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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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Old Fashioned Hymn Sing
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Join Us for a Traditional Hymn Sing

Join Us for a Traditional Hymn Sing

Remember a time when families would gather on Sunday evenings for a heartfelt hymns of praise service? The melodies and words filled our souls as we joyfully sang together in worship. Music and singing are essential components of faith, allowing the Word of Christ to dwell within us as we lift our voices in harmony.

A hymn is a devotional song specifically written for adoration or prayer. The word itself comes from the Greek meaning “a song of praise.” In 1524, Martin Luther wrote in the preface to the Wittenberg Hymnal, “Scripture teaches us that we are to sing praise to God. It is good and God-pleasing to sing hymns.”

We invite you to reconnect with God and others as we sing some of our most beloved hymns together. Elaine Pearson will lead the songs, accompanied by Jamie Culbertson on the piano.

Come as you are, and let’s fill the chapel with joyful voices of praise and thanksgiving on April 13th, from 5-6 p.m. at the Oakwood Chapel at Oakwood Resort.

Click HERE to view this event on our calendar.

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2025: The Best Year Yet with Chautauqua-Wawasee Programs!

Chautauqua Wawasee Programs

2025: The Best Year Yet with Chautauqua-Wawasee Programs

Get ready for an unforgettable year with Chautauqua-Wawasee! Our 2025 schedule is packed with enriching programs inspired by the Four Chautauqua Pillars: Arts, Education, Faith, and Recreation. There’s something for everyone, starting in February with the lively performance of the Ball State Singers, setting a vibrant tone for the year ahead.

A Year Full of Events

Throughout 2025, you’ll find a wide variety of events to enjoy, including:

Hands-On Art Workshops

For art enthusiasts, hands-on workshops will ignite your creativity:

  • Pottery Workshops

  • Plein Air Painting Workshop

  • New Stained Glass Workshop Series

Community Favorites

Families and community members can look forward to fun-filled favorites:

Special History Programs

History buffs won’t want to miss:

Wrapping Up the Year

We’ll wrap up this exciting year with Old Fashioned Christmas in November — a heartwarming tradition that brings the community together in festive spirit.

Mark your calendars and join us in making 2025 the best year yet with Chautauqua-Wawasee!
Join us for these unforgettable events and create memories that last a lifetime!

Chautauqua-Wawasee 2025 Events

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

Call for Artists: 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!

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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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Ball State Singers Return to Syracuse in 2025 – Don’t Miss This Unforgettable Performance!

Ball State Singers Return to Syracuse in 2025 – Don’t Miss This Unforgettable Performance!


The Ball State Singers are back in Syracuse, Indiana, for a highly anticipated performance on Sunday, February 16th, 2025, at 3:30 PM. Presented by Chautauqua-Wawasee, this exciting event will be held at the Wawasee High School Auditorium.

This talented musical ensemble offers a diverse and dynamic repertoire, including gospel, vocal jazz, swing, contemporary hits, romantic ballads, classical choral selections, barbershop, folk, patriotic standards, opera choruses, country, and novelty tunes. With a blend of small group performances, incredible soloists, and lively choreography, the Ball State Singers will deliver a 90-minute musical experience that you won’t forget.

Celebrate the return of Wawasee High School alum, Devin Van Lue, as part of this one-of-a-kind performance!

Devin Van Lue-Ball State University Singers

 

Event Details:

  • Date: Sunday, February 16th, 2025
  • Time: 3:30 PM (Doors open at 3:00 PM)
  • Location: Wawasee High School Auditorium, Syracuse, IN

Ticket Prices:

  • VIP Tickets: $20
  • General Admission: $10

The Ball State Singers are Indiana’s official goodwill ambassadors and have been recognized since 1964 as one of America’s top collegiate entertainment groups. Whether you’re a fan of jazz, classical, pop, or patriotic music, this performance offers something for everyone. Don’t miss this special opportunity to see one of the nation’s most acclaimed university ensembles right here in Syracuse.

Plan Your Visit:

Arrive early to explore local dining options before the show or enjoy a bite to eat afterward. Check out our calendar for more exciting Chautauqua Wawasee events – 2025 promises to be our best year yet!

