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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!

Yes, there was a Huge Turnout for Old Fashioned Christmas! And oh what a night! The weather was perfect so families turned out in throngs for the 3 rd annual event that starts the Christmas season. Families began arriving at 5:30 to enjoy Christmas music, receive a glow stick, a program with activity map, and take pictures with holiday characters such as Frosty, Gingerbread Man, Grinch, Toy Soldier, elves, and others. None of the activities were available to enjoy until after the Big Tree lighting. So, anticipation was high for a visit with Santa for children, pictures at the family fun photo booth, listening to “The Night Before Christmas” read by an elf, visiting the live reindeer, and taking the horse-drawn wagon ride around the park. The live nativity had both reverent observers and those who came up to observe the baby Jesus closely. The Chapel was a warm refuge to hear the Bible reading of the true Christmas Story. And like every year, cookies, hot cocoa and s’mores were consumed by the warmth of a fire pit.

And there were some changes this year. The most obvious was the 20×40 foot stage that was loaned by the Nappanee Chamber of Commerce. This enabled two musical groups, The Chain Gang and Winona Lake Brass Quintet, to be more visible and to be heard. Phil Metcalf again served as the Master of Ceremonies. Another new element was the t-shirt toss by the Grinch (Tami Schumm) who threw out twenty green Chautauqua Wawasee kids t-shirts from the stage to screaming children. Also new was the wagon ride, which replaced the sleigh ride. Due to its large capacity, more peoplewere able to enjoy the ride pulled by two horses. But what about the lighting of the 70-foot tree? Anticipation was high as 6:15 approached for the lighting and countdown. Oakwood Resort owners, Dr. Rex Parent and his wife Connie, had the honor this year to lead the countdown with the entire crowd joining in: ten, nine, eight….one, MERRY CHRISTMAS…and the huge tree sprang to colorful life as everyone sang We Wish You a Merry Christmas, We Wish You a Merry Christmas…and Happy New Year.

Chautauqua-Wawasee organizes Old Fashioned Christmas as a free gift to the community with active participation from the Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation, Syracuse Parks Department, Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce, Syracuse-Wawasee Historical Museum, Wawasee Property Owners Association, Rotary, Oakwood Resort, Nappanee Chamber of Commerce, Wawasee High School Tech Department. Kip Schumm is the Program Manager who orchestrates the huge effort in recruiting vendors, 70+ volunteers, and partners. And thanks to these businesses who contributed: Jasper Plastics, Bass Audiology, The Papers Inc., Los Toritos Mexican Restaurant, Man Cave Brewing, Pickwick Theater, Colbin Tool Co. and WPOA.

2022 Cliff Kindy Workshop

2022 Cliff Kindy Workshop

What if Christians had the passion for peacekeeping that warriors have for war?
Participate in an evening with author and peace-seeker Cliff Kindy, an Indiana organic farmer.
Cliff will share about his many Christian Peacemaker Team journeys (Iraq, Sudan, Iran…), and how he became part of CPTs. The workshop will explore and discuss how Christians who are passionate about peace (everywhere) can pursue the vision of peacekeeping.  Cliff’s session promises to be eye-opening and extremely moving.

Cliff’s book Resurrection Peacemaking recounts his thirty years working with Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT), facing violent, unjust regimes in Iraq, Colombia, Israel/Palestine, Nigeria, Mexico, and other trouble spots around the world. Cliff and other CPT volunteers have repeatedly put their lives on the line as they chose to accompany targeted and beleaguered indigenous people who were striving to end violent occupation and warfare in their own lands.
This striving is not only for far-away peoples. It is for us.

Cliff says, “Why will people be willing to risk their lives to confront violence or injustice? For me, that willingness is grounded in the gospel story of Jesus’ resurrection. For others, it will be based in love and goodness. Nonviolence for me is powered by the spirit of resurrection on Easter; it topples empires. But it also exposes the practitioner to transformation; all parties are transformed, or better, ‘plowshared’. Are we willing to nurture our imaginations and take the risks required to replace violence with nonviolence? If so, how would this change America, in terms of policing, politics, wars, family disputes, mass killings, and criminal justice?”

What: Presentation/Discussion/Workshop
When: Sept 28, 6:30-8:30pm
Where: Oakwood Resort Event Center
Cost: Free– Please REGISTER HERE for this event

Patriotic Pops Concert-The Tradition Continues

The Fort Wayne Philharmonic is returning to Syracuse after a one-year absence to perform the annual patriotic pops concert at Lake Wawasee on Sunday, June 26.   The concert is held outdoors on the lawn of Inn at Oakwood Resort.  

This concert is a celebration of the American Spirit, featuring songs such as Armed Forces Salute, Presidential Polonaise, Sing Out America and others, concluding with the 1812 Overture.  The public is invited to attend, bringing a chair or blanket, or anchor your boat near the beach at Oakwood Resort Inn. The Fort Wayne Philharmonic is led by Andrew Constantine, Music Director.

