Board

Treasurer, CTAC Board of Directors

https://www.ragnaraveryphotography.com/

Ragnar Avery is a retired Executive Account Manager for Dow Corning Corporation (now Dow Silicones). Ragnar and his wife, Kristy, moved to Kalkaska in 2009 after her retirement from Dow Corning as a Senior Event Planner. Ragnar retired from Dow Corning in 2013 and continued his professional work as a consultant for startups from 2103 till 2018. Ragnar was a mentor in residence at the Central Michigan Entrepreneur Department from 2013 till 2014. His creative interests include: photography, playing guitar, and building guitar amplifiers. He has been on the board of the Traverse Area Camera Club since 2016 as the co-chair of the monthly Critique Night. Ragnar’s photography has been in a number of regional fine art and photography shows, and he enjoys combining his love for travel with photography.

"I support CTAC because it is a wonderful organization for supporting the arts in Traverse City and Petoskey."

Member, CTAC Board of Directors

A transplant from Rochester, Michigan, Susan Beaufait-Bingham retired from a nursing career and lives in Traverse City. She pursued an interest in art after her retirement, and has contributed to various exhibits and has been an active member of CTAC since her move to northern Michigan. Her volunteer interests have involved families (Care House, Pontiac, MI, Child and Family Services and Child Advocacy Center, Traverse City, MI) as well as outdoor maintenance of her local church grounds.

"Art, and consequently culture, in its varied forms has been crucial to the progress of civil societies since cave paintings or before. This legacy is connected to all art organizations, including CTAC, and underscores our need to preserve and promote what inevitably becomes our voice and our history."

Member, CTAC Board of Directors

Michelle Boyer is a retired National Board Certified middle grades teacher, and holds a Bachelors in Business Administration from Miami University, a Bachelors in Education from The Ohio State University, and a Masters in Education from the University of Dayton. She also holds a certification in Talented and Gifted Education from Bowling Green State University. While living in Ohio, she volunteered with ArtSpace Lima and Council for the Arts of Greater Lima. She forwarded scholarship opportunities for middle grade, high school, and college young women through her volunteerism with the American Association of University Women. Michelle is an avid reader and enjoys exploring writing. The beauty of northern Michigan with extensive opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, a vibrant arts community, and the positivity of like-minded people brought Michelle and her husband, Ed, to Petoskey full time in 2017. Michelle also serves on the Board of Directors for the Good Hart Artist Residency and volunteers for the Harbor Springs Festival of the Book.

"I consider myself to be a life-long student, and at CTAC I am learning to appreciate a diversity of art through gallery exhibits, classes, and performances. Arts access to all is important to me, and working particularly with our education outreach efforts gives me the opportunity to help move forward the CTAC mission to Inspire and Enrich Lives through the Arts."

Secretary, CTAC Board of Directors

Kathleen Davis had a rewarding and diverse career in a nonprofit manufacturing organization (Society of Manufacturing Engineers, Dearborn, MI) and then at a global materials science corporation (The Dow Chemical Company, Midland, MI). Kathleen led domestic and international conferences and tradeshows, customer and staff events, media relations, and managed business and executive communications. She and her husband Matt, both now retired, moved to Bay Harbor a few years ago and are thoroughly enjoying their new surroundings. Kathleen participates in several organizations within the community and when not actively volunteering she enjoys gardening as her creative outlet and supporting the many arts-related events offered in the area. Kathleen was the co-chair of the organization’s annual fundraiser, Dart for Art  2023 and 2024, and is the chair for Dart for Art 2025.

“Our community is enhanced through the various visual art forms in Northern Michigan, and we are fortunate to have the Crooked Tree Arts Center here for all to expand their imagination through so many offerings. I’m proud to serve and further develop our community for the appreciation of arts with my involvement at the CTAC.”