Get Your Tickets Now!

Click HERE to purchase tickets on Eventbrite.

Make plans to join us for an afternoon of incredible music and entertainment with the Ball State Singers at Wawasee High School!

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Experience the Magic of the Old-Fashioned Christmas!

Experience the Magic of the Old Fashioned Christmas! 

Are you looking for a unique, fun-filled family activity to kick off the holiday season? Look no further than Chautauqua Wawasee’s Old-Fashioned Christmas! This beloved annual event in Syracuse is back and bigger than ever in 2024, offering even more family-friendly activities.

Highlights of the Celebration

  • Meet Santa and His Reindeer: Kids can enjoy a special moment with Santa and even pet his live reindeer!
  • Live Nativity: Experience the true meaning of Christmas with our live nativity scene.
  • Horse-Drawn Wagon Rides: Take a cozy ride through the festive grounds.
  • Enjoy a special reading of “Twas the Night Before Christmas”: by one of Santa’s very own Elves!
  • Big Tree Lighting: Witness the magical lighting of our 50-foot Christmas tree, a highlight of the evening.
  • Reading of the Christmas Story: Join us at the historic Oakwood Chapel for a heartfelt reading of the Christmas story from the Bible, keeping Christ in Christmas.
  • Christmas Photo Booth: Capture the perfect family moment with our festive photo booth, complete with props and your phone’s camera.
  • Holiday Characters: Keep an eye out for Frosty, the Grinch, Rudolph, Buddy the Elf, the Toy Soldier, and the Gingerbread Man, who will be roaming the park for fun and photo opportunities.
  • Fun Holiday Games for Kids: Keep the kiddos entertained with fun games!

Event Details

  • When: November 30, 5:30 – 8:00 PM (Music starts at 5:30 PM- Activities start at 6 PM)
  • Where: Oakwood Resort,(outdoor event, so dress for the weather)-702 E. Lake View Road, Syracuse, IN
  • Cost: Free and open to the public!

Join us for an evening filled with joy, laughter, and holiday spirit! For updates and more details, check our Facebook page HERE. We look forward to celebrating with you!

Note: We hope for a bit of snow to enhance the festive atmosphere, but in case of severe weather, please check our Facebook page for updates.

Chautauqua Wawasee Old Fashioned Christmas

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Volunteers Needed for Chautauqua Wawasee Old Fashioned Christmas 2024
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Old Fashioned Christmas Seeking Volunteers!

Old Fashioned Christmas Seeking Volunteers

Chautauqua’s annual Old Fashioned Christmas will return bigger than ever on November 30, the Saturday after Thanksgiving.

This extravagant event features Santa, 50-foot tree lighting, musical groups, caroling, live reindeer, a horse-drawn wagon ride, a family photo booth, six live characters such as Frosty, Grinch, Gingerbread Man, all done with the goal of keeping Christ in Christmas with a reading from Luke at the historic chapel, live nativity…and much more! Last
year, more than 1000 people attended this free community event! Read more about it HERE.

Sixty volunteers and performers are needed to make this event the best of its kind in all of northern Indiana.

Due to its growth in 2024, Chautauqua is looking for volunteers who want to join in the fun of putting on this community program. This year’s event starts at 5:30 with Christmas music prior to the tree lighting at 6:00 and ends at 8:00. Help is needed for decorating trees, staffing booths, welcoming guests, handing out free gifts, directing cars for parking and more.

If you are interested in learning more about volunteer opportunities, please contact Kip Schumm at 574-518-0678.

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Humble Gumption: Cam Shriver’s Insight on Myaamia Survival and History

Humble Gumption: Cam Shriver’s Insight on Myaamia Survival and History
By: Dave Berry, Chautauqua Wawasee

Survival of the Myaamia-Cam Shriver

On a brisk September morning, about 40 people attended Cam Shriver’s presentation on the survival of the Myaamia people, hosted by Chautauqua Wawasee.

Cam Shriver is a Senior Research Associate in the Myaamia Center at Miami University in Ohio. His research focuses on Indigenous history, with a particular emphasis on the Myaamia experience across the last four centuries.

