Wawasee Fine Arts Festival at Oakwood
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10th annual 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

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WACF Earth Day Festival

 

WACF Earth Day Festival

Love Nature?  Love butterflies?  Plan to join Chautauqua Wawasee for Earth Day at the Wawasee Area Conservancy (WACF).

We need your help!  Be sure to visit our interactive booth to learn how to help save the Monarch butterfly! Plan to learn from the butterfly lady herself, Cindy Gackenheimer, Flutterby Gardens, Claypool, Indiana as she shares about the metamorphosis of a butterfly, the Monarch migration pattern this year, and practical steps you can take to help the Monarch.

We have a very kid-friendly, hands-on learning experience where we’ll have a migration game attendees can play, a special craft that involves stamping the butterfly life cycle on a take-home canvas bag.  Take home some free pollinator seeds to plant, which encourage butterflies in your garden or landscape, and attract fluttering friends for years to come!

Please click HERE for a link to visit the WACF and learn more about this event.

 

When: Saturday, May 4th, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Where: Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation l  11586 IN-13, Syracuse, IN

Cost: FREE!

 

 

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Super Star Shanna Zolman Mahaley Returns to Syracuse

Super Star Shanna Zolman Mahaley Returns to Syracuse

The Wawasee High School graduate, who went on to star at the University of Tennessee and into the WNBA, is returning to Syracuse on May 7 for two programs at Wawasee High School. In the morning she will speak at a student assembly. Then, at 7 p.m., she will speak at a Chautauqua Wawasee-sponsored event, free and open to the public in the high school gymnasium. Active with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Shanna will discuss her ministry, mentoring, and faith journey.

While playing for Wawasee, the Warriors went 74-19 during that stretch as Zolman led the state in scoring all four years as the team played in front of packed gyms throughout the area. She finished her career as an All-American, the Indiana Miss Basketball winner, co-MVP of the McDonald’s All-American Game, and at that time the state’s all-time leading scorer for girls with 3,085 career points. Following an outstanding career at the University of Tennessee, where she ranks ninth in career scoring, Zolman played four seasons in the WNBA with the San Antonio Silver Stars and Tulsa Shock, averaging 7.9 points and shooting 41 percent from the 3-point line. Two knee injuries cut her playing career short.

She now lives in the Seattle area and works in ministry and mentoring with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. “I’m trying to share my passion and love of Jesus,” she said. “That’s what makes me click. I really enjoy speaking around the country and sharing my passion and experiences. That’s where my focus is right now.” “I will be coming to share about the ministry God has me involved in around the Seattle area through the Fellowship of Christian Athletes,” Zolman said. “I will also be sharing how He has been working in and through me while using my basketball experiences as a platform to share and connect with others.

The event is free to attend, 7 – 8 p.m. at the Wawasee High School gymnasium in Syracuse.

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John Wooden Presentation

It is remarkable how little many Hoosiers know about the history of our state and the amazing people it has spawned. Some of the greatest athletes, composers, entertainers, entrepreneurs, innovators, leaders, musicians, philanthropists, politicians, preachers, public servants, scientists, teachers, and writers in U.S. history were nurtured by this soil.  Chautauqua-Wawasee has embarked on an annual series to highlight Hoosiers who have impacted America. John Wooden will lead off this series with a presentation by Dr. Richard Gunderman, author of the book “Hoosier Beacons”. When you hear his presentation, you will be amazed at the nature and accomplishments of the man discussed and you will want to be a better person by simply hearing about Wooden’s long and successful life.

WHEN: July 13, 2024, beginning with refreshments at 4:30 PM followed by the presentation from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM.

WHERE: Oakwood Resort, located at 702 E. Lake View Road, Syracuse Indiana.

COST: FREE to attend!

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Ben Franklin: In His Own Words
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Ask Ben Franklin: In His Own Words

Ask Ben Franklin: In His Own Words

As part of Chautauqua’s annual Patriotic Speaker Series, the 2024 program will feature American patriot Ben Franklin. The performance will feature professional actor Barry Stevens as Ben Franklin. Meet and discuss events with this man, the most famous man in America at the time he lived. Franklin has a long list of accomplishments: printer, inventor (the Franklin stove, of course, the armonica, the lightning rod and an odometer, to name a few), scientist, politician, musician, postmaster, satirist and founder of the University of Pennsylvania and the first fire department in the colonies. In fact, Stevens says, Franklin is considered the “patron saint” of fire departments. As he traveled to locations throughout the Colonies, he was known as Dr. Franklin, and even traveled to Paris, France.

Barry Stevens has been presenting Benjamin Franklin while participating as a member of a company of Revolutionary War re-enactors since 2005. The performer has requested attendees to come with questions to “Ask Ben” which allows him to share historical information and anecdotes.