The whole family is invited.  The music starts at 7:30; come early to enjoy a balloon artist and face painting for children’s fun and entertainment.  Stop by the Chautauqua-Wawasee tent to receive a patriotic gift. 

This year’s concert is made possible by gifts from Kosciusko County Community Foundation, Steel Dynamics Foundation, Chautauqua-Wawasee, Wawasee Property Owners Association, Harkless Foundation, Judy Pursley, Jim & Kay Young, and Al Zacher. 

2022 Featured Artists

Wawasee Oakwood 2022 Featured Artists

Here is the list of the incredibly talented artists that will be at this year’s Wawasee Oakwood Fine Arts Festival!  We have entered websites wherever possible so you are able to take a “sneak peek”.

Nikki Addington Stained Glass & Epoxy Resin
Paul Albritton Jewelry
Norah Amstutz Ceramics www.norahruthpottery.com
Patrick Appenzeller Matted and Original Prints
Brad Baker Acrylic Painting
Richard Barnhart Wood    www.pawpawpaddleworks.com
Andrea Bojrab Oil Painting www.andreabojrab.com
Jan Campbell Alcohol Ink, Acrylic, Wood Felting
Lisa Cooper Mixed Media Art Quilts
Daniel Driggs Oil & Acrylic Painting www.DanielDriggs.com
Anita Driscoll Jewelry www.etsy.com/shop/CuteByNatureJewelry
Barbara Eden Jewelry
Beth Forst Oil Painting www.BethForst.com
Katherine Gaff Ceramics www.katherinegaff.com
Tyler Hamilton Jewelry www.spectralstone.com
Randall Harden Oil & Acrylic Painting www.randallscottharden.com
Anji Hensley Mixed Media Capricious Whimsy/Instagram
Fred Inman Wood Turning & Scroll Saw www.iwoodartist.wordpress.com
Lynn Kee Pebbles, Driftwood, Beach Glass www.facebook.com/groups/lakeshorecreations/
Julie Kuhn Metal
Sally Mahnken Stained Glass  
Sunday Mahaja Metal Sculpture www.mahajaarts.com
Kim Marcadis Ceramics https://marcadisarts.wixsite.com/home
Claire McGrath Silverware
Rick Reiff Pottery & Photography Facebook: ReiffHaus
Kelly Roth Pottery Facebook & Instagram @ Kelly Pottery Design
Ron Richcreek Pottery
Golden Seaton Mixed Media Facebook: Just Golden’s
Nannette Swaidner Gourd Art http://Gourdsbymckenzies@facebook.com
Deborah Swihart Hand-Painted & Brick-Stitched Wood 
Ann Szeplaki Oil Painting & Jewelry www.ann-szeplaki.fineartamerica.com
Elizabeth Wamsley Clay https://artbankgallery-studio.godaddysites.com
Thomas Jefferson played by J.D. Sutton

Chautauqua-Wawasee is inviting you for an encounter with Thomas Jefferson the man who defined American Independence. World-renowned Jefferson re-enactor, J.D. Sutton, as 77-year-old Mr. Jefferson is retired, but still busy.  He’s looking back on his life, reflecting on his “services” to our country, the things he’s been able to accomplish as well as things left undone. And so, he’s invited you to his home, so he can explain the events of his life.

After Mr. Jefferson’s talk, join us on the lawn at Oakwood Resort at 7:30 for the annual Patriotic Pops concert. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Stop by our tent to receive a free patriotic gift.

What: Jefferson performance by reenactor J.D. Sutton
When: June 26, 4:30 – 5:30
Where: Wawasee High School Auditorium,  Syracuse, Indiana
Tickets: Free
Follow us on Facebook or call 574-377-7543

Chautauqua-Wawasee is holding the 8th annual Wawasee Oakwood Fine Arts Festival on May 28 in the park of Oakwood Resort in Syracuse, Indiana. This Festival brings together over 30 local and regional artists from around Indiana and beyond. All art has been juried to qualify for inclusion in the festival.  The beautiful outdoor setting provides a family-friendly environment. Children’s activities and playground are available. Food vendors are onsite for snacks and lunch, with outside seating available. Attendance is free. Stop by the Chautauqua booth for a free gift. The Art Festival will take place rain or shine.

