CTAC Art News 2023 Summer

CTAC ART NEWS

&

CITY

ENGAGE

IN THE ARTS

A letter from the President:

At the Arts Center, spring is about preparation, growth, and renewal. As we prepare for the hustle and bustle of the summer season, you may notice some exciting changes with our visitor’s experience in mind. In Petoskey, we’ve installed new wayfinding signage, and the main level has been outfitted with a sound system to provide music and announcements to our visitors. And soon, you’ll be greeted by a new front desk and hospitality station. In Traverse City, we’re expanding our exhibits by adding new gallery walls in the rotunda!

With your help, we grew our arts programming, including hosting an art teacher professional development day, offering visual and performing arts classes for adults with disabilities, providing three School of Ballet artistin-residence experiences, and a new 16-concert Downtown Sound music series. To keep you engaged, we offered free weekly Coffee @ 10 Lectures and Open Studio every Saturday in both locations. And just this spring, we provided school tours with hands-on art activities to nearly 1,000 students!

Looking ahead to this summer, two of our most anticipated annual events, Dart for Art and Paint Grand Traverse, will return with renewed excitement. Plus,

art lovers can shop over 130 booths at the CTAC Art Fair in Traverse City and enjoy a celebration of art, music, and community at Art Walk in downtown Petoskey. We look forward to sharing these arts experiences with you!

And we can’t wait for you to check out our summer exhibitions. In Petoskey, we’ll be showcasing two solo shows by Northern Michigan artists, Trisha Witty and Nancy Adams Nash. In Traverse City, we’re pleased to present the Great Lakes Pastel Society and a wonderful lineup of local artists, including Royce Deans, Angela Saxon, Rufus Snoddy, and Glenn Wolff. With the growth of programming, we are thrilled to welcome new staff members and promote staff from within our talented team. This past fall, Kristi Wodek was promoted to Vice President. Her hands-on leadership and community-first attitude are sure to help our Traverse City location grow. Please stop by and say hello to our newest staff members in Traverse City: Brian Iler, Gallery & Volunteer Coordinator; and in Petoskey: Michelle Horn, Events Manager; Angela Morris, Regional Development Manager; Monica Stokes, Marketing & Communications Director; and Bobby Yarger, Guest Experience Associate.

All the thanks goes to you! Why? Because without your support over the winter months—through your memberships, gifts to the year-end campaign, and volunteer hours—we wouldn’t be prepared to offer you another year of arts education and programming at CTAC.

I look forward to seeing you at the Arts Center!

Megan DeWindt CTAC President

Crooked Tree Arts Center is a community arts organization committed to providing quality and unique arts experiences for Northern Michigan residents and visitors. Through fine art exhibitions, lectures, workshops, art fairs, dance and music programs, concerts, and more, CTAC inspires and enriches lives through the arts.

CTAC Staff & Board of Directors

STAFF:

Megan DeWindt

PRESIDENT

Kristi Wodek

VICE PRESIDENT

Liz Erlewine

VISUAL ARTS DIRECTOR

Michelle Horn

EVENTS MANAGER

Carina Hume

BUSINESS MANAGER

Brian Iler

GALLERY & VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR

Angela Morris

REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

Brianne Munch

GUEST EXPERIENCE ASSOCIATE

Julie Povolo

REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

Heather Raue SCHOOL OF BALLET ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

Jason Scheper FACILITIES MANAGER

Alissa Seelmann-Rutkofske

GALLERY COORDINATOR

Monica Stokes

MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR

Haley Van Patten ASSISTANT TO THE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

Bobby Yarger GUEST EXPERIENCE ASSOCIATE

BOARD:

Elaine Smiley, CHAIR

Anne Morningstar, VICE CHAIR

Ragnar Avery, TREASURER

Michelle Boyer, SECRETARY

Sue Bingham, Ed Boyer, Michelle Boyer, Carole Carroll, Kathleen A. Davis, John Fergus-Jean, Steven J. Fishman, Steve Fritz, Rob Harold, DeJuan Jordan, Bill Millar, Don Molosky, Anne Montagne, Stephen Palmer, Jim Schroeder, Celia Sinclair, Jennifer Tobias, Kurt Wietzke

Founded in 1971, Crooked Tree Arts Center has two locations in Northern Michigan: 461 E. Mitchell St. Petoskey, MI 49770 231.347.4337 – AND –

322 Sixth St. Traverse City, MI 49684 231.941.9488

www.crookedtree.org

ON THE COVER:

Photo by Ann M. Kennedy

CTAC-Petoskey

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT!

Linda Gardiner TRAVERSE CITY

Linda Gardiner is not afraid to try new things. A long-time lover of art, Linda majored in Textile Design at Michigan State University and also studied Marketing, a combination which has paid off for the diversely talented artist who sells her work at the annual Merry Marketplace at CTAC in Traverse City and through Etsy and Instagram. Since Linda became a member in 2015, she has taken a variety of courses and shared her talents as an instructor, putting her bookbinding and papermaking skills to use! Linda also enjoys working with textiles and makes a range of storage bins, boxes, and bags from canvas and other materials, which

she stencils and paints.