The performance is on June 30 from 4:30-5:30 at the Wawasee High School auditorium, in Syracuse Indiana. The program is free to attend.
Also in Syracuse, at 7:30, the annual Patriotic Pops concert by the Fort Wayne Philharmonic Orchestra is performed on the lawn at Oakwood Resort.

Stop by the Chautauqua tent for a free flag and glow light. Attendance is free for this family-friendly event.
Visit us on Facebook, or give us a call at 574-377-7543 for more information.

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Chautauqua Plein Air at the Wawasee Fine Arts Festival

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

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Pawasee Dog Parade. June 22 at Oakwood Resort.

Pawasee Dog Parade. June 22 at Oakwood Resort

Come paw-ty at the fur-st Pawasee Dog Parade hosted by Chautauqua Wawasee on Saturday, June 22. The parade will follow a one-quarter-mile route within the grounds of Oakwood Resort. This family event is really about showing off your best friend in our dog-loving community.

Participants are encouraged to decorate carts, wagons, strollers, and leashes, as well as dress up with their dogs. Awards will be presented to the best-dressed dog, best dog trick, best tail wag, and other categories…

Fur-real. Special O.P.S. K-9 Academy will provide an obedience demonstration along with a few tricks. They will also show off some special dog grooming ideas and hand out dog froyos (frozen yogurt formulated for dogs).

You can learn more about Syracuse’s own New Hope Pet Rescue and its efforts to rescue dogs and cats and place them with loving families. They will also be available to discuss how you can adopt a pet.

Syracuse-Wawasee Trails will provide information about our community’s dog-friendly trail system. They will also have a dog kissing booth and a local dog biscuit maker on hand.

Oakwood Resort will partner with Tito’s Vodka, the dog lover’s vodka, to sponsor a pop-up bar and will match their proceeds to support New Hope Pet Rescue. They will also provide dog tag engraving and other goodies.

Lakeland Animal Clinic will also be on hand to scan your dog’s microchip implant.

This event is free, but participants are encouraged to make a $15 donation. All of the money raised will go to New Hope Pet Rescue.

When: Saturday, June 22, 11:30 – 1 pm
Where: Oakwood Resort, Syracuse, Indiana
Tickets: Free…please register at the event.

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2024 Lake Wawasee “Points of Interest” Historical Cruise

Chautauqua-Wawasee and the Syracuse-Wawasee Historical Museum will once again enjoy local historian Ann Garceau as she narrates a cruise of Lake Wawasee highlighting “Points of Interest” aboard the SS Lillypad II.

This event is always popular so get your tickets early.

Ann will share her knowledge about historic hotels, events, property owners, restaurants, entertainment venues, boat taxis, marinas, other points of interest, and little-known facts as the SS Lillypad proceeds around the shoreline of the lake. Snack food will be provided along with a cash bar.

Boarding begins at 12:45 at The Frog Tavern.
What: 2-hour Lake Wawasee Cruise
When: Thursday, May 16, 1:00 – 3:00 pm
Where: The Frog Tavern, Syracuse, Indiana
THIS EVENT HAS SOLD OUT. Please join us on our fall cruise!

Don’t forget to check out our calendar and visit us on Facebook for details on all of the great events that Chautauqua Wawasee has to offer!

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Purdue Varsity Glee Club
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Purdue Varsity Glee Club is Coming to Syracuse in 2024!

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!

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Everyone says they love nature, but… Does Nature Love Us Back?

Does Nature Love Us Back?

Everyone says they love nature, but does nature love us back? And how would we know?
This topic will be explored at an upcoming Chautauqua program on Saturday, November 4 at the Syracuse Community Center.
The program will be a fun, educational, and interactive session co-hosted by Diane Hunter, Cliff Kindy, and John Edgerton who have spent their lifetimes working with plants, animals, water, and soil. Each of the program leaders will focus on a different topic in addressing the question “Does Nature Love Us Back”. The program is a family event and is free to attend.
ABOUT THE SPEAKERS
Diane Hunter has served as the Myaamia Heritage Preservation Specialist for the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma and is a citizen and elder of the Tribe.  Her expertise is in the history of the Myaamia People, their cultural experience, artistic and story-telling nature. Earth-centered wisdom has been a part of Myaamia culture and life since time immemorial.
Cliff Kindy is an organic farmer who does all his gardening and life needs on captured and recycled water and without using fossil fuel. Cliff has, over thirty years, traveled with Christian Peacemaking Teams worldwide to stand with indigenous people in the face of violent, unjust regimes.
John Edgerton has done organic market gardening and community-supported agriculture based on limited and appropriate technology. John and his partner Amy co-teach Slow Farming at Kalamazoo College to give fourth-year students a hands-on immersion in farming and gardening skills. Their passion is saving and stewarding seeds.
WHEN: Saturday, November 4th -6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
WHERE: Syracuse Community Center 1013 N Long Dr, Syracuse IN
COST: FREE!
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