Chair, CTAC Board of Directors

John Fergus-Jean, is an Emeritus Professor of Photography, former museum curator of photography, and currently a master photographic printer. He has created graduate and undergraduate art curricula, museum and university exhibitions, national art symposia, and essays and lectures. He has also published in books such as: Teachers on Photography,  Perception and Imaging, and The Focal Encyclopedia of Photography. His own artwork has been exhibited in university and museum venues.

John has also held several leadership positions in the arts, in higher education, and in the museum world including: Director of the Silver Image Gallery for The Ohio State University; Curator and Director of the Ross Study Center at the Columbus Museum of Art;  chief consultant for the development of the Ross Art Museum at Ohio Wesleyan University; Board President of Dialogue, a critical art journal; and Director of Undergraduate Studies in the Department of Photography, Cinema and Video at The Ohio State University.

In the regional area, John has served as: Director of Education at the Bay View Association, Board member on the Harbor Springs Historical Society (Branding, Logo, and Programming Committees), and has lectured at CTAC on Ansel Adams, and the History and Aesthetics of Photography.

“The arts allow us to reimagine our lives, and allow us to celebrate the spirit of creativity, through the history, aesthetics, and incredibly diverse practices within the arts.”

Member, CTAC Board of Directors

Rob Harold and his wife retired to Petoskey in the spring of 2015. They joined CTAC that summer and have been active in the Crooked Tree community ever since. He enjoys taking classes, exhibiting his photographs, acting as a docent in the galleries, and serves on several committees. Rob has been a member of the Crooked Tree Photographic Society since 2016, and a member of Crooked Tree Art Center’s Board of Directors since 2017.

"Supporting CTAC gives me the satisfaction that I am giving back to an organization that gives me a place to make art and be a part of a community that enriches people’s lives through the arts.The support and encouragement I have received from the CTAC staff and community has had a significant impact on my growth as an artist since moving to Petoskey."

Member, CTAC Board of Directors

Patricia Kaine brings over a decade of experience in Human Resource Management within the healthcare sector, as well as managing commercial properties in Miami, Florida. She is deeply committed to nonprofit work, serving on the Board of Directors of the Lymphoma Research Foundation, and holds a Bachelor of Arts in History with a minor in Secondary Education. A summer resident of Northern Michigan for more than thirty years, Patricia first connected with Crooked Tree through adult summer ballet classes at the School of Ballet and has been a Supporting, Artist Guild, and Giving Circle member since 2019.

She views Crooked Tree as an invaluable cultural bridge fostering personal growth and connection to the arts, and states, “The programs and accomplishments of CTAC are truly inspiring. It would be a great honor to join the Board of Directors.”

Member, CTAC Board of Directors

Russ Knopp is the co-owner and operator of Comfort Keepers of Northwest Michigan, a provider of in-home care services that support seniors and other adults in maintaining independent lifestyles. Comfort Keepers employs over 200 staff across Northwest Michigan. Russ serves in prominent leadership roles, including Chair of the Michigan In-Home Care Association (MICA), Interim Chair of the Traverse Connect Board, Chair of the Small Business Association of Michigan (SBAM), and Chair of the Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Michigan.

At Crooked Tree, Russ has been an active member of the Supporting, Renaissance, Baroque, and Giving Circles, a reflection of his enduring commitment to the visual arts in our region. He is especially devoted to nurturing the imaginations of young people through the transformative power of art while enriching the broader cultural life of northern Michigan.

Member, CTAC Board of Directors

Debbie Lamson and her husband, David reside in Kewadin and Farmington Hills. Debbie’s career began in accounting in the Detroit metro area until her daughter was born then left the business world. Once her three kids became independent, she returned to college for an art education degree. Teaching in a gifted and talented arts school in Ann Arbor, Debbie was encouraged to continue her artwork since the school saw the value of students observing working artists.