Linda said she enjoys the income that she has earned as an artist but relishes the satisfaction of creating pieces that others love to own. Recently, a customer commissioned a whole set of boxes and storage bins for her house.

Linda keeps her profile up-to-date on the CTAC website as an Artist Guild Member and encourages other artists to consider joining the Artist Guild. “Art is a window into our humanity. Art makes us human. I have gained so much from the connections that I have made with other artists,” said Gardiner.

In addition to the canvas storage pieces she makes to help people stay beautifully organized, Linda herself is organized enough to take on a major volunteer role as a Host Home Coordinator for Paint Grand Traverse. Linda’s decision to take on the role of Coordinator came after hosting plein air artist Crista Pisano from

New York State in her own home. After that experience, Linda shadowed Paul LaPorte, who had masterfully handled this job for several years. And for 2023, she had all the host homes set months in advance, with extra hosts available should someone need to cancel.

“Paint Grand Traverse continues to inspire artists and non-artists alike as we see our area through the eyes of these magnificent artists,” said Gardiner. Linda says she is looking forward to the artists’ arrival in June, and she knows she will have a wonderful reunion with the returning artists, as much as she will enjoy meeting the plein air artists who are trying Paint Grand Traverse for the first time.

The days are long for the artists, as they must complete at least five paintings over the course of six days before they get sold at the Fresh Paint Party on Friday, June 23. “Making sure the plein air artists’ needs are met and that they have safe and comfortable rooms to return to after painting outdoors from dawn to moonrise is something the home hosts take very seriously,” Gardiner adds. Having talented and organized people like Linda as members and volunteers is one of the reasons CTAC continues to thrive.

CITY

This June, CTAC’s plein air painting festival will be back and better than ever, with a full week of landscape painting, live demonstrations, activities for kids, art sales, classes, parties, and community events!

Now in its sixth year, Paint Grand Traverse (PGT) will feature 32 artists from across the country. They’ll spend the week being inspired by the summer magic of Traverse City, Old Mission Peninsula, Leelanau County, and the Lake Michigan coastline. More than 200 paintings will be created, each one capturing a special place and moment in Northern Michigan.

Whether you are a novice, a professional, or a wanna-be, this week is jam-packed with opportunities to engage and get a behind-the-scenes view of the life of a plein air artist.

We will have artist demos Monday through Thursday, where you can learn more about their equipment, approach, and style. Pop in the galleries to cool off and get a sneak peek at each artist’s display to see some of their artwork that they brought from home. The week winds down with the newly named Fresh Paint Party, where you can join the celebration as we reveal the entire collection. Awards juror Joseph Lombardo will announce awards at 5:30 p.m., so you will want to get a purchase award to have the first opportunity to get

your hands on an award-winning painting. Once a painting is purchased, you are welcome to take the painting home with you. No waiting until the end of the exhibit! Purchased paintings can go home with you that night, something to brag about all summer!

We look forward to seeing you at PGT this summer and celebrating artistic excellence and the beauty of Northern Michigan!

FEATURED EVENTS

Plein Air Painting for Fearless First-Timers

Monday, June 19, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Hannah Park, $60/$80

An introductory workshop to plein air painting.

“Small Wonders” Society Event

Tuesday, June 20, Location TBD

By invitation

CTAC society members are invited for a fun evening mixing and mingling with our featured artists and will have the exclusive opportunity to shop a delightful collection of “small wonder” paintings.

Sunset Paint Out

Wednesday, June 21, 8 - 9:30 p.m. Leelanau Peninsula, Lake Michigan Free Artists will capture the sunset along the shores of Lake Michigan from Glen Haven to Empire.

PGT Awards Juror Demo, Joseph Lombardo

Thursday, June 22, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

CTAC-Traverse City, 322 Sixth Street

Forget the details and go for the big picture! Joe will teach you to see the landscape and paintings with “new eyes.”

Fresh Paint Party

Friday, June 23, 6 - 9 p.m.

CTAC-Traverse City, $75

This soiree is the marquee event of Paint Grand Traverse as we unveil the juried collection of paintings created during the week and present artist awards. The evening also includes wine tasting, appetizers, and live music! Tickets on sale now!

Pint-Sized Paint Out for Kids

Saturday, June 24, 10 a.m. - Noon

CTAC-Traverse City, Free

A fun outdoor painting experience for the next generation of plein air artists! All ages welcome; prizes will be awarded!

Public Sale and Opening

Saturday, June 24, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

CTAC-Traverse City, Free

It’s the public unveiling of the Paint Grand Traverse collection. See all the wonderful ways our featured artists have interpreted your favorite places. Hundreds of paintings to enjoy and choose from.

