Every summer, Visual Arts at Chautauqua Institution (VACI) presents nine exhibitions in the galleries of the Strohl and Fowler-Kellogg Art Centers, as well as the Melvin Johnson Sculpture Garden. These diverse spaces allow VACI to host a variety of contemporary shows from nationally recognized artists. The focus in our galleries is on contemporary work in a wide range of media and sensibilities.
Strohl Art Center | 33 Wythe Avenue
Fowler-Kellogg Art Center | 12 Ramble Avenue
Wallpaper Diaries
This exhibition focuses on eight artists whose work involves pattern. The result will be a colorful, dynamic show, marrying and merging intricate patterns created by each artist. Works on paper, oil paintings, collages, wood wall sculpture and ceramics will be featured.
June 29–August 25 | Virtual Opening: Monday, June 29, 8:15 p.m. EST
Location: Virtual Porch
Attention to Detail: Glass 2020
New glass works by four contemporary glass blowers and sculptors will be shown together highlighting their personal styles and techniques.
July 6–August 24 | Virtual Opening: Monday, July 6, 10 a.m. EST
Location: Virtual Porch
2020 School of Art Emerging Artists Exhibition
This year each Student/Emerging Artists, who will be attending the seven week summer program at the Chautauqua School of Art, will exhibit one original work created pre-season highlighting their personal style.
July 13–August 19 | Virtual Opening: Monday, July 13, 10 a.m. EST
Location: Virtual Porch
Places We Have Never Been: New Works by VACI Members
Exhibiting Members of the Visual Arts at Chautauqua Institution (VACI) are invited to show their original artwork this summer in the Fowler-Kellogg Art Center, based on the theme Places We have Never Been.
August 10–September 30 | Virtual Opening: Monday, August 10, 10 a.m. EST
Location: Virtual Porch
Chautauqua Chamber Music, held in the intimate setting of Elizabeth S. Lenna Hall, offers a variety of chamber music experiences each season with a diverse selection of guest and resident ensembles comprised of both instrumental and vocal music. Chautauqua is proud to announce the 2018 expansion of Chautauqua Chamber Music which now includes a Guest Artist Series on Mondays and a Resident Artist Series on Saturdays. Both series offer world class artistry and a wide variety of ensembles and genres, ranging from traditional string quartets and classical repertoire to jazz and contemporary music of our time.
Guest Artist Series
This Guest Artist Series is dedicated to supporting and featuring full-time chamber ensembles of any make-up and genre that are committed to the intimate and powerful art of chamber music.
Resident Artist Series
Chautauqua resident artists include members of the Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra, School of Music faculty and other guests that are in residence for an extended period of time.
Student Ensembles
The Chautauqua Institution School of Music presents a student chamber series featuring exceptionally talented young musicians studying at Chautauqua each summer.
Mission Statement
The Arts at Chautauqua: exploring the best in human values and the enrichment of life
Our mission is to expand the lives of our audience within and beyond the Institution’s gates through the power of the performing and visual arts.
We seek to serve the purposes of the Institution by inspiring, educating, entertaining and engaging a diverse and growing audience; by serving as an integral part of the Chautauqua community; by exemplifying artistic excellence in presenting programs that celebrate both tradition and innovation; and by demonstrating sound financial stewardship.
Symphony Orchestra
Performing 22 concerts including two accompanying visiting dance companies, our resident professional orchestra also provides musicians that perform for Chautauqua Opera.
Theater
Internationally known actors, directors, designers and writers join 19 emerging artists drawn from top training programs to produce a vibrant body of work in the historic Bratton Theater.
Family Entertainment
This series appeals to family members of all ages providing fun, interactive entertainment.
Chamber Music
Instrumental and vocal music from medieval chant to Brahms to jazz to the contemporary music of our time.
Opera
Chautauqua Opera is the oldest continuously producing summer opera company in the U.S. as well as the fourth-oldest American opera company overall.
Sunday Entertainment
Sundays are always free at Chautauqua — free admission to the grounds and a free afternoon show in the Amphitheater.
Visual Arts
The Chautauqua Visual Arts (CVA) includes the School of Art, the galleries of the Strohl Art Center, the Fowler-Kellogg Art Center, the Melvin Johnson Sculpture Garden and the visual arts lecture series.