In 2016 Debbie left teaching to focus on a life long dream as a full time artist. This chapter of her life has been enormously enjoyable, although not always ideal. Working in a dimly lit basement, dining room table, a vacant bedroom and a barn with no heat, air conditioning, or running water and shared with mice and red squirrels. Once Debbie moved from the Leelanau Peninsula to Kewadin, to a studio with utilities and no bushy tailed companions, her artwork flourished.

As one who sees the value of lifelong learning, I believe that the Crooked Tree Art Center is ideal for providing numerous opportunities for the community to learn, observe, and thrive in the arts. As the art world continues to grow in northern Michigan, I'm looking forward to working with CTAC-Traverse City.

Vice Chair, CTAC Board of Directors

Hal Lawrence grew up in Muncie, Indiana. Hal went to college at Vanderbilt and returned to Indiana to attend medical school at Indiana University, followed by his OBGYN Residency at the University of North Carolina. Hal practiced in Asheville, NC for almost 30 years where he helped create an OBGYN Residency program in Western North Carolina that produced more than 125 OBGYN's and where he served as the Director for 15 years.

Hal moved to Washington, DC in 2007 to work at the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists as the Vice President of Practice Activities followed by his appointment as Executive Vice President/CEO in 2011. Hal retired at the end of 2018 after 40 years of clinical activity.

Hal and his wife Betsy, made their summer cottage in Burt Lake their full-time home in retirement. Together, they share seven grandchildren. The water toys keep the grandkids busy, the gardens keep Betsy busy and the fish keep Hal busy. Betsy and Hal feel blessed to be living in Northern Michigan and have felt welcomed as they have become involved in organizations and places that they are passionate about.

Learning about art and appreciating it started back in college. Whether the paintings of Dutch Masters and Impressionists or more modern artists and photographers, art challenges one to not only see but interpret. The expression of culture through art is an important part of a society’s fabric. Betsy and I especially enjoy appreciating and supporting many local artists. I still find artistic beauty and creative energy in classic automobile design.

Member, CTAC Board of Directors

Don Molosky grew up in the Metro Detroit area and attended the University of Detroit where he obtained a degree in finance. After graduation he worked for General Motors as a financial analyst before attending Wayne State University Law School. While in law school, Don clerked for a large Detroit law firm and the General Motors Corporate Tax Department. After graduation from law school in 1987, Don worked at a law firm focused on business transactions. In 1991, Don successfully established Molosky & Co. in downtown Mount Clemens, specializing in general business law, real estate and estate planning. In 1998, Molosky & Co. opened a second office in Petoskey.  Molosky & Co. now maintains offices in Petoskey and downtown Harbor Springs.  Don continues to specialize in business law with an additional amount of time representing the catastrophically injured.  Don is married to Elizabeth Roach Molosky, and they have two college age sons – Donny, a first-year law student at Boston College, and Peter, a student at The Landing School (Boat Building) in Maine.  Don resides in Harbor Springs.

“I am a firm believer in the humanities.  With the omnipresent use of electronic devices, it is now more important than ever to be aware of your surroundings and people in the community/world.  Celebrating a person’s artistic talent, without the use of any electronic device, a writing, drawing, painting, movie, etc., is a great form of communication.  These human (organic, if you will) products created by a real life person can be enjoyed by many, forever.  I am concerned that with electronic technology, people are becoming isolated with their individual electronic devices and are recoiling from society. CTAC gives someone a reason to think without electronics.”

Member, CTAC Board of Directors

Anne Morningstar is a full-time Professor of Art and Design at North Central Michigan College. She is co-owner of Bear Creek Organic Farm and an active member in the Northern Michigan community, serving on myriad boards and committees. Morningstar holds her BFA from the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design, as well as her MS from Indiana University. Her mission as a professional creative is to ensure access to art, design, and creative growth for all.

"The arts are critical to understanding where we have been, what we are currently working through, and contributing to the progress we strive to achieve."

