Wayne A. Gnatuk embodies the spirit of Chautauqua: retired Presbyterian minister, advocate for women’s reproductive rights, third-generation Chautauquan, past chair of the board of the Ecumenical Community of Chautauqua, lifelong stamp collector and recreational needlepoint stitcher.
At each morning lecture, Gnatuk can be found working on his newest needlepoint project for the Central Presbyterian Church in Louisville, Kentucky. His current project includes a dove transforming into a waterfall, surrounded by a mosaic of LGBTQ+ colors against a teal backdrop — his wife’s favorite color.
Gnatuk has come to Chautauqua for the first four weeks of the season since he was 3 years old, and at 5 years old, he began collecting stamps with his father. Gnatuk dedicated his efforts to collecting mainly Chautauqua Institution stamps and postcards. He now has over eight volumes with over 2,000 stamps in the Chautauqua Institution Archives.
“I collected it because I love Chautauqua,” said Gnatuk. “Part of what I’m trying to do in this collection is not only to celebrate Chautauqua, but also to show how the Institution was received by the greater public over the years.”
Much like Chautauqua Institution itself, Gnatuk has spent his life participating in open dialogues, working on creative projects and expanding his faith. Many people flock to Chautauqua each year to pursue growth in various forms. Whether it be through arts, faith, recreation or education, the hope for Chautauquans is to walk out of a visit with a new idea shared or an existing talent fueled.
In this sense, Gnatuk represents what it means to be a Chautauquan: to focus on continuous growth and to share these strengths with your community.
