Vice President of Performing and Visual Arts, Laura Savia, leads students from Panama Central School District and Sherman Central School District in a warm up exercise before they break into smaller groups for activities on June 20, 2023, on Bestor Plaza. CARRIE LEGG/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
The 2023 Summer Assembly season had yet to begin, but for local students their Chautauqua experience got an early start over the past two weeks. In that time, over 1,000 Chautauqua County students from 15 schools had a chance to spend a day on the grounds, exploring a variety of activities inspired by Chautauqua’s four pillars: arts, education, religion and recreation.
Students got an up-close look at Chautauqua Lake’s smallest residents with SUNY Fredonia’s Courtney Wigdahl-Perry and then wrote poems inspired by what they had seen. They engaged in civil dialogue on Bestor Plaza, played in a human orchestra conducted by their classmates, practiced mindfulness, explored the depths of the plastic pollution crisis with “Washed Ashore” ’s vibrant sculptures — and more.
According to Chautauqua’s Director of Arts Education Suzanne Fassett-Wright, the Explore Chautauqua Field Trips — now in their second year — are designed to offer students a full Chautauqua experience that will extend well beyond a single visit.
“It is our hope that the students come back this summer, not just to continue to explore Chautauqua,” she said, “but also to continue to make the Chautauqua community richer by sharing their talents here.”
