Plein Air Summer
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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!

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

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.

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

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!)

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