood Resort, Syracuse, Indiana
Cost: Free Admission

Questions?

Contact us at info@ChautauquaWawasee.org or call 574-377-7543.

2025 Festival Map

by CHTQAAdmin

Art, Events

2025 Summer Plein Air Events

Chautauqua-Wawasee in Collaboration with NIPAA Present

2025 Summer Plein Air Events

Commissioned Lake House/Syracuse Scenes Painted for You | May 23-24

Syracuse residents, if you would like a special commissioned piece of your lake house, cottage, or favorite lake/Syracuse scene, 20 artists will be available to paint these commissioned art pieces during the Chautauqua Plein Air Paint Out on May 23-24.

Contact: Dave Broerman at northernindianapleinair@gmail.com
Deadline: May 1st for cost and complete details.

11th Annual Wawasee Arts Festival & Plein Air Art Demonstration and Sale

Come and see a live demonstration of Chautauqua Plein Air Artists at the 11th Annual Wawasee Fine Arts Festival on the grounds of Oakwood Resort on Saturday, May 24, from 9 AM – 4 PM.

At the conclusion of the Art Festival:

NIPAA will award prizes
Completed Plein Air Art will be for sale all day

Plein Air Workshop | May 28-30

Location: Each day will be a different location around Lake Wawasee and Syracuse Lake
Time: 10 AM – 4 PM
Instructors: Award-winning Plein Air Artist Mary Ann Davis, assisted by David Broerman, founder of NIPAA
Cost: $300
Register HERE

Equipment, paint, canvases, and lunch provided
Limited to 12 participants

Chautauqua-Wawasee and the Northern Indiana Plein Air Artists Association are collaborating to offer a three-day Plein Air Workshop from May 28-30.

Plein Air is the act of painting outdoors, capturing landscapes directly onto canvas at the location of the scene. This workshop will focus on creating stunning landscapes, featuring:

Live demonstrations
Personal painting time with one-on-one coaching
Topics Covered:
- Linear perspective
- Creating thumbnail sketches
- Composition choice
- Palette and local color selection
- Underpainting and finishing techniques

About Award-Winning Plein Air Artist Mary Ann Davis

Mary Ann Davis enjoys the challenge of painting on location and is recognized as one of Indiana’s premier Plein Air painters. Her paintings, known for their emphasis on color and atmosphere, have been featured in:

Plein Air Magazine
American Art Review
Pastel Journal
Southwest Art Magazine
Two Painting Indiana books

Davis exhibits widely, winning top awards, and is known as an exceptional artist and instructor. She is a signature member of:

American Impressionist Society
MidAmerica Pastel Society
Plein Air Artists Colorado
Chicago Pastel Painters

Having achieved the prestigious title of Indiana Artisan, her work can be seen at the Indiana Artisan Gallery in Carmel and the Brown County Art Guild in Nashville.

Free Wednesday Evening Paint Outs at Lake Wawasee | 5 – 8:00 PM

Dates: June 4, 11, 18, 25 & July 2, 9, 16, 23

Are you a beginner landscape painter looking to try Plein Air painting? Or a seasoned painter wanting to paint with others? Join David Broerman and fellow artists to paint in and around Wawasee and Syracuse.

Meet-Up Location:
Wawasee Fine Arts Gallery at South Shore Social at 5 PM, then relocate to the painting location.

What to Expect:

David Broerman will assist beginners and provide helpful painting tips
Limited Plein Air equipment available for participants to use
Sessions are free

Click HERE for more information.

Join Us for an Incredible Summer of Plein Air Art!

Whether you’re looking for a custom painting, a live art experience, or a hands-on workshop, there’s something for everyone at the 2025 Summer Plein Air Events.

Questions? Contact: northernindianapleinair@gmail.com

Follow Chautauqua-Wawasee and NIPAA for updates and announcements!

by CHTQAAdmin

Art, Events

Ball State University Singers to Perform in Syracuse: A Musical Event You Won’t Want to Miss!

Chautauqua-Wawasee’s 2025 Spring Musical Program is set to delight audiences with a performance by the renowned Ball State University Singers. Known as an elite musical show choir, this group of talented students—singers, dancers, instrumentalists, and sound technicians—will bring their extraordinary energy to Syracuse in an unforgettable 90-minute performance.

