Seeking Artists for the 11th Annual Chautauqua-Wawasee Fine Arts Festival

Call for Artists: 11th Annual Chautauqua-Wawasee Fine Arts Festival

Chautauqua-Wawasee is now accepting applications for the 11th Annual Chautauqua-Wawsee Fine Arts Festival at Oakwood Resort in Syracuse, Indiana. This juried festival provides artists with an exceptional opportunity to showcase their work, connect with art enthusiasts, and enjoy a day dedicated to creativity in a beautiful park setting.

Application Details

  • Booth Space: 12’x12’ (Tent is 10′ x 10′) – $125 per space 
  • Application/Jury Fee: $25 per medium
  • Early Bird Discount: $100 per space + $25 application/jury fee if submitted prior to April 1, 2025
  • Pre-Juried Artists: If you were juried in a previous Wawasee Fine Arts Festival and are displaying the same medium, you will be considered pre-juried. Only juried artwork may be exhibited.

Festival & Setup Details

  • Event Date: Saturday, May 24, 2025
  • Festival Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Location: Oakwood Resort, Syracuse, Indiana

Artist Set-Up Information

  • Saturday, May 24: Set-up begins at 6:00 AM. Booths must be fully set up by 8:30 AM.
  • Early Set-Up: Available on Friday, May 23, from 4:00 PM – 8:30 PM. Please adhere to these times due to other events at Oakwood.
  • Vehicle Policy: Artists may drive up to their booth for set-up and tear-down, but vehicles must be moved off the lawn by 8:45 AM.

Sales & Artist Responsibilities

  • Artists handle all their own sales and must comply with state and local sales tax regulations.
  • White tents are preferred but not required.
  • Special needs requests will be considered but are not guaranteed.

Weather, Cancellations & Festival Policies

  • The festival takes place rain or shine.
  • No security is provided for Friday night setup.
  • No access to electricity is available.
  • Cancellations Policy:
    • Must be submitted in writing (via mail or email).
    • Cancellations before May 9, 2025, will receive a 50% refund.
    • No refunds will be issued for weather, local authority decisions, or acts of God.

Additional Support

  • Volunteer booth sitters will be available for short-term breaks.

How to Apply

Spaces are limited, so artists are encouraged to apply early!

📄 Download the application and full details HERE.

Join us for a fantastic day celebrating fine art in a beautiful lakeside setting!

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.

Ball State University Singers Syracuse Performance


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.

Devin Van Lue-Reflections by a Ball State Singer

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!)

Introduction to Plein Air Workshop. 

This 3-day workshop will focus on how to create a great landscape. Each day, we will have morning and afternoon demonstrations followed by personal painting time with plenty of one-on-one coaching. 

This 3-day workshop will focus on how to create a great landscape. Each day, we will have morning and afternoon demonstrations followed by personal painting time with plenty of one-on-one coaching. Topics include linear perspective; creating thumbnail sketches; Notan design methods; composition choice; palette and local color choice; the underpainting and how to finish.
Instructors: David M. Seward, an award-winning Plein Air artist and instructor, assisted by David Broerman, founder of NIPAA. Equipment, paint, canvases, and lunch will be provided and limited to 12 participants.
WHEN: May 29, 30 & 31st from 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
WHERE: Each day will be located at a different location around Lake Wawasee and Syracuse Lake. COST: $300 for public ($275 for NIPAA members and Kosciusko County residents). Or, you may register for just 1 day for $125. You pick the day at checkout.
Register with Dave Broerman at (260) 417-6197, or simply click HERE.
Wawasee Fine Arts Festival at Oakwood
10th annual Wawasee Fine Arts Festival at Oakwood

Chautauqua Wawasee is hosting the 10th annual Wawasee Fine Arts Festival at Oakwood Resort on May 25th, which features a diverse range of fine art including pottery, watercolor, oil painting, jewelry, and specialty art made from natural materials such as wood, glass, or metal to create beautiful, one-of-a-kind pieces. This year, the number of artists has grown to 35, ensuring there will be plenty to see in 2024! All art has been juried to ensure suitability for this event. We strive to provide “fine art” products from true artisans, so you’ll be sure to find that perfect treasure to take home. Many of the designs reflect a Lake setting.

New this year is a Plein Air “paint out” sponsored by the Northern Indiana Plein Air Artists Association. Plein Air is the act of painting outdoors; the concept of landscape portraiture by which the artist paints directly onto canvas at the location of the landscape. These will all be paintings of the Syracuse/Wawasee area, and paintings made available for sale after awards are judged at 4:00 pm. For more information, please click HERE.

The festival will take place outdoors (rain or shine) in a beautiful lakefront park setting at Oakwood Resort in Syracuse, Indiana. Various activities, both recreational and artistic are available for children, so we encourage you to bring the whole family along to enjoy the day as there will be something for everyone.

Food and drinks will be available from on-site vendors or you may visit Oakwood’s Pier & Back Porch Restaurant. J-N-B Smokers, a BBQ food truck, is available as well as, popcorn, and ice cream by Sprinkle Express to cool off.