Dance
Chautauqua showcases visiting dance companies each season, with wide-ranging styles from masterpieces in classical ballet to modern dance and contemporary ballet.
Supporting the Arts at Chautauqua Institution
VACI Partners is an all volunteer membership organization with a mission to promote awareness, education, appreciation and excellence in the visual arts at Chautauqua Institution. The Partners support the Strohl and Fowler-Kellogg Art Centers, the Melvin Johnson Sculpture Garden, and the Chautauqua School of Art. VACI Partners encourages an appreciation for all forms of art making, by both professionals and amateurs.
VACI Partners is managed by a Board of Directors who work closely with Sharon Louden, Sydelle Sonkin and Herb Siegel Artistic Director of the Visual Arts, and Judy Barie, Susan and John Turben Director of VACI Galleries.
Over the course of the season VACI Partners hosts events for its members and for the general public. These have traditionally included art fairs, lectures, exhibition openings, and fundraising activities. Please join us and take advantage of all that Chautauqua has to offer in the area of visual arts.
Community Events
VACI Partners Community Events
All VACI Partner events for the 2020 season have been canceled.
Art in the Park (Canceled for 2020)
Sundays, July 5 & August 2, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
An open art fair with 75 vendors held in Miller Park, showcasing art by members of the Chautauqua community, students from the School of Art, and artisans from the region around Chautauqua Institution.
To register as a vendor at one or both Art in the Park dates apply online or fill out this form.
Opening Receptions for major exhibitions. View the schedule of exhibitions here.
Stroll Through the Arts Auction and Gala
Each summer VACI Partners hosts a ticketed event to raise funds in support of student scholarships. This year the Gala takes place on Friday July 31, from 5:30–8 p.m. in the VACI Piazza with music, drinks and hors d’oeuvres. Guests will have the opportunity to bid on original piece of art. All proceeds benefit Chautauqua School of Art Student scholarships.
Tickets may be purchased in advance using the VACI Partners membership form or at the Strohl Art Center once the season begins.
Chautauqua Connections
VACI Partners facilitates connections between the Emerging Artists enrolled at the School of Art and Chautauquans who are interested in learning more about the art making process and who are willing to make time to enrich the experience of the Emerging Artists in Chautauqua. This year VACI Partners will be experimenting with an online community tool rather than making one-on-one pairings. You do not need to be on the grounds for an extended period in order to volunteer for the program. Even if you are on the grounds for just one week you will able and welcome to participate. Please email VACIPartners@gmail.com to be invited to join our online community.
Welcome Picnic
On Wednesday, July 1 at 5:30 p.m. VACI Partners will host a picnic dinner for the 2020 Emerging Artists to celebrate the opening of their exhibition in Fowler-Kellogg Hall. Any Chautauquan who is interested in participating in VACI’s Connections program is welcome to attend. A small fee is charged to non-students to cover the cost of dinner. This is your chance to meet the artists who will be working in the Art Quad the next seven weeks.
Please email VACIPartners@gmail.com to be added to the invitation list. RSVP’s will be requested to help us plan this special event.
Concerts & Events
Performing 22 concerts including two concerts accompanying Chautauqua Dance, the orchestra also provides musicians that perform for Chautauqua Opera.
Musicians
The CSO is a professional orchestra that draws its membership from around the nation and around the world. It has grown from its original complement of 52 musicians to the current roster of 74 active members.
History
An Institution orchestra of 21 musicians had been organized in 1903 by Henry B. Vincent, assistant music director at Chautauqua, and a swiftly growing music program included School of Music artist-teacher recitals and large choral works.
Support the CSO
Enhance your symphony experience by becoming a member of Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra League.
Chautauqua Diversity Fellowship Program
Chautauqua Institution is pleased to announce the establishment of the Chautauqua Diversity Fellows Program, an expansion of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music’s (CCM) groundbreaking Diversity Fellowship Program for pre-professional underrepresented musicians.
Subcategories
Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra
View symphony concerts and events View chamber music concerts
Our Mission
The mission of the Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra is to enrich the lives of our audience within and beyond the Institution’s gates through the power of symphonic music.
We seek to serve the purposes of the Institution by inspiring, educating and engaging a diverse and growing audience; by serving as an integral part of the Chautauqua community; by exemplifying artistic excellence in presenting programs that celebrate both tradition and innovation; and by demonstrating sound financial stewardship.