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.”

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,