What: Wawasee Fine Art Festival at Oakwood
When: May 25, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Where: Oakwood Resort, Syracuse, Indiana
Cost: FREE to attend

Follow us on Facebook or give us a call at 574-377-7543

Chautauqua Wawasee and Northern Indiana Plein Air proudly present the Chautauqua Plein Air Paint Out @ the Wawasee Fine Arts Festival on the grounds of Oakwood Resort. The art of painting will take place in the most desired location of the Oakwood Park neighborhood but artists may venture all of Lake Wawasee, Syracuse, and Syracuse Lake.
This event will take place on Saturday, May 25th from 8 am until 4 pm. Artists may check-in starting at 7:30 am at the Gazebo near the entrance to the Oakwood Resort, and then relocate to our festival location by 10 am. We will be set up by the Gazebo at the Fine Arts Festival beginning at 7:30 am and then relocate to our festival location by 10 am.
As you complete your first painting, bring it over for display. It will allow visitors to see and possibly purchase it. No worries just go out and start your next painting. We will work on the sale. We will process the sale for a 25% fee.
Paintings to be judged should be dropped off by 3:30 pm.  Judging will be promptly at 4 pm. With awards at 4:30 pm. With this great event there will be 5 merit awards @ $200 opportunity to display, and hopefully the selling of your works of art. Artists may enter 1 plein air painting for competition judging. All others may be displayed for sale.
During the day refreshments will be provided at the event table. Light lunch will be provided at noon. Artist will need to pick up their lunch at the event table.
More details and more opportunities will evolve and will be emailed to all registrants the week of the event. For up-to-date information be sure to follow us on Facebook and check our web page at www.northernindianapleinair.org
Registration is:
Members $15 (2024 Paid Membership)
Nonmembers $20

Purdue Varsity Glee Club
Chautauqua-Wawasee is bringing the Purdue Varsity Glee Club to Syracuse on March 1, 2024, for their only performance in northeastern Indiana during the first half of 2024. Don’t miss the fun provided by this entertaining and vibrant performance at the Wawasee High School.

An event for the entire family — This dynamic musical troupe employs a versatile repertoire including gospel, vocal jazz, swing, contemporary hits, romantic ballads, classical choral selections, barbershop, folk melodies, patriotic standards, familiar opera choruses, country and novelty tunes, and utilizes small groups and outstanding soloists to further enhance each show.

As an added treat, there is a ticketholder discount for dining at the Pier & Back Porch Restaurant! Save your tickets to the Purdue Varsity Glee Club performance.  Before the concert on the night of March 1st, a 15% discount will be extended to event ticketholders at the Pier and Back Porch restaurant in the Oakwood Resort. 

* The 15% discount will not be valid on any purchases of alcoholic beverages and is only applicable on regularly priced menu items.  Digital copies of tickets will be accepted when shown to your server.  

When: March 1, 7:30 – 9:00 pm
Where: Wawasee High School auditorium, Syracuse, Indiana
Tickets: $22 for General Admission; $30 for VIP seating (middle rows A-D)
Purchase tickets: HERE,  or you may also give us a call at 574-377-7543

About Chautauqua-Wawasee
Oakwood Foundation, Inc. d/b/a Chautauqua-Wawasee, is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization focused on providing life-enriching programs with cultural, educational, and recreational events to the Kosciusko community and northern Indiana.

Be sure to visit our Facebook page for information and updates on our programs!

The 9th Annual Wawasee Fine Arts Festival at Oakwood is an annual event that features a diverse range of fine art, including pottery, watercolor, oil painting, jewelry, and specialty art made from natural materials such as wood, glass, or metal to create beautiful, one of a kind pieces. This year, the number of artists has grown, jumping from 28 to 35, ensuring there will be plenty to see in 2023! All art has been juried to ensure suitability for this event. We strive to provide “fine art” products from true artisans, so you’ll be sure to find that perfect treasure to take home.

The festival will take place outdoors (rain or shine) in a beautiful lakefront park setting at Oakwood Resort in Syracuse, Indiana. Various activities, both recreational and artistic are available for children, so we encourage you to bring the whole family along to enjoy the day as there will be something for everyone.

Food and drinks will be available from on-site vendors or you may visit Oakwood’s Pier & Back Porch Restaurant

WHERE: Oakwood Resort 702 E. Lake View Road Syracuse, Indiana
WHEN: May 27th, 2023  9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
ADMISSION: FREE!
PARKING: FREE!

Chautauqua-Wawasee invites you to apply to our juried fine arts festival. To apply as an exhibiting artist, please complete the application by May 1, 2023, or take advantage of the Early Bird Discount and submit your application prior to April 1, 2023. 

Booth space: 12’x12’ $125 per space, plus $25 application/jury fee (per medium).

EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT: $100 per space, plus $25 application/jury fee if received by April 1, 2023.

• Artists will be considered pre-juried if they were juried for any previous Wawasee Fine Arts Festival and will be displaying the same medium in the 2023 Festival. Only juried artwork will be allowed to be exhibited.

• Artist set-up on Saturday, May 27th begins at 6:00 a.m. Booth set-up MUST be complete by 8:30 a.m., and please allow yourself enough time to be completely torn down by 5:00 p.m. You will be able to drive right up to your booth area to set up and tear down, however, we ask that you PLEASE have your cars off the lawn at least 15 minutes prior to the start of the festival (8:45 a.m.)!

• Early set-up on Friday, May 26th is available from 4:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Because of other events held at Oakwood, it is very important that we stick to these times.

• All artists will transact their own sales and are responsible for complying with state and local sales tax regulations.

• White tents are preferred but not required.

• Special needs requests will be accepted but not guaranteed.

• Cancellations must be made in written form (mail or email). Cancellations prior to May 15th, 2023 will receive a 50% refund. No refunds will be made for any act of God, local authority or weather-related cancellations of the event.

• Volunteer booth sitters will be available for your short-term needs / breaks.

• Wawasee Fine Arts Festival at Oakwood takes place rain or shine.

• No security for Friday night setup.

• Sorry, no access to electricity is available

 

Art Festival Application 2023

Join us for a powerful celebration of faith, hope, laughter and love with a sparkling performance from the Ball State University Singers showcasing music that is encouraging, uplifting, and inspiring!

Friday February 10th, 6pm-7:30pm
Wawasee High School Auditorium
1 Warrior Path, Syracuse

General admission seats and VIP seating is available.

Click HERE to purchase tickets.