1846 as a turning point

Cam’s discussion began by establishing the year 1846 as a reference point. In 1846, 350 tribal members were removed from Indiana to Kansas. Part of the talk focused on the tactics used by the U.S. government to coerce members of the Myaamia nation into ceding most of their land in Indiana to the United States, both before and after 1846.

Participant questions and discussion highlights

The conversation then moved into participant questions, including:

  • Myaamia farming practices

  • Miami University’s role in supporting the Miami Tribe’s work to re awaken the dormant Myaamia language

  • Stories of tribal leaders Peepakicia (Papakeechie) and Waawiyaasita (Wawasee), along with their descendants

“Nothing about us, without us” and community engaged scholarship

Given the history of non Native people pursuing research detached from living Native Americans, some Myaamia officials have adopted the phrase: “Nothing about us, without us.”

In this spirit, Cam summarized his approach to community engaged scholarship as “humble gumption.” As a non Myaamia person, he aims to remain humble enough to understand that Myaamia leaders have their own priorities, that the nation has limited resources, and that he is only one of many well meaning people who request Myaamia perspectives. Yet, he still has the gumption to develop long term relationships that enable collaboration and allyship with the ongoing Myaamia cultural renaissance.

Learn more

Cam suggests perusing the Myaamia community blog, Aacimotaatiiyankwi, as a strong starting point for learning more about Myaamia history, culture, ecological perspectives, and events:
https://aacimotaatiiyankwi.org/

Looking ahead

Chautauqua Wawasee will host Logan York, Tribal Historic Preservation Officer, at the WACF Ruddell Pavilion on September 6, 2025.

And for those of you who cannot get enough history

Take a look at this. Our three day Digging Through History Series starts tomorrow. Get the full details here: [LINK HERE]

 

Digging Through History 2024

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Three-Day Native American “Digging Through History” Program

Annual Three-Day Native American “Digging Through History” Program

Chautauqua-Wawasee and Syracuse-Wawasee Historical Museum are collaborating to offer the fourth annual series of programs that explore the local history of northeastern Indiana. The series offers three FREE programs, September 12-14. The September 12 and 13 programs are being hosted at the Syracuse Community Center, while the September 14th program will be outdoors at WACF’s Ruddell Pavilion. Each program features presenters with expert knowledge and provides an interactive environment for discussion and hands-on examination of artifacts.

Trevor Tipton presented here in 2021, and returns on Thursday, September 12, to discuss “Tools and Weapons of the Indigenous Peoples.” (6:30-7:30 p.m. at the Syracuse Community Center)

Have you ever wondered how mankind survived thousands of years ago? What animals did they hunt? How did they kill their prey? What tools were used by prehistoric man? This will be the focus of Trevor Tipton’s presentation. His artifact collection, found mostly in Noble County, will be on display. Attendees will be able to handle weapons from centuries ago.

Then, on Friday, Dr. Mark Schurr, a professor in the Department of Anthropology at the University of Notre Dame, will speak on the topic “Archaeology of the French in Northern Indiana – Does it Exist?” (6:30-7:30 p.m. at the Syracuse Community Center)

The first historical record of the French presence in northern Indiana dates to 1679 when Réné Robert Cavalier, Sieur de Lasalle traveled along what is now the St. Joseph River to the Kankakee River using the portage in South Bend. However, the French established only one permanent settlement in the northern
Indiana (Fort Miami in what is now Ft. Wayne). Very little archaeological evidence is available about the French presence in the region. Historic records and a few site investigations show what kind of evidence we should look for if we want to document evidence of French activities in northern Indiana, including in
places like Kosciusko County.

On Saturday, September 14, seven individual activities and experts share information on what life was like back in the 1800s. (10:00 a.m. – Noon, WACF’s Ruddell Pavillion)

These include a demonstration of the Atlatl tool, flint knapping, and presentations by a 1754 French Marine, Indiana Department of Natural Resources Archaeological Division, metal detecting, and others.  With so much to see and do, this Saturday program has been incredibly popular with children and families.

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