This is Chautauqua. Community events for the whole family hosted in Syracuse Indiana and Lake Wawasee.
We celebrate creativity through performances, exhibitions, and hands-on opportunities that inspire expression, imagination, and a lifelong appreciation for the arts.
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We foster lifelong learning through lectures, conversations, and shared learning that encourage curiosity, reflection, and personal growth at every stage of life.
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At Chautauqua, faith plays an important role in shaping shared values, reflection, and connection within our social and cultural life.
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Recreation and healthy living are essential to life at Chautauqua, supporting connection, balance, and enjoyment through shared activity.
Learn MoreOur goal is to “raise the bar” continually by improving the quality of programs, authors, and presenters. Your support enables us to grow and carry out our mission of providing valuable programs related to education, arts, faith and recreation. Our vision is for Chautauqua-Wawasee to be cited as one reason a business and/or people choose to move and live in Syracuse, Kosciusko County, and Indiana. We promise to use all gifts wisely and responsibly toward this vision.
Mail Donations to:
Oakwood Foundation Inc.
Chautauqua-Wawasee
702 E. Lake View Rd
Syracuse, IN 46567
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 […]
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, […]
Teddy and Edith Roosevelt Come to Life at Chautauqua-Wawasee’s 2025 Patriotic Speaker Series Experience history as President Teddy Roosevelt and First Lady Edith Roosevelt come to life at the 5th Annual Patriotic Speaker Series, presented by Chautauqua-Wawasee. This free program features professional actors Larry and Julia Marple portraying the 26th President and his wife, bringing […]
Five Things You Should Know About Chautauqua-Wawasee – An interview from The Mail-Journal with Mark Knecht
Five Things You Should Know About Chautauqua-Wawasee The Mail-Journal recently sat down with Mark Knecht, the President of Chautauqua-Wawasee, to talk about their organization and future plans. Mail-Journal: What do you want readers to know about Chautauqua? Knecht: Well, a lot of people don’t know who we are and what we do, so that would […]
Syracuse Food Pantry’s “Support a Family” program
Because there has been a surge in need, the Syracuse Food Pantry is reemphasizing its “Support a Family” program. They serve about 100 families from Turkey Creek township per month. Families get about 1 week’s supply of food, cleaning supplies, and dry goods per visit and are only allowed to visit once per month. The […]
Local History 3-Programs Series a Success
Local History 3-Programs Series a Success Chautauqua-Wawasee and Syracuse-Wawasee Historical Museum joined together to offer three programs exploring local history for the period from the 1750s to the 1850s. The programs were in support of Archaeology Month. All programs were free to attend. The first program, held Thursday evening at the Syracuse Community Center, featured […]