Extended Exhibition and Online Sale

June 24 - August 25, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. (Tuesday - Saturday)

CTAC-Traverse City, Free

Plein Air Paint Out/ Wet Paint Sale

Friday, August 25, 2 - 4 p.m.

CTAC-Traverse City, Free to participate and attend

Up to 100 artists will take part in this exciting time trial of artistic skill and creativity, sell their work, and compete for cash and prizes! Artist registration opens on June 1.

COMFORT KEEPERS OF NORTHWEST MICHIGAN

RUSS & LESLIE KNOPP

Russ and Leslie Knopp have been fans and friends of CTAC for many years and frequently attended events at CTAC in Petoskey before CTAC launched in Traverse City. The Knopps strongly believe that “the arts are an important expression of what makes us human, and it’s been especially clear over the last couple of years that art, in all its forms, helps us express feelings, think, cope, process, maintain hope, and celebrate life.”

Through their business, Comfort Keepers of Northwest Michigan, Russ and Leslie have supported Paint Grand Traverse as a major sponsor since its inception. Comfort Keepers helps seniors live independently by offering uplifting in-home care and

companionship. This year, Comfort Keepers is PGT’s “premier” level sponsor, and we are so grateful for their support! Thanks to Comfort Keepers, Paint Grand Traverse will feature several major artist awards – which is key to the continued growth of our event and to attracting top talent.

“We really love Paint Grand Traverse,” says Leslie. “We make time the whole week to observe artists on location, and love going to the events to see their interpretations of our beautiful area. We are thankful that we were able to sponsor this event from the beginning, and love that because of the quality job CTAC does managing the event, we are attracting an even more competitive field of artists who want to participate.”

Russ and Leslie are passionate about supporting artists and arts organizations. “If you want to support artists, buy some art,” says Leslie. “It doesn’t have to be expensive, and it isn’t only for the well-off. And you can support local arts organizations like CTAC by taking classes, attending events, or with memberships and donations, so they can continue their work in our communities. They help make us all better.”

PAINT GRAND TRAVERSE PREMIER SPONSOR:

Connie Landis PETOSKEY

One of our favorite artists in the Northern Michigan art scene is also one of our favorite Arts Center members — Connie Landis.

Growing up in an artistic family, Connie was always creative as a child and took her first painting class when she was a “tween,” but she began devoting more of her time to painting about 20 years ago.

Art has always been a part of her life, so when she moved to Petoskey in 2016, she quickly became a familiar face at Crooked Tree Arts Center.

Connie initially came to know CTAC back in the ‘80s through her mom Martha Landis, but it was once she permanently moved up north that she began donating paintings to Dart for Art and taking workshops from artists like Tim Horn,

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT!

Shelby Keefe, Kim English, and Camille Przewodek. Soon after, Connie fell in love with hanging out at CTAC and became a dedicated volunteer.

In fact, she is a beloved member of what we call our “installation crew” — a trio of volunteers who generously give their time to help hang each show in the galleries. Armed with a hammer, nails, and a level, Connie is instrumental in getting our exhibitions up on the wall for our community to enjoy!

“I love all that CTAC has to offer—visual arts, music, dance—just incredible for a town this size to foster and provide all these art experiences. As a volunteer, I love helping to hang the shows with Liz Erlewine and my buddies, Bob Scudder, and Bill Millar. They have all taught me a lot, and we laugh a lot.”

Connie also volunteers her time to assist in setting up for CTAC’s largest fundraiser of the year: “I love setting up for Dart,” she said. “It’s a couple of fast-paced days, and everyone’s adrenaline is overloaded. And then it all comes together, and it is fabulous—every time!”

When she’s not helping set up an event or hang an exhibition, Connie works in oils, producing figurative works featuring women, children, and families. “I try to convey a certain emotion through gesture, and I hope to spark joy in the use of color and brushstrokes. Nothing too profound, simple pleasures.”

But Connie’s creativity doesn’t stop there! She happens to love baking cookies and creating her own one-of-a-kind cookie cutters. “I probably have 200 cookie cutters! I love baking cookies for specific celebrations, and sometimes I fashion my own cutters. I’ve done Oscar statuettes, Rolling Stone logos with the tongue hanging out, and engagement rings on hands, crazy fun stuff!”

Handy with both a hammer and paintbrush, Connie is a valued artist and member of CTAC!

To see Connie Landis’ oil paintings, you can visit Mettlers American Mercantile or her website at connieartanddesign.com or crookedtree.org

Dart for Art

Wednesday & Thursday, July 12 & 13

Downtown Bay Harbor

Crooked Tree Arts Center’s premier summer fundraiser, Dart for Art, will be held on July 12 & 13 in Bay Harbor. Now in its 26th year, this event brings together 150 artists, 20 local chefs and restaurateurs, and 1,000 guests over two nights in support of the arts in Northern Michigan.

Preview Night

Wednesday, July 12 • 6 - 9 p.m.

