From May 2026 through May 2027, Ragdale proudly marks 50 years as one of America's most celebrated interdisciplinary artist residency programs. Throughout this year-long celebration, we will mark this occasion with dynamic public programming, expanded community partnerships, and bold new initiatives that honor our storied past, advance our commitment to historic preservation, and chart an inspired course for the future. We invite you to celebrate with us as we reflect on five decades of courageous creativity and look ahead to the next fifty years.
The anniversary year currently includes the following events and activities:
50TH JUBILEE
50th Jubilee was held on Saturday, May 16, 5:30 – 10:00 pm
An entertainment- filled cocktail party followed by seated dinners with a special featured artist at each table set throughout the Ragdale campus and ending with an afterglow show.
Ragdale was thrilled to sell out this event and raise a record $375,000. Thanks to all of the guests, supporters, sponsors, artists, and staff for making this celebratory event such a success in support of the mission of Ragdale.
RAGDALE RING
June through September 2026 ~ Ragdale Ring Performances
Virginia based studio Gluten and winner of the Ragdale Ring Design Competition, constructed the Anniversary Ring performance space in late June, for the early evening Ragdale Ring performances monthly June through September. The Ragdale Ring performances will be Saturday June 20th, Wednesday July 15th, Saturday August 22nd, and Saturday, September 12th.
LAKE FOREST-LAKE BLUFF HISTORY CENTER RAGDALE EXHIBIT
Alice’s Gift of Ragdale
Private Opening Reception Friday, September 18th, 5:30 - 7:00 pm;
Open to the Public Saturday, September 19th, into April 2027
A special exhibit in partnership with and at the History Center. Includes an Opening Night Reception and additional programming throughout the run of the exhibition, including a panel discussion with Ragdale residents lead by Paul Sacaridiz on October 1, a Short Stories Live event lead by Ann Walters in early November, and programming with Shaw Family descendants in 2027.
ARCHITECTURAL PRESERVATION SYMPOSIUM
Friday, October 16th - Sunday October 18
An architecture preservation symposium held at Ragdale, Lake Forest College, The History Center and other select destinations in partnership with the Lake Forest Preservation Foundation, with Saturday’s program at Lake Forest College’s Holt Chapel moderated by WTTW’s Geoffrey Baer.
Ragdale will host a presentation with Giovanni Aloi, a series of workshops and a founders’ reception on Friday, October 16.
The Alice’s Gift of Ragdale exhibit at The History Center will be open for special hours on Sunday, October 18, 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM.
More Details to Come
AI, ARTS & HUMANITIES EVENT
Date TBD
Presentation on the impacts and effects of AI on the arts and humanities in conjunction with Lake Forest College.
Details to Come
DANCE PERFORMANCE
Early 2027
Dance performance by a Ragdale Alum Dancer or Dance Company including a pre-performance reception
at a venue in Chicago.
Details to Come
RAGDALE ALUMNI REUNION
February 2027
A Ragdale Artist Alumni Reunion Party at a venue in Chicago.
Details to Come
VISUAL ART EXHIBITION
2027
A Ragdale Alum + visual art exhibition with opening reception at the newly renovated exhibition space at and
in partnership with Brushwood Center.
Details to Come
Mark your calendar and plan to join us at any one of these outstanding events!
For more information, contact Mary Beth Sova at marybeth@ragdale.org or 847.234.1063 x24
or Anna Blazkova at anna@ragdale.org or 847.234.1063 x29 with any questions.