What: Wawasee Oakwood Fine Art Festival
When: May 28, 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

Old Fashioned Christmas Celebration

Looking for a unique fun-filled Christmas family activity?  Chautauqua’s Old Fashioned Christmas is the answer.  After Thanksgiving’s turkey stupor, on Saturday, November 27, come to Oakwood Resort in Syracuse.  Yes, Santa will be there with his reindeer, and yes, you can pet them!  Enjoy the Live Nativity and Sleigh Rides …and, of course, the Big Tree Lighting.  The popular reading of the Christmas story from the Bible at the historic Oakwood Chapel is planned.  New this year is a photo booth for family Christmas pictures, using your phone camera.  Be on the lookout for characters who are roaming around:  Frosty, the Grinch, Rudolph, Buddy-the-Elf, Toy Soldier, and Gingerbread Man. The event will be held outdoors on the grounds of Oakwood Resort.  The festivities start with music near the Oakwood Inn at 6:00 p.m.  Music and carols will be sung around the 60 foot Christmas tree which will be lit at 6:15.  Then you and your family may stroll up the lighted path to see Santa and Mrs. Claus. Take pictures with roaming characters! Listen to an elf read  “Twas the Night Before Christmas”.  Two barbershop quartets will be strolling around singing carols, along with two other music groups.  Get warmed up with some hot chocolate and munch on a cookie.  Don’t forget to pick up some Deer food to take home for Santa’s reindeer. Stroll up to the historic Oakwood chapel to hear the Christmas story read from the Bible.  On your way to the Chapel, stop to see the live nativity.  And you’ll want to relax and enjoy a horse-drawn sleigh ride around the park.  These are just some of the many fun activities at the Old Fashioned Christmas celebration.    Hope for a bit of snow, but if severe weather occurs, check the Chautauqua-Wawasee website www.chqw.org or Facebook site www.facebook.com/ChautauquaWawasee for information and updates.  

 

When:  November 27, 6:00 – 8:00 P.M. 

Where:  Oakwood Resort  (outdoor event…dress for the weather)

                Syracuse, Indiana    

Who:  Free to the Public. 

For more details: 

  Facebook: www.facebook.com/ChautauquaWawasee  

  Website:  www.CHQW.org 

  Email questions to:  debbie@CHQW.org

Pops concert

Chautauqua Wawasee has arranged for The Wagon Wheel Symphony of the Lakes Orchestra to delight us by performing the Patriotic Pops concert this year! The date for this event is June 27 and starts at 7:30 p.m. at the Oakwood Resort.

This Warsaw orchestra, led by Dr. Jason Thompson, will not disappoint!

Old Fashioned Christmas Celebration

For those looking for a unique fun-filled Christmas family activity, Chautauqua-Wawasee, along with the Syracuse Parks Department and Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce, plan the 2nd annual Old Fashioned Christmas at Oakwood Resort for November 28, from 6:00 to 8:00. The celebration is open to the public, free of charge, no registration is required.  The event will be held outdoors on the grounds of Oakwood Resort, with activities starting at 6:00 around the tree near the Oakwood Inn.  Wawasee High School choir and bands are slated to be on hand.  At 6:15 the countdown to lighting 7000 lights on Oakwood’s magnificent 70-foot tree begins. After the lighting, Oakwood’s Christmas magic begins with activities sure to get grandma, grandpa, moms, dads, and children of all ages in the Christmas spirit like olden days. Starting at the Oakwood Inn, stroll up the lighted path to see Santa and Mrs. Claus to hear Christmas wishes while taking precautions to keep Santa and children safe from covid-19. Take pictures with the kids! Listen to an elf read the Night Before Christmas. Stop along the path to listen to the old fashion barbershop quartet sing carols. Warm by a yuletide log and sip some hot chocolate while munching on a cookie. Watch out for the Grinch!  Other characters will be roaming the grounds and available for pictures too. Follow the path up past the Live Nativity to the historic Oakwood chapel to hear the Bible’s Christmas story read; social distancing is set to keep everyone safe. And you’ll want to relax and enjoy a horse drawn sleigh ride around the park.  Stop by the Syracuse Chamber of Commerce’s booth to pick up a child’s craft to take home. These are just some of the many fun activities at the Old Fashioned Christmas celebration. Hope for a bit of snow, and dress warmly, and wear a scarf and face mask to protect yourself and others. Stop in the Oakwood Coffee and Creamery or The Pier and Back Porch restaurant as both will be offering specials to guests of the Old Fashioned Christmas celebration. The Syracuse Chamber of Commerce suggests that you come out early to shop small business Saturday in Syracuse from 10 am to 6 pm! A prize patrol will be out and about from 11 am to 1 pm checking in to see who is shopping! You could be a winner if we catch you shopping in Syracuse! Special thanks to our prize sponsor Mohawk Pier & Lift! Stay in touch by visiting our Facebook Page for information and updates.

When: November 27, 6:00 – 8:00 P.M.
Where: Oakwood Resort Inn (outdoor event…dress for the weather)
Syracuse, Indiana
Who: Free to the Public. No registration needed.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ChautauquaWawasee
Website: www.CHQW.org
Email questions to-   debbie@CHQW.org