Tickets: $100

Join us at Preview Night on Wednesday, July 12, 6 - 9 p.m., for a strolling reception. Enjoy specialty hors d’oeuvres showcasing the skills of area chefs, bid on silent auction items, and preview the fabulous art on display while grooving to DJ Parker Marshall. All the art is up for grabs when you literally ‘dart’ (run) for your art the following evening!

TICKETS STILL AVAILABLE!

The Main Event (Sold out)

Thursday, July 13 • 6 - 10 p.m.

Thursday evening is the Main Event — and the excitement builds! Following a cocktail hour featuring hors d’oeuvres by the area’s finest chefs, guests will enjoy a seated gourmet dinner by Chef Eric Basta of NOMAD. At the end of the evening, guests bid on unique live auction items and then ‘dart’ for an original work of art to take home from more than 200 pieces — paintings, photography, pottery, jewelry, sculpture, and more.

DART FOR ART 2023 Featured Artist

This year, we celebrate the arts with Dart for Art Featured Artist Alan Maciag. Alan's featured piece, Boat Launch, captures the spirit of Northern Michigan's scenic drives and lakeshore road trips that showcase the beauty of the Great Lakes State.

ABOUT ALAN MACIAG

Michigan artist Alan Maciag is a 1974 graduate of Central Michigan University with a master's degree in art education. He retired after teaching art for 32 years in the Frankenmuth School District.

In the awakening light of the early morning, you might find Alan, a plein air painter, capturing the essence of the visual moments presented to him in the vast rural farmland around his home.

When not painting onsite, Alan can be found painting in the garden paradise of his home. His backyard is a sanctuary for his creative thoughts. Alan's avid interest in architecture and gardening are recurring themes in his current body of work.

Alan's rural landscapes are a balance between form, distance, color, and content. The balance creates a sense of calm and bucolic reverence for the rural heritage of Michigan, for the wonderlands of its vacation lakes, or the sanctuary within a garden or public space. It is as though you have been given a gift — to simply "step in" for a moment and be surrounded by the spirit captured on this canvas.

Alan paints in his Midland studio and travels throughout the state, painting on location. Alan's studio is located at 3927 East Monroe Road in Midland, Michigan. Studio tours can be arranged by calling (989) 245-5584.

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

GOLD SPONSORS

Renee and Pier Borra

Kathleen and Matt Davis

Karen Quenneville and Dave Ligotti

Sonja and Jonathan Perkins

Joan and Tom Sabatino

Susan and William Seklar

Robin and David Small

The Speed Family

Jane Warner & John Hegener

Ambassador Ron Weiser & Barrie Bender

Laura and Howard Willard

SILVER SPONSORS

Sherry and Tom Barrat Andrew and Vicki Harrington Kirkland & Ellis LLP

Rebecca and Jack McNaughton

Petoskey Plastics and The Keiswetter Family

CORPORATE SPONSORS

BRONZE SPONSORS

Bonnie Josephson and Steven Fishman in honor of Howard and Marilyn Marwill

Patricia Swope and Jeff Gagie

Debra and Dave Kring

Teann Nash

Jamie Mills and Jim Nichols

Ann and Tom Stallkamp

IN THE GALLERIES

 Trisha Witty: Pilgrimages in Paint

May 25 - September 2

CTAC-Petoskey, Gilbert Gallery

Beloved Harbor Springs artist

Trisha Witty has painted mountains, vineyards, deserts, and beaches from around the world. This retrospective exhibition highlights her work from the past 35 years.

 Animal - Vegetable - Mineral Paintings by Nancy Adams Nash

May 25 - September 2

CTAC-Petoskey, Bonfield Gallery

The haunting creatures that exist in Nancy Adams Nash’s paintings suggest ambiguous narratives that evoke a sense of mystery and curiosity. This solo exhibition features new paintings by the artist alongside pieces created throughout her long and active career.

Julia Dufault McGrath Solo Exhibition

June 17 - July 22

CTAC-Petoskey, Atrium Gallery

Blank Canvas 2: High School Portfolio

April 29 - June 3

CTAC-Petoskey, Atrium Gallery

This annual exhibition recognizes some outstanding work created in CTAC’s High School Portfolio program and features work by Spencer Bednar, Clyde Bogda, Adrianna Helton, Esther Hornibrook, Halie Hume, Mia Landis, Ari Maldonado, Nat Mills, and Kadence Moyer.

Colorful and texture-filled watercolor and mixed-media paintings brighten CTAC’s Atrium Gallery in this solo exhibition by Michigan artist Julia Dufault McGrath.

Annual Kitchen Painters Exhibition

August 1 - September 5

CTAC-Petoskey, Atrium Gallery

Each week, the Kitchen Painters invite artists of all levels to join them for open studio time at Crooked Tree Arts Center. This annual exhibition showcases recent work by the group.

