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SYRACUSE - Chautauqua-Wawasee has a line-up for the end of May programs designed to entertain, inspire and educate every member of the family.
Kick off Memorial Day weekend at the 12th Annual Wawasee Fine Arts Festival on the grounds of Oakwood Resort on Saturday, May 23 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. More than 30 artists will showcase works of art. Families will also enjoy the children’s area, where young artists can create masterpieces of their own. The festival is an opportunity to spend the day outdoors and visit with artists along the lakeshore.
Art lovers will also enjoy the Third Annual Plein Air Paint Out on Friday and Saturday, May 22–23, as regional artists return to Lake Wawasee and Syracuse to paint outdoors in real time. Visitors are encouraged to stop, observe the artists at work and learn more about their creative process. Through special “purchase awards,” people may also commission original paintings of their homes or favorite Syracuse scenes. Completed works will be available for purchase at the Northern Indiana Plein Air Artists Association tent during Saturday’s Art Festival. Judging and merit awards will take place at 4:30 p.m.
As Memorial Day weekend continues, one of the area’s traditions returns on Sunday, May 24 with Taps Across the Water at dusk. More than 50 buglers positioned around the lakes will perform an Echo Cascading Rendition of Taps at 9:09 p.m. The evening begins with a 20-minute Trumpet Ensemble performance at the Oakwood Gazebo at 8:10 p.m., giving attendees time to enjoy the music before returning to their piers or remaining at Oakwood for the performance of Taps.
If you live south of Syracuse, you can still hear Taps Across the Water earlier that evening at Lake Webster, beginning at 6:30 p.m., followed by a Trumpet Ensemble concert at Town Park at 7 p.m. Carolyn Wilson, who passed away on May 11, donated money in honor of her late husband Bob, who served in the Korean War, for the meal to feed the buglers and volunteers. The Wilsons often attended the Memorial Day Commemoration Ceremony at North Webster Cemetery.
Artists looking to further develop their skills can participate in a three-day immersive Plein Air Workshop for intermediate and advanced painters on May 26–28. Nationally recognized artist Fred Doloresco will lead the workshop, offering live demonstrations, individual instruction and group critique in a supportive and inspiring environment. The cost is $300.
Finally, just in time for boating season, Chautauqua-Wawasee will offer a Ladies Only Boating Education Course on Saturday, May 30 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Syracuse Community Center. Participants will gain valuable knowledge about Indiana boating laws, safety procedures and emergency response while building confidence on the water. Children under 16 are welcome when accompanied by an adult. Upon completion of the free course, participants will receive an Indiana Boater Education Card. Pre-registration is required.
For additional information about these programs or to register for the Plein Air Workshop and Ladies Only Boating Education Course, visit www.chautauquawawasee.org
The Wawasee Art Festival and Plein Air programs are made possible in part by our Regional Art Partner, the Community Foundation of St. Joseph County and the Indiana Arts Commission, which receives support from the State of Indiana and the National Endowment for the Arts.”
