June 27–August 15, 2020
Applications for the 2020 season have closed but will reopen on September 1, 2020 for the 2021 season.
Email me School of Art information
About Chautauqua School of Art
The School of Art is a centerpiece of Visual Arts at Chautauqua (known as VACI — pronounced VAH-chee). The School is an incubator of inclusive and expansive programming in the visual arts composed of workshops and one-on-one time with mentors covering all media. The curriculum intentionally breaks apart the traditional methods that silo disciplines from each other and instead embraces a full range of studio and pragmatic studies including professional development for artists, the art of pedagogy, writing in the 21st century, archiving and the relevance of art history today. Learn more about the VACI Experience and check out our Instagram page to see what we've been up to.
The Chautauqua School of Art residency program welcomes artists who have yet to receive wide recognition of their work, including those as young as 21 years old. College enrollment is not a requirement to attend our program. Artists who engage in all media are encouraged to apply. This is an environment that promotes intergenerational collaboration, exchange, research and an openness to other art forms at Chautauqua, including dance, theater, music, literature and more. It is meant to be a safe, brave space to share, experiment and freely express.
Every participant in our residency program has the opportunity to show their work in a group exhibition in our galleries, opportunities to sell their work, engage in group projects, present other artists' works, and have the freedom to do performances, group projects, lectures and more. We welcome international artists from far and wide.
Download the 2020 Chautauqua School of Art Digital Poster
Core Mentors
Professional Development
Participating artists will receive contemporary, nuanced, reality-based, peer-to-peer professional development workshops from Artistic Director Sharon Louden and guest speakers while at Chautauqua the first, middle and last weeks of the season. This type of Professional Development includes adopting basic tools, however, the overall emphasis is community building.
Workshops, Visiting Artists and Special Studies at VACI
Technical workshops and Special Studies in printmaking, figure drawing, digital media, painting, ceramics and other subjects explored will be offered throughout the season through week 8. In addition, many visiting artists and guests will also come for short stints weekly to provide unique experiences, studio visits, one-on-one access with participating artists and the Chautauqua visiting public. Technicians will also be on-site for general assistance. We welcome everyone to come and experience, learn and explore the visual arts with us. For information about our facilities, check out some of our places of making and thinking here.
The VACI Experience
Students and emerging artists are invited to explore The VACI Experience. Check out what we have to offer! We look forward to welcoming you.
Apply
The Chautauqua School of Art residency program welcomes artists who have yet to receive wide recognition of their work, including those as young as 21 years old. College enrollment is not a requirement to attend our program.
Core Mentors, Faculty & Staff
The Chautauqua School of Art residency program has a base of core resident mentors along with other faculty and visiting artists who will hold workshops and give lectures throughout the season. We look forward to your meeting them and our VACI team! Click here to learn more about us.
Partnerships
We are honored to partner with institutions and nonprofit organizations to encourage students and emerging artists to apply to the Chautauqua School of Art residency program and to make our programs part of their professional development plan. Many have special programs which provide financial and other support.
Cost & General Information
The School of Art residency program is an incubator of inclusive, intergenerational and expansive programming in the visual arts. Find cost and information on funding here.
Facilities
Each student of the Chautauqua School of Art receives his or her own partitioned studio space with 24-hour access. They also have 24-hour access to facilities supporting most media including digital media, silkscreen, printmaking, ceramics as well as the vast grounds of the School of Art.
Housing and Life at Chautauqua
School of Art students and emerging artists live in shared housing side-by-side with other students and emerging professionals studying music, voice and dance — all forming relationships that last a lifetime. We also have suggestions of other sources of housing if you wish to reside off the grounds.
VACI Galleries and Exhibitions
Exhibitions, openings and special events take place throughout the summer season. Every Friday afternoon, the public is welcome to sit in on Dr. Alpesh Kantilal Patel's workshop to listen, participate and learn from lively exchanges from the Chautauqua School of Art students and emerging artists and we always offer tours of our exhibitions from our most knowledgeable and enthusiastic docents. All are welcome!
VACI Partners
VACI Partners is a group of members who promote awareness, education, appreciation and excellence in the Visual Arts at Chautauqua Institution (VACI). They host lively events such as Art in the Park, gatherings with the Chautauqua School of Art students/participants and a theme-based members show. Join us and become a member today!
Visual Arts Lecture Series
VACI is delighted to present luminaries from the art world and beyond who will share their work and current projects in the Hultquist Center at Chautauqua. All are welcome to attend, to gain close access to thought leaders, to ask questions and participate. Join us for this lecture series which is open to all on Tuesday and Sunday evenings!
2019 Internal Calendar
A schedule for the 2019 VACI season. Select events open to the public. Stayed tuned for our 2020 calendar!