CONCERTS In the Park

Wednesday, June 21

Eliza Thorp

Friday, June 23

The Full Moon Jam Band

Wednesday, June 28

John Richard Paul

Friday, June 30

Keith Scott Blues

Wednesday, July 5

Kevin Johnson

Friday, July 7

Crosscut Kings

Wednesday, July 19

Story and James

Friday, July 21 The Pints

Wednesday, July 26 Third Degree

Friday, July 28

The Real Ingredients

Wednesday, August 2 Lejet

Live on the Bidwell Plaza

Relax with CTAC outside on the Bidwell Plaza!

Bring a lawn chair or grab a picnic table and enjoy family-friendly tunes on select summer evenings at 5:30 p.m.! Cash bar available.

Tuesday, June 27

Charlie Millard Band

Tuesday, July 25

Jelly Roll Blues Band

Tuesday, August 29

Steve August

Pennsylvania

Park Gazebo

Noon - 1 p.m.

Friday, August 4

The Boondoggle Cats

Wednesday, August 9

Holly Keller Thompson

Friday, August 11

Jeff Pagel

Wednesday, August 16

Ed Tatum

Friday, August 18

Sean Miller

Head to Pennsylvania Park in Downtown Petoskey for CTAC's annual Charlotte Ross Lee Concerts in the Park Series! Held Noon - 1 p.m. each Wednesday and Friday, June 21 through August 18, the concert series brings a lineup of local musicians to the Gazebo stage. Bring a lunch, lawn chair, or picnic blanket, and enjoy live music in the park! These performances are free and open to the public.

For lodging information while attending Concerts in the Park, visit www.PetoskeyArea.com

Sponsored by

COFFEE @ 10

Every Thursday at 10 a.m., CTAC hosts a drop-in coffee hour with guest speakers and presenters. Join us in person or online for free educational and inspirational artist talks and presentations related to the current exhibition.

FOR ADULTS

ART Workshops PETOSKEY

JUNE

Seeing Color: Painting

Others with Patrick Earl Hammie

June 5 - 7, 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Oil painting workshop exploring color and portraiture.

Alcohol Ink with Julie Tibus

Tuesday, June 6, 1 - 4:30 p.m.

Make stunning art jewelry from your very own alcohol ink abstracts.

Light & Shadow: Portrait Painting with Steven Assael

June 12 - 14, 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Develop your painting skills by exploring proportion, form, light, and color.

Painting the Dramatic Landscape with Heidi Marshall SOLD OUT

June 19 - 20, 11 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Learn how to make your landscapes come alive by creating a mood and atmosphere.

Watercolor Batik with Carole Hunnes-Nielsen

June 26 - 27, 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Create beautiful, unique art with watercolor batik.

Plein Air Paradise: Painting

Northern Michigan with Heidi Marshall

June 28 - 29, 11 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Join this plein air painting adventure!

JULY

Stovetop Dye with Jasmine Lace Petrie

Saturday, July 8, 1:30 - 4:30 p.m. Join us as we explore the art of natural dyeing.

Ceramic Decals with Justin Rothshank

July 17 & 18, 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

July 19, 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Learn the process of using decals on glazed ceramic works.

Miniature Painting with Brooke Rothshank

July 20 & 21, 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Create intimate miniature paintings that capture moments from your life.

Pour It, Paint It, Lift It with Julia Dufault McGrath

Saturday, July 22, 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Experiment with the power of waterbased media.

Contour Drawing

Immersive with Armin Mersmann

July 24 - 25, 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Discover the transformative power of contour drawing.

Basics in Oil with Douglas David

July 27 - 28, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Fun and informative workshop covering the basic principles of oil painting.

From Sources to Masterpieces: Transforming Inspiration into Art with Benjamin Duke

July 31 - August 2, 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Gain a new perspective on your creative process and explore captivating visual metaphors.

AUGUST

Captured Moments with Julia Dufault McGrath

August 3 - 4, 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Learn to create original watercolors from your own photos.

Intro to Encaustic Painting with Sarah Rehmer

August 7 - 8, 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Join us and get an immersive introduction to encaustic.

Painting Expressive Skies with Eric Jacobsen

August 7 - 9, 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Loosen up your style with tips on how to paint expressive skies.

Indigo Dye with Jasmine Lace Petrie

Saturday, August 12, 1:30 - 4:30 p.m. Discover the ancient craft of indigo dye.

Printmaking: Multi-color Jigsaw Linoleum Cut with Lisa Wicka

August 14 - 16, 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Explore the captivating world of jigsaw linoleum cut printmaking.

Intuitive Painting with Julia Dufault McGrath

August 17 - 18, 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Loosen up and learn expressive markmaking.

Alcohol Ink Florals with Julie Tibus

August 21 - 22, 12:30 - 4:30 p.m. Discover the vibrant and flowing painting technique of alcohol inks.

Gouache: The Superpower Paint with Justin Shull

August 24 - 25, 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Fall in love with the ease and vibrancy of the powerhouse paint: gouache!

