Pacific Grove was founded by the Methodist Church as a summer retreat and found its identity when it became a member of the Chautauqua (adult education movement.) Chautauqua was organized in 1874 in New York State. The educational summer camp format proved to be a popular choice for families. Chautauqua facilities were built throughout the country. William Jennings Bryan was one of the more famous speakers. Music, theater, animal acts and trapeze acrobats participated in the Chautauqua Circuit. The coming of TV, radio, traveling theatre and circuses and World War II brought the end to the Chautauqua.
However, Chautauqua Days will be revived in Pacific Grove, September 30, October 1 & 2 with the following events:
Friday, Sept 30
- 12 Noon, The Monterey County Artist Open Studio Exhibit, PG Art Center, FREE, www.pgartcenter.org
- 7:00pm, Lecture, “Your Inner Butterfly: The Power of Words to Change our World” at the PG Library, $10 donation, 831-648-5760
- 8:00pm, A Freestyle Dance Jam begins at Chautauqua Hall, freeflowfun@hotmail.com
Saturday, Oct 1
- 9:30am, Figure Drawing class at the PG Art Center , $10 model fee.
- 10:30am, MUST SEE! Annual Butterfly Parade FREE and Bazaar
- 1:00pm, Lecture at Chautauqua Hall, “Why Chautauqua?” $5 donation, 831-373-3304
- 3:00pm, Lecture at Chautauqua Hall, “Green Seas, Blue Seas and the Public Fin Art of Ray Troll”
- PG Library, Play:”The Itty Bitty Variety Show,” FREE
- Opening Reception, “Green Seas, Blue Seas” at PG Museum of Natural History, $10, www.pgmuseum.org
- 7:30pm, Singing Americana at PG Library, $15 donation, 831-648-5760
Sunday, Oct 2
- 10:00am, Historic Home Tour, throughout Pacific Grove, $20. 831-373-3304
- 9th Annual “Artists in Chautauqua,” Chautauqua Hall, FREE
- 11am, 1pm, 2pm Historic Walking Tour FREE. More info 831-373-3304
