Since the late 19th century, The Colorado Chautauqua has provided a haven for locals and visitors seeking entertainment, education, lodging, dining and plenty of breathtaking views.
The Front Range landmark’s rich history will be showcased in Museum of Boulder’s diverse exhibit “Chautauqua: 125 Years at the Heart of Boulder.”
From weddings to high-energy concerts at the campus’s acoustically pleasing barn-like auditorium, the picturesque property — nestled at the foot of the Flatirons — has served as the backdrop for memorable events of all kinds.
“We are hoping visitors gain new understanding of the evolution of the Colorado Chautauqua, especially the remarkable continuity from 125 years ago to today, as well as illustrating how much we value our role at the heart of the Boulder community,” said Liza Purvis, Colorado Chautauqua’s director of marketing, who spearheaded the project. “Since 1898, people have come to Chautauqua for relaxation and inspiration in Boulder’s most magical setting.”
Purvis has worked hard to design a living, breathing time capsule of sorts spotlighting the roots of Colorado Chautauqua as well as the modern amenities and offerings it delivers today.
“The most rewarding part of curating this exhibit was helping that amazing story come to life through archival images, curated music tracks, video and artwork,” Purvis said.
Live music is an integral part of the Front Range’s appeal. In addition to the stages of the Fox Theatre and the Boulder Theater hosting iconic artists, Chautauqua has welcomed an impressive roster of creatives of all genres throughout the years.
“The list of artists who have chosen to perform Chautauqua is long and impressive, including such greats as B.B. King, Joan Baez and Lyle Lovett,” Purvis said. “Once artists experience the great acoustics of the auditorium and the astounding natural setting, they want to come back.”
At the Museum of Boulder exhibit, music fans can relive some recent captivating performances or perhaps get a taste of shows they missed.
“This has given Boulder repeat visits from international names like Keb’ Mo’, The Gipsy Kings and the Indigo Girls,” Purvis said. “At the exhibit, visitors can view video of a recent auditorium concert and download a playlist featuring Chautauqua’s greatest hits.”
The selected music will also provide a soundtrack at the exhibit’s free opening reception on from 5:30-7 p.m. Thursday. Attendees are encouraged to RSVP online in advance.
“I can’t wait to see the execution of Liza’s (Purvis’s) vision for the auditorium and concert portion of the exhibit,” said Danny Cohen, Colorado Chautauqua’s public events manager. “Chautauqua has an incredibly rich and storied past when it comes to shows, and I love history, so it should be really interesting to see those aspects displayed for public enjoyment and education.”
Events at Colorado Chautauqua are already starting to roll out for the new year.
“There are so many terrific shows coming up that I’m excited about — Natalie Cressman and Ian Faquini on Jan. 15, a presentation by local rock climber Eddie Taylor on March 15 and the screening of the film ‘Elemental’ on May 5,” Cohen said. “All are at the Chautauqua Community House.”
Concertgoers can also expect a whole selection of shows to hit the stage soon.
“The auditorium season is going to be cookin’ this summer too,” Cohen said. “Colorado Music Festival has top-notch guest performers lined up and something special for the Chautauqua 125th anniversary. The contemporary concerts will also have some fantastic performers that will be announced very soon. Considering that’s only a fraction of what has been announced, it’s got me thrilled for the year.”
From being the locale of Boulder International Film Festival in June 2021 to capturing the magic and cheer of the holiday season during annual WinterFests, Chautauqua consistently provides experiences for those of all ages and interests.
“We can’t wait for the community to discover it all and we hope the exhibit will encourage people to visit Chautauqua and take advantage of all the special events and festivities we have in store for them in 2023,” said Shelly Benford, CEO of Colorado Chautauqua.
Benford has been working at Chautauqua for nearly seven years, a time she credits with allowing her to see the pivotal role this vibrant landmark has played in the lives of many.
“I have lived in Boulder for about 25 years, but it wasn’t until I began working at Chautauqua that I understood how truly important this place is to our community,” Benford said. “Nearly everyone I speak with has memories of a great concert in Chautauqua’s iconic auditorium, some milestone they have celebrated with family and friends or a cottage they stayed in for a period of time during some transitional or challenging period.”