Capturing Radiant Light with Lori Feldpausch

August 28 - 29, 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Use the power of color to express a sense of light

Plein Air @ AGS New! This summer, CTAC is partnering with Ahrens Gallery & Studio to offer relaxed, welcoming, and guided plein air sessions on their beautiful Northern Michigan grounds. Find out more at crookedtree.org.

ART Workshops

KIDS ART CAMPS

Painting (Grades 4-7)

June 12 - 16, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Printmaking (Grades 4-7)

SOLD OUT

June 12 - 16, 1 - 4 p.m.

Around the World (Grades K-3)

June 19 - 23, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Enchanted Forest (Grades K-3) SOLD OUT

June 26 - 30, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Sun, Fun, Stars, and Stripes (Grades K-3)

July 3 - 7, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Sun, Fun, Stars, and Stripes (Grades 4-7)

July 3 - 7, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Opposites Attract (Grades K-3)

July 17 - 21, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Space Explorers (Grades K-3) SOLD OUT

July 24 - 28, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Food, Glorious Food! (Grades K-3)

July 31 - August 4, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Pop Art (Grades 4-7)

July 31 - August 4, 1 - 4 p.m.

Animalia (Grades K-3)

SOLD OUT

August 14 - 18, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Papermaking (Grades 4-7)

August 14 - 18, 1 - 4 p.m.

Teen Drawing Intensive (Grades 8-12)

August 21 - 25, 1 - 4 p.m.

THEATRE KIDS CAMPS

Grades Pre K - 3

July 17 - July 21

July 24 - July 28

July 31 - August 4 Find details online at crookedtree.org

20 YEARS OF BALLET

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the CTAC School of Ballet’s founding by Artistic Director Heather Raue. Heather has grown the School of Ballet into a nationally recognized program with the support of instructors, alums, donors, and volunteers. But the program, which has garnered attention for its high professional artistic and creative standards, had humble beginnings.

Heather instructed all levels of ballet six days a week in the small dance studio at CTAC for the first five years. As the program grew and young dancers advanced, Heather knew she needed help training the next generation of performance artists. So, she brought instructor Karrie Benedict on board in 2008.

“For the past fifteen years, Karrie has been responsible for developing the critical foundational skills for most of the dancers in our program,” said Heather. “She is a patient educator who works miracles with our young students.

Without Karrie’s dedication, our program would not be as successful as it is.”

As those familiar with the dance program know, ballet education requires years of dedication and discipline. It took Heather and Karrie years of hard work to develop the program. One significant step in the program’s development was finding a larger studio space, as the older students had quickly outgrown the small studio.

“Upon moving our older dancers to the large studio location, it was like watching caged animals experiencing freedom for the first time,” recalled Heather. “Our ladies were not hitting the ceiling or light fixtures in lifts anymore, we could adequately space staging for

our full-length ballets, and our dancers’ movement quality and cardio aptitude dramatically improved. Plus, we could provide simultaneous classes in two studio locations.”

As the program expanded, so did its reputation, to the point of Heather being honored as Dance Magazine’s Dance Teacher of the Year in 2010.

“The award was, of course, a great honor, but it also reinforced for me the confidence and support that CTAC has given me over the years,” said Heather.

“Without the support of the community, especially parents who had entrusted their young dancers into my care, I could not have come to the attention of Dance Magazine. We are fortunate to have a community and arts organizations that recognize and support dance education.”

Since 2010, community support has enabled the School of Ballet to continue expanding its outreach to include collaborations with other organizations and artists. The School of Ballet has collaborated with the Great Lakes Chamber Orchestra, Good Hart Artist Residency, Big Water Creative, The Croft Residency, Bay View Association, and 12-year-old Pellston musician Blaze Beairl.

“These collaborations provide our students and the community with exciting new ways of looking at dance, music, and art and help to make our work even more dynamic,” shared Heather. Many of the program’s talented students have earned professional contracts, graduated with BFAs in dance, and enjoy dance-related careers, and some have returned to the School of Ballet as professional instructors.

“Working with dance artists like Hannah Bianchi, Ellie Esford, Marie Millard, Haley Van Patten, Benjamin Cheney, Tracy Thomson, Eleanor Chaney, Taylor Naturkas, Esmae Gold, and Bri Wilson is tremendously gratifying,” said Heather of the alums.

As alums reconnect to Northern Michigan and the dance program, they bring new energy that enhances the School of Ballet’s underlying foundation of creative yet rigorous dance education. “We have developed our own distinct style, and having alums work with the program makes passing on that style to our students all the easier,” added Heather. “I’m looking forward to working with our alums for many years to come – some of our young dancers are already planning to come back to join the faculty!”

Over the past twenty years, the program has grown consistently with support from dance families, instructors, donors, and friends. Going forward, Heather hopes to further elevate the School’s reputation as an innovative and creative arts resource. Plus, she has some other plans for the program as well.