Member, CTAC Board of Directors

Stephen Palmer is currently a full-time artist making fish sculptures out of found objects. His work can be seen in galleries across the country. Professionally, Steve retired from Birmingham Public Schools as Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction. Before that, he was a principal and teacher, including twelve years as a principal in Harbor Springs. Steve has been involved with Crooked Tree Arts Center since the mid-1990s, including serving as Chairman.

“I believe the arts are critical to a vibrant community. We are fortunate to have Crooked Tree Arts Center in Northern Michigan supporting the arts with exhibits, educational experiences, events, and providing numerous opportunities for artists (novice and professional) to learn, grow and present their work."

Member, CTAC Board of Directors

Member, CTAC Board of Directors

Elaine Smiley is a former general education teacher, special education teacher, special education school administrator and university instructor who has worked in North Dakota, Minnesota and Michigan. Elaine’s job as a compliance monitor and supervisor afforded her the opportunity to supervise a variety of special education programs from birth to 26 years of age, as well as investigate complaints and try to mediate complaints against school districts. After Elaine retired, she contracted with six intermediate school districts in southern Michigan to investigate complaints. She also served as a hearing officer for the Office of Civil Rights.

Elaine became interested in Crooked Tree Arts Center through taking classes in watercolor painting. She enjoys painting with watercolors and recently became interested in painting with oils.

"I support Crooked Tree Art Center because of the multiple enriching opportunities, entertainment and arts education that is provided to children and adults of all ages in the communities."

Vice Treasurer, CTAC Board of Directors

Jane Stewart is a retired CPA who served as an Audit Senior Manager for a multinational accounting firm and as CFO for a nonprofit independent K–12 school in Cincinnati. After spending three decades enjoying summers in northern Michigan, she and her husband Paul retired to Harbor Springs in 2019. At Crooked Tree, Jane volunteers as a docent and has actively contributed to Finance Committee meetings.

She is particularly drawn to students’ imaginal growth, delighting in their candid reflections on others’ artwork, the joy they bring to the creative process, and the sense of closure and accomplishment in completing their own pieces.

Member, CTAC Board of Directors

Carrie Titus, a Charlevoix native, now has her own Edward Jones office there, and serves as a financial advisor to the people in her community and beyond. Carrie has a bachelor's degree from Grand Valley State University, as well as holding her Series 66, Series 7 licenses, along with an Insurance and Annuities license in numerous states. She also has her CFP®. CRPC™ designations. Carrie has been married to her husband Brian for 24 years, and they have three children: two daughters and a son. Both of her daughters are active in the arts, which is why Carrie is so passionate about being involved with CTAC. Romi is a ballet student through CTAC School of Ballet and Kyri attends Savannah College of Art and Design. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, boating, and most importantly spending time with her family. Carrie also serves as a member of The Rotary Club of Charlevoix, is a Chamber Ambassador for the Charlevoix Chamber of Commerce and is a member of The Charlevoix Yacht Club.

I feel so fortunate to be a part of the CTAC community, first as a parent, and now as a Board member.

Traverse City Leader, CTAC Board of Directors

Jennifer Tobias currently resides in Chicago, IL and on Old Mission Peninsula, MI. She maintains art studios in both places, and her painting reflects the experiences of living on both sides of Lake Michigan. Originally a South Dakotan, Jennifer lived in Michigan for 32 years, practicing law and owning retail home and interior design stores. She has previously served on the Women’s Resource Center Board in Petoskey and on the Women’s Board for the Lincoln Park Zoo.  

"As the mother of four children, all of whom graduated from Petoskey High School, CTAC served as a community resource for my family. My youngest child was very active in theater, and the memory of him in “The Christmas Schooner” and as the “Hare,” diligently running in slow motion around the entire theater perimeter, are among my happiest at CTAC. We also availed ourselves of art classes, art exhibits, family New Year’s Eve, film offerings in the Carnegie and Swirl. The arts give us a way to nurture and express our souls that is positive, connective and vital to our well being as humans.I look forward to helping CTAC-Traverse City expand and grow in the coming years.”