Benford is hopeful that the new exhibit will motivate others to give back to Chautauqua in a variety of ways.
“One of our main goals is to make a compelling case for community support by positioning Chautauqua as an essential community resource,” Benford said. “Not many people know that we are a nonprofit with full responsibility for funding the preservation and protection of Boulder’s only National Historic Landmark.”
From buying memberships and gift certificates to ordering commemorative bricks installed along Colorado Chautauqua’s Centennial Garden, the options to support the local treasure are vast.
“The more community support we receive, the more we can offer affordable community events and the more we are able to implement the many sustainability and resilience initiatives we have planned, including those needed for infrastructure improvements and wildfire prevention,” Benford said.
While staff has worked hard to dot the campus with original art, like the 15 artist-painted life-size bears that will be up through April 16 as part of the Art in the Park Program, Colorado Chautauqua has also been a steady muse for artists looking to capture its natural beauty on canvas.
“We included a small selection of original works by women artists of different eras, curated by our archivist Kate Gerard, and her commentary forms part of the exhibit,” Purvis said. “Women were always drawn to the learning opportunities offered by the Chautauqua Movement, and plein air art classes were available from the earliest days.”
Nowadays, artists participating in Boulder’s Open Studios for the organization’s annual Plein Air Festival still set up easels and create original work as breezes blow and the scent of wildflowers waft through the air.
The exhibit will also spotlight the significant work of African American entrepreneur O.T. Jackson, the first manager of Chautauqua Dining Hall and founder of Weld County’s agricultural community Dearfield.
While Chautauqua is celebrating this milestone year with a truly varied display, organizers are also planning an anniversary community event in Chautauqua’s 125th birthday month of July.
Throughout the year, folks can also look forward to unique programming sure to appeal to a variety of visitors.
“Chautauqua retreats are all-inclusive and feature wellness and bonding activities like forest bathing, gentle-flow yoga, inspirational speakers and contemplative hikes,” Purvis said. “These programs are a direct descendant of the immersive Chautauqua experience of 125 years ago and highlight the calming and transformational power of this special place.”
Chautauqua continues to provide unique offerings and is certainly a center of respite and rejuvenation for many.
“As a Boulder resident of a few different eras, I feel very privileged to be so close to a continuously operating Chautauqua,” said Lori Preston, Museum of Boulder’s executive director. “There are so few left across the United States, and to know that the Boulder’s Chautauqua is steps away, offering so many of the tenets including art, nature awareness, entertainment and education means that there’s something for everyone.”
Preston has fond memories of exploring the trails with her son and belaying a friend who bravely climbed one of the Flatrions.
“Other fun traditions include taking any guests from out of town we have to the Dining Hall of Chautauqua to experience a pastrami on rye and hot chocolate next to their fireplace,” Preston said. “ In summer 2022, I experienced an upbeat evening of Keb’ Mo’ music live, after a fun picnic on the grounds outside of the Chautauqua Auditorium with a first date.”
In August 2022, Preston attended a screening of Katrina Dawn Miller’s documentary “This is (Not) Who We Are” a film that deals with race in Boulder and dives into the incident of Black Naropa student Zayd Atkinson, who was confronted by armed officers while picking up trash outside his student apartment.
“The feeling in that historical auditorium was mesmerizing,” Preston said. “I really believe the guests could’ve stayed there all night.”
Chautauqua has also been a place where community members can gather post-tragedy, including the mass shooting in March 2021 at the Table Mesa King Soopers.
“One of the most moving experiences for me was participating in the engagement of the attendees from South Boulder as we reflected and absorbed the tragedy of the mass shooting by viewing portraits by Ross Taylor and talking with mental health leaders, victim advocates, families and friends of those who were impacted,” Preston said. “We congregated at the Chautauqua Community Meeting House last December. Wow, talk about moving, and to think we were in a space that dates back to 1918.”
“Chautauqua: 125 Years at the Heart of Boulder” will be up through April 2, 2023.
“I hope our tiny lodge space can provide visitors with some new slices of Chautauqua they may have never known,” Preston said. “Hopefully reading a panel or viewing historical photos will help one appreciate the Indigenous and the land that they first occupied in Chautauqua.”