“I’m excited about the possibility of establishing a professional dance company under the umbrella of the School of Ballet and CTAC,” shared Heather. “We are blessed to have a strong arts community here, as well as

support for the arts, and I think we can harness that energy into a truly special dance company. I look forward to making our programs accessible to as many people as possible.”

Since 2003, the School of Ballet has seen exponential growth – increasing class sizes and educational offerings, adding staff and collaborations, and creatively enriching the community – without a doubt, the next twenty years will be just as rich and fulfilling as the last.

SCHOOL OF BALLET Accomplishments

Payton Beckering

Attending:

Miami City Ballet

2022, 2023 Harriett

Lee Hicklen Memorial Scholarship for Dance recipient

Chloe Bos Attending: Philadelphia Ballet

Callie Carlson

Attending:

Kaatsbaan Ballet

Intensive

2022, 2023 Harriett

Lee Hicklen Memorial Scholarship for Dance recipient

Elsie Dawson

Attending: Pacific Northwest Ballet

2022 Jane & Bill Millar

Outstanding Progress Scholarship

2023 Harriett Lee

Hicklen Memorial Scholarship for Dance recipient

Ella Galle

Attending: Ballet Chicago

Arya Grace

Attending:

Sarasota Ballet

2023 Jane & Bill Millar Outstanding Progress Scholarship

Amelie Hanson

Attending: LINES Ballet

2023 Midwest RAD Fest choreographic selection

Eislinn Janka Attending: Grand Rapids Ballet

Greyson Janka

See inset on Page 17

Audrey Larocco Attending: Grand Rapids Ballet & Oklahoma City Ballet

Colette McLeod

Attending: Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre

Louis Millard

Attending: Boston Ballet, full scholarship & Miami City Ballet, full scholarship 2022, 2023 Harriett

Lee Hicklen Memorial Scholarship for Dance recipient

Claire Miller

Attending: Kansas City Ballet

Ailinn Mullaney

Zoe Kaufman

Attending: Grand Rapids Ballet

Attending: Colorado Ballet

Sierra Schlehuber

Attending: Miami City Ballet

Eva Sharapova

Attending:

Oklahoma City

Ballet & Oregon Ballet Theatre

Sakura

Springborn

Attending: Texas Ballet

Theatre Thalia Springborn

Attending: Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp

Sienna Stuchell

Attending: Bates Dance Festival, scholarship

Romi Titus

Attending: North Carolina School of the Arts

Leif VanHorn

Attending: Colorado Ballet, scholarship

2022, 2023 Midwest RAD Fest choreographic selection

Claire Winnell

Attending: Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

Graduating Senior

Greyson Janka

Attending Fall 2023: George Mason University on full scholarship for dance & academics

2021 eddi Award recipient

2022 Harriett Lee Hicklen Memorial Scholarship recipient

2022, 2023 Midwest RAD Fest choreographic selection

Greyson has been dancing with the CTAC School of Ballet for nine years. He has attended summer intensives on scholarship at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp, Charlotte Ballet, Boys Ballet Summer Intensive, Philadelphia Ballet, BalletMet, Indiana University, and Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre. Although he will be sorely missed, we are so proud of Greyson and wish him all the best on his new journey!

MOTHRA THE BALLET

Harbor Springs

Performing Arts Center

Friday, June 9, 7 p.m.

Saturday, June 10, 1 p.m. & 7 p.m.

Tickets: $5 Students // $20 Adults // $50 Reserved

Mothra Synopsis: A Japanese fantasy written in 1961. An expedition to Infant Island in the South Pacific brings civilization in contact with many unseen wonders, including an ancient native culture and small twin fairies. One sensationalist entrepreneur exploits the magical twins, and their ancient idol, Mothra, arises to save them all – ravishing a universe for love!

SCHOOL OF BALLET SUMMER WORKSHOPS

Three 3-week workshops

Session I: June 19 – July 8

Upper Level Ballet, Intermediate Ballet, and Dance Fusion

Session II: July 10 – July 29

Upper Level Ballet, Intermediate Ballet, Beginning Intermediate Ballet, and Beginning Ballet

Session III: July 31 – August 19

Upper Level Ballet and Intermediate Ballet

Summer Adult Ballet

June 20 – August 15 (9 weeks)

EXHIBITIONS

INSIDE Crooked Tree

April 28 - June 3

Carnegie West Gallery, Traverse City

Those who teach and work at Crooked Tree Arts Center - TC share artwork they created in this sure-to-be dynamic and fascinating exhibition.

This is 6:47

April 28 - June 3

Carnegie East Gallery, Traverse City

Captivating artwork by students from the intensive multi-week High School

Portfolio class at Crooked Tree - TC led by instructor Royce Deans. The students were responsible for creating and curating the art for the exhibit, as well as hanging, displaying, and lighting the show.

