Special Events
- Gather with us
Throughout the year PLAG searches out opportunities to connect our members with other visual artist groups across the Colorado Front Range community to build on relationships, share resources and elevate learning programs. Our commitment to a network of artists allows us to offer our workshops at PLAG member rates, inviting a diversity of interest areas and creative technique building skills. We hope you will join us at these special events!
PALMER LAKE CHITAUQUA 2025 July 31 – August 3
The Chautauqua Institute was founded in 1874 on Lake Chautauqua in New York State as an outdoor religious educational and recreational experience in a summer “tent university” that was multigenerational and multidisciplinary, engaging people through the arts and nature. The movement spread throughout the country to semi rural locations near large towns with good rail service. Unfortunately, as autos became prevalent, these programs faded away for a different type of summer vacation. President Teddy Roosevelt, however, called the Chautauqua “ the most American thing in America”.
One of the first such “daughter” Chautauqua events that took place in Colorado, was in Palmer Lake “just down the rail” from Denver. It was held in the Glen area from 1886-1910. People would stay for days to weeks in tents or cabins or in local hotels. There were featured speakers, artists, nature talks and walks, hikes, and concerts. Some of the lecturers were even given land in the Glen as payment.
The Palmer Lake Art Group is sponsoring multiple visual art events during the 2025 Chautauqua on August 2 and 3 hosted in the main tent by the Arts Council working to revive the Chautauqua concept for a current-day experience. Their goal is to promote the arts and humanities through performing and visual arts programs, music, hikes, and classes from a wide array of subjects for all age groups.
Palmer Lake's Chautauqua – 2025 “Paint the Lake” Plein Air Event
Join us for this unique Plein Air “Paint Out” in Palmer Lake, CO, celebrating the camaraderie of fellow painters from across the front range. Participants may select from any location around the lake or from around the town of Palmer Lake. Hosted by the Arts Council and sponsored by the Palmer Lake Art Group, we will start the day at the main tent for registration at 8 AM to stamp painter canvases and begin setup of painter’s chosen locations used throughout the morning painting period. Judging will begin at the tent area at noon where painters receiving awards for first and second places will be given.
- Location: Gazebo in the Park
- 30 Maximum Painter Participants
- $25 Registration Fee
- Awards given for First and Second Place