Chautauqua Institution’s Board of Trustees elected Stephen F. Messinger, Jill Penrose, and Stephen J. Zenczak to four-year terms at the final meeting of the body’s 2022–23 cycle on Aug. 26. Additionally, members of the Chautauqua Corporation elected Bob W. Obee as the newest of the four trustees selected by Chautauqua property owners at the Corporation’s annual meeting on Aug. 12. The new trustee class officially began its term on Oct. 1. Messinger, of Arlington, Virginia, is the former president of ECG Management Consultants. He grew up in nearby Lakewood, New York, and in 1976 his parents purchased a cottage on...
Chautauqua Institution today announced the upcoming unveiling of an augmented reality art installation to coincide with its inaugural CHQ Mud Day Saturday, October 7. The installation, created by artists Leslie Calimeri and John Stow, follows a previous interactive installment at the CHQ Trail focused on play and exploration in 2022. Members of the media are invited to attend the public unveiling at 9:45 a.m. on October 7 at the CHQ Trailhead located behind the Chautauqua Golf Club Learning Center, 4731 West Lake Road, Chautauqua, NY. The current phase of Calimeri and Stow’s collaboration builds on their previous work and adds...
Following a national search, Chautauqua Institution today announced the appointment of Angela Schuettler of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, as its Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Schuettler begins her service October 23. As CFO, Schuettler will play a critical role as a member of the President’s Executive Team, advising Chautauqua leadership and leading initiatives that will ensure Chautauqua Institution’s long-term financial sustainability at a moment of exciting organizational transformation. Reporting directly to the president, her duties include the preparation and monitoring of the annual operating budget and capital budget, strategic financial planning; and overseeing processes related to resource allocation and controls. Chautauqua President...
Chautauqua Institution today announced the appointment of the acclaimed artist Erika b Hess* as artistic director of Chautauqua Visual Arts (CVA). In this role, Hess will help shape the model for the next chapter of CVA’s School of Art and oversee this dynamic hub for learning and expression comprised of the Chautauqua School of Art residency program, Strohl and Fowler-Kellogg Art Centers, The Melvin Johnson Sculpture Garden, The Gallery Store, the CVA Lecture Series, and the growing education and community engagement programs. Hess, a celebrated painter, curator, writer, and host of the famous art podcast “I Like Your Work,” is...
CHAUTAUQUA, N.Y. August 29, 2023 – Following a national search, Chautauqua Institution today announced the appointment of Jordan Steves as Emily and Richard Smucker Chair of Education. Steves has been serving as Interim Smucker Chair since March. Senior Vice President and Chief Program Officer Deborah Sunya Moore said Steves’s legacy of service and leadership position Chautauqua to build on the strengths of these core education programs. “This position is about preserving the depth of history, exploring new potential of the Chautauqua Lecture Series and other education programs while also creating stability, fostering trust and working collaboratively with cherished and future partners...
National Grid EV Make-Ready program providing funding for 90% of project costs Chautauqua Institution, through National Grid’s EV Make-Ready Program, installed three Electric Vehicle charging stations in two parking lots, providing six new plugs for EV drivers who may need a charge. The north parking lot includes two stations with four plugs, including two with standard plugs and two with Tesla chargers. The south parking lot includes two ChargePoint plugs. The installation was completed in advance of the second annual Retool ’23 Conference. To be held on July 26 at the Institution, the conference focuses on emerging economic development opportunities...
Chautauqua Institution and its opera company and conservatory, like performing arts organizations industry-wide, are navigating challenges and uncertainties as the field emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic. This is a period of deep reflection about the future of opera in America, including at Chautauqua which hosts North America’s oldest continuously operating summer opera company and 4th oldest opera company in the nation. The current model for opera at Chautauqua requires subsidy from Institution operations on an annual basis that has been controlled historically to the extent possible through repeated production modifications. As expenses continue to grow due to rising labor, housing,...
Chautauqua Institution today announced the 2023 season repertoire of the Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra (CSO) under the baton of Music Director and Principal Conductor Rossen Milanov. The CSO in 2023 will offer 24 performances between June 29 and August 22, with concerts in Weeks One through Nine of the Chautauqua Summer Assembly ranging classics to commissions, and several concerts with Principal Pops Conductor Stuart Chafetz on the podium. CSO members will also provide support to the Chautauqua Opera Company’s productions of Sweeny Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street and La Tragédie de Carmen. “The CSO’s 94thseason, features a dazzling mix...
Chautauqua Institution today announced the Washed Ashore-Art to Save the Sea exhibition, is now open for public viewing on the beautiful grounds of Chautauqua. Composed of 14 remarkable sculptures, the exhibition portrays marine creatures that have been adversely affected by the devastating presence of plastic pollution. Meticulously crafted, these sculptures are composed entirely of debris that has washed ashore on the beaches of Southern Oregon. By seamlessly blending artistry with scientific insight, this exhibition strives to foster a deep understanding of the environmental consequences of plastic while inspiring individuals to participate in reducing plastic consumption and embracing recycling practices actively. ...
“History Need Not Repeat Itself” Good morning, and welcome home to Chautauqua. First, let me extend special greetings to those in this audience who are visiting or experiencing Chautauqua for the first time today. It is my sincere hope that you feel the warmth and sense of collective purpose that has drawn people to these hallowed grounds for 150 years. Many in the audience are part of generational Chautauqua families dating back to 1874, and many others have begun their journey here much more recently. All of you — all of you — are essential to the celebration and stewardship...
