Crooked Tree Arts Center

Mission Statement

To create, stimulate and perpetuate the arts in Northern Michigan.

Brief History

Founded in 1971 by seven area residents looking to gather artists and art enthusiasts with the common goal of providing concerts and exhibit opportunities. In the early 1980's the fledgling organization purchased a former Methodist church in downtown Petoskey. In 2003 a $4 million renovation was completed and the architectural gem, along with award winning programs, continues to garner national acclaim. The rescued and restored, 118-year old church building--the Crooked Tree Arts Center--serves the greater community by using its 21,000 square foot space and resources fully. It houses two exhibition galleries; a 230-seat thrust stage theater; studios for dance, pottery, painting, and music lessons; a sales gallery; a large kitchen; offices and meeting rooms. The 2,300 member organization directly serves three northern Michigan counties. Managed by eleven professional staff members, assisted by a thirty-three member broadly-experienced board of directors, supported by annual donations and augmented by 10,000 annual volunteer hours, CTAC operates at full capacity and full throttle throughout the year. The organization also excels in its ability to create and offer unique, wide-ranging arts experiences on-site and off-site to 50,000 patrons each year ranging in age from 4 to 90 years of age.

Goals

The Crooked Tree Arts Center brings art and people together for enjoyment, discovery, and learning. We strive to create a place where people of every background can be touched by art. Today the Crooked Tree Arts Center offers tremendous variety and quality in its exhibitions, concerts and arts education programs. The Strings program provides tuition free instruction in violin, viola, cello and bass to 19 schools in northern Michigan. Each year over $20,000 in scholarships are awarded to area youth for dance, summer arts camps, pottery and youth orchestra. Favorite events include the eddi Awards, Day Away, Coffee at Ten lectures, Swirl, Youth Arts Exhibit and D'Art for Art.

Volunteer Opportunities

Each year over 300 volunteers contribute their time to support the mission of the Crooked Tree Arts Center. We invite residents to join one of the ten active committees including visual arts, education, performing arts, D'Art for Art and docent tours.

Fundraising Events

D'Art for Art is an evening filled with anticipation, great food, and laughter all in support of the Crooked Tree Arts Center. Participants in the event are able to d'art for their choice of over 200 original pieces of work created by artists of local, regional and national acclaim.

Biggest Need in 2009

CTAC embarked on a fundraising campaign, titled Path to the Future, in support of the arts education programs in 2008. The goal is $1,000,000 and as of September 1, 2008 we have raised over $470,000. Our biggest need is two-fold, continued support from our community AND truly, more importantly, the awareness of the impact of the arts and creativity on humanity.