The show will take place at the Wawasee High School Auditorium and promises to feature an exciting mix of popular hit songs and musical theater favorites. Under the expert direction of Jodi Cotton-Street, the performance will celebrate timeless themes of faith, hope, laughter, and love, all brought to life through uplifting and inspiring music. Many choir members hail from local and regional high schools, making this performance a special homecoming for these talented and accomplished artists. For more insights into the event, read Devin Van Lue’s article here.

Event Details:

When: February 16, 2025, from 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM (Doors open at 3:00 PM)
Where: Wawasee High School Auditorium, 1 Warrior Path, Syracuse, Indiana
Tickets:
- General Admission: $10
- VIP Section: $20
  Tickets can be purchased HERE.

*You may also purchase your tickets at the door!*

About the Program and Chautauqua-Wawasee

Our mission at Chautauqua-Wawasee is to provide life-enriching experiences through the arts, education, faith, and recreation. Sponsored by the Chautauqua-Wawasee Oakwood Foundation Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, this program reflects our commitment to supporting the arts and creating meaningful events that bring the community together.

For more information about the program, visit Chautauqua-Wawasee’s website or follow them on the Chautauqua-Wawasee Facebook page.

Contact Information:

Questions? Contact us at info@chautauquawawasee.org or call 703-489-7124.
Photo Credit: Doug Clements

Don’t miss this incredible performance by the Ball State University Singers—an evening of joy, inspiration, and musical brilliance awaits! Reserve your tickets now for this unforgettable experience.

by CHTQAAdmin

Art

Reflections as a Ball State Singer-by Devin Van Lue, WHS Graduate

Reflections as a Ball State Singer By Devin Van Lue, WHS Graduate

Gratitude for the Journey

As I reflect on my time with the Ball State Singers, I am filled with gratitude for the ways this experience has shaped me—not only as a musician but also as a leader and as a person. From the first rehearsal to this final performance, the Ball State Singers have been a place of faith, hope, laughter, and love, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have been a part of this group.

More Than Just Music

A Community of Support

When I first joined the Singers, I came with a deep love for music, but I quickly learned that this group was much more than a place to sing—it was a community. Each member brings something unique. Over time, I realized that the Ball State Singers were about more than just rehearsals and performances; they were about building relationships and supporting one another, both on and off the stage. We laughed together, faced challenges together, and celebrated each other’s successes.

It’s a place where faith in one another’s abilities and a shared sense of hope in our goals allowed us to achieve far more than we ever could alone.

Growing Through Leadership Roles

Through my time with the Singers, I’ve had the privilege of growing into leadership roles that have helped shape who I am today. Starting as Outreach Coordinator, I learned to organize, communicate, and build connections. This role helped me see the importance of bridging the gap between the group and the community.

I transitioned into the role of Assistant Company Manager, where I gained more responsibility and a deeper understanding of what it takes to keep everything running smoothly. Now, as Company Manager, I’ve had the honor of working closely with the team, making sure everything from rehearsals to performances is executed flawlessly.

These leadership opportunities have pushed me to grow, and I am forever grateful for the trust and confidence my fellow Singers have shown me.

Living by Faith, Hope, and Love

In addition to leadership, the values of faith, hope, and love have been central to my journey. I’ve learned that leadership is about inspiring others and creating an environment where everyone feels supported and valued. There is a deep faith and hope that every performance will reflect our collective effort, and a love for the music and the people we share it with.

These values have guided me through every challenge and triumph, both in the group and in my own life.

A Meaningful Final Performance

This year holds special meaning for me, as it marks one of my final performances with the Ball State Singers at my alma mater, Wawasee High School. Performing here, where my love for music began, is a full-circle moment I’ll treasure. It reminds me of how far I’ve come and the powerful impact that music, community, and leadership have had on me.

Carrying the Memories Forward

As I take the stage one last time, I’ll carry with me all the lessons, memories, and relationships I’ve gained through the Ball State Singers. The laughter, faith, hope, and love we’ve shared will stay with me long after my final performance. I’ll forever be grateful.

Chautauqua-Wawasee presents the Ball State Singers
Sunday, Feb. 16, 3:30 – 5 PM at Wawasee High School.
For complete details and tickets, click HERE.

(For your convenience, you may also purchase tickets at the door on the afternoon of the performance!)

by CHTQAAdmin