From May 7, 2026 through May 7, 2027 (Howard Van Doren Shaw’s birth and death date), Ragdale proudly commemorates 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 enduring inspirational impact for the arts, artists and historic preservation 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 $380,000. 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, winner of the Ragdale Ring Design Competition, constructed the 2026 Anniversary Ring performance space in May for the early evening Ragdale Ring performances monthly from June through September. The season concluded with the final performance night on Saturday, September 12th. Look out next year for the 2027 Ragdale Ring Performance Series lineup.
HISTORY CENTER OF LAKE FOREST-LAKE BLUFF RAGDALE EXHIBIT
ALICE’S GIFT OF RAGDALE: 50 YEARS OF INSPIRING CREATIVITY & PRESERVING HISTORY
September 19, 2026 - April 3, 2027
In partnership with and at the History Center of Lake Forest-Lake Bluff, Ragdale invites you to see this special exhibit, Alice’s Gift of Ragdale: 50 Years of Inspiring Creativity & Preserving History, as well as creative events during the run of the exhibition
including the following:
Public Opening - Saturday, September 19, 1:00 - 3:00 PM.
How Creativity Happens – Tuesday, October 13, 7:00 – 8:00 PM
Join Ragdale Executive Director Paul Sacaridiz for an evening of candid conversation with four of Ragdale’s current artists-in-residence, Katy Didden, Pramila Vasudevan, Elliot Menard, and Nicolei Gupit, as they discuss the inspirations, challenges, and discoveries that shape their practices. Together, they will explore what lies behind the scenes of their creative work. Arrive early to visit the exhibit.
Community Heritage Day - Sunday, October 18, 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
The exhibit is open for special hours and guided tours during the Lake Forest Preservation Symposium.
A Special Read with Ragdale - Short Stories Live - Tuesday, November 17, 7:00 - 8:30 PM
A thirty-minute short story reading performed by an actor, followed by a facilitated discussion with Ann Walters, Ragdale Trustee and professional facilitator of Between the Covers Book Discussions. The surprise short story is an engaging read from 1976, representing the fifty years of Ragdale’s artistic and creative cultivation.
Arrive at 6:15 PM for a guided tour of the exhibit by the History Center Executive Director Carol Summerfield.
Entrance to the exhibit and all events are free and open to the public.
Exhibit opening hours:
Tuesday: 10 AM – 4 PM
Wednesday: 10 AM– 4 PM
Thursday: 10 AM – 4 PM
Saturday: 1 PM – 4 PM
ARCHITECTURAL PRESERVATION SYMPOSIUM
Friday, October 16 - Sunday, October 18
A three-day celebration and symposium of heritage, design and community marking the 50th anniversaries of both Ragdale and the Lake Forest Preservation Foundation. The Friday program, taking place at Ragdale, includes a presentation by art historian, author, and Ragdale Trustee Giovanni Aloi and a variety of preservation workshops. Saturday’s program at Lake Forest College’s Holt Chapel will include moderators Geoffrey Baer from WTTW and former Chicago Tribune architecture critic Blair Kamin.
The Alice’s Gift of Ragdale exhibit at The History Center of Lake Forest-Lake Bluff will be open for special hours and guided tours on Sunday, October 18, 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM.
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
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
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.
Special Thanks to our 50th Anniversary Sponsors
50th Anniversary Lead Sponsor
50th Anniversary Premier Sponsor
50th Anniversary Benefactor Sponsor
50th Anniversary Patron Sponsors
50th Anniversary Supporter Sponsor