Crooked Tree Arts Center hosted a Youth Arts Festival from 18 April - 9 May, 2009.  The festival revolved around student performances, events, and workshops held here at Crooked Tree Arts Center and in nearby venues.

Each Saturday of the festival highlighted different student arts.  The Youth Art Exhibition, a display of student art from local schools, was the kick off event. Student art from the 21st Century Grant art classes was displayed on the lower level of CTAC.

During the festival, there were performances by Crooked Tree's advance dancers and Crooked Tree's String Concert Orchestra.  Theater arts were highlighted by a showcase of the Petoskey Enrichment Play students' Willy Wonka performance and by a performance by Acting Up - A Teen Improv' Group.

Assorted workshops were also held during the festival:

> a dance workshop led by Heather Raue and students

> a pottery workshop led by Jim Beckering.

> a Ukes For Youth workshop by Robin Lee Berry      

> an African drumming workshop led by Greg Vadnais

> storytelling event/workshop led by Stephen Bartha

> an improvisational theater workshop by Julie Stopple

> a musical theater workshop lead by Karen Mazoline

> a stage make-up workshop presented by LeaAnne Montel

> a backstage tour led by Sulane Hamilton

The Festival was a wonderful way to acknowledge the impressive talents of the youth in our area.  Thanks to all who made the Festival come together, the CTAC Education Committee, individuals and local businesses that donated prizes, the culinary arts, language arts, visual arts, music, theater and dance teachers who work hard to get exposure for their students work, and the workshop leaders and presentors who provided wonderful opportunities for students to expand their arts education. 

And thank you to the J.P. Morgan Chase Foundation for their financial support of the Youth Arts Festival.

Dance Performance

Strings Performance

Young Writers recieved awards for their writing.  Boyne City High School's Hospitality program provided culinary treats and service for the Awards Reception.

These are photos taken from some of the workshops.

Dragon Storytelling