ARTS ROOTED IN THE COMMUNITY

 

Liz Ahrens, executive director and president of Crooked Tree Arts Center of Petoskey and Traverse City, shared information and insight on how the center operates, its goals, and the importance of art for each community.

Ms. Ahrens started her presentation with an important reminder that creativity can be applied in many ways, and surrounds us; from popular movies, to cars and sports, to fashion and architecture.

Bringing access to these creative pursuits to Petoskey, and recently to Traverse City, is a driving force for CTAC.

Founded in 1971, CTAC has grown to 2,500 dues paying members, 13 full-time staffers, and a second location in downtown Traverse City.  The over 100 contract musicians and instructors is a sign of how alive the local art scene has become over the years.    

The move to Traverse City was a one year process, and the merger brought on a new associate director and two full time staff members for that location.  CTAC in Traverse City is in a new and improved building on 6^th Street, previously a library.

Adding this new location also brought out interests in art unique to each community, Ahrens said. 

She also noted the interesting and rising popularity of coloring books for grown-ups.  Crooked Tree Arts Center now offers this “zen experience” every Wednesday from noon to 1:30pm.

Other programming for the public includes an annual outdoor art fair, classes, 3 to 5 exhibits each year, the Coffee @ Ten lecture series, and events like Chalk and Chocolate and Swirl, an event blending wine craft beer, food, live music, and art. 

 

The public is always welcome to visit the Crooked Tree Arts Center gallery, where the admission is free!