Thursday Painting: Brenda J. Clark’s Group of Seven-ish

April 28 - June 3

Cornwell Gallery, Traverse City

Every Thursday, seven (or more) artists meet online for two hours to explore a problem-solving agenda put forth by artist Brenda J. Clark. Participants share their artwork, seek inspiration, and encourage one another in creativity. This exhibit highlights inspired and expressive paintings created by this group of artists.

Paint Grand Traverse Extended Exhibit

June 24 - August 25

Carnegie Rotunda, Traverse City

Plein air artwork from 2023’s 6th Annual Paint Grand Traverse on display in the magnificent rotunda.

IN THE GALLERIES

Great Lakes Pastel Society

July 8 - August 26

Cornwell Gallery, Traverse City

An exhibition that adorns the walls of the Cornwell Gallery with delightful pastels from the Great Lakes Pastel Society, which has been thriving since 1997.

Royce Deans & Angela Saxon: New Monotypes

July 8 - August 5

Carnegie West Gallery, Traverse City

New prints celebrating the collaborative energy of local artists Royce Deans and Angela Saxon.

Reflections Between Conversations

July 8 - August 5

Carnegie East Gallery, Traverse City

Incredible 2D & 3D artwork by Rufus Snoddy & Glenn Wolff, friends and teaching colleagues in Northwestern Michigan College’s Art Department.

 Sculpture Fantástico

August 8 - September 1

Carnegie East Gallery, Traverse City

Sculpture of the carved, found, and always fantastic variety by prolific lifelong and self-taught Manistee artist Nat Rosales. Nat masterfully fuses the mechanical with the curious to form

surreal creations unlike any other. A must-see for all who enjoy art from off the beaten path!

What felt true isn’t ours

August 8 - September 1

Carnegie West Gallery, Traverse City

A mindful and evocative installation by emerging artist Rebecca Howe, a contemporary American artist of Lebanese descent whose work utilizes a wide range of media to explore the intersections of fear, grief, hope amid racism, homophobia, transphobia, and xenophobia through the lens of individual and collective beliefs and identities, critical histories, personal narratives, literature, and poetry.

EVENTS

Great Lakes Pastel Society Reception & Awards

Saturday, July 8, 2 - 3:30 p.m. Cornwell Gallery, Traverse City

July Opening Reception for 3 Art Exhibitions

Saturday, July 8, 5 - 6:30 p.m. All Galleries of Crooked Tree, Traverse City

Artist Talk With Rufus

Snoddy & Glenn Wolff

Saturday, July 15, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Carnegie East Gallery, Traverse City

August Opening Reception for 2 Art Exhibitions

Friday, August 11, 5:30 - 7 p.m.

Carnegie West & East Galleries, Traverse City

Rebecca Howe Artist Talk & Workshop

Saturday, August 19, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Carnegie West Gallery, Traverse City

ART Workshops

FOR ADULTS

Acrylic Painting

Thru Thick and Thin

June 1, 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Explore new acrylic painting techniques and golden products with Valerie Allen.

Understanding Color – Color Bingo

June 2, 5 - 8 p.m.

A fun evening of games and color mixing with PGT artist Debra Howard.

Mastering Nocturnes

June 5, 5:30 - 10 p.m.

Learn how to create drama in your nocturne paintings with PGT artist Debra Howard.

Capturing the Landscape in 5 Easy Steps

June 15 - 16, 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Capture the landscape using pastels with PGT artist Jill Stefani Wagner.

Finding Rhythm and Patterns – Develop Your Painting Style

July 25, 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Discover your design and composition rhythm and patterns with PGT artist Debra Howard.

Painting Sky and Water –A Plein Air Study with Debra Howard

June 26 - 27, 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Plein Air painting in Leelanau County.

The Process Project –Exploring Abstraction

August 3 - 4, 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Explore abstraction in acrylic paints with Valerie Allen.

Pastel Painting Techniques

August 23 - 24, 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Create dynamic texture with experimental pastel painting techniques with PGT artist Carol Strock Wasson.

KIDS ART CAMPS

Kids Summer Art Camps –jam-packed fun for kids

grades 1 - 8

June 28 - 30

July 10 - 14

July 17 - 21

August 7 - 11

 62nd Annual Crooked Tree Art Fair

Saturday, July 29, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. FREE

Featuring 130 artists from around the country, a kids' art tent, artist demos, food trucks, and more at the Civic Center on 31 just east of downtown Traverse City.

Art Walk

Thursday, August 31, 6 - 9 p.m.

Stroll through Downtown Petoskey's galleries, design studios, and creative spaces for an evening of art and celebration! Enjoy refreshments and live music and be entered to win great prizes at CTAC’s “After Party”!

All activities are FREE and open to the public. Join us for the “Pre-Party” from 5 - 6 p.m.!

Tickets are $20 for Members and $25 for Non-Members and include appetizers and two drink tickets!

Visit crookedtree.org for more information and to purchase “Pre-Party” tickets!

461 East Mitchell Street Petoskey, MI 49770