History

History of Crooked Tree Arts Center

Putting Down Roots

Crooked Tree Arts Center (CTAC), formerly known as Crooked Tree Arts Council, was founded in 1971 to sponsor and encourage artistic activities for the residents of Charlevoix and Emmet counties. The founding members of Crooked Tree—Sally Clark, Edith Gilbert, Grace Jessop, Judie Koza, eddi Offield, Jack Perry, and Carolyn Rader—created the vision for the organization in January 1971 during a meeting at the Petoskey Public Library for those interested in the arts. It was Sally Clark who suggested naming the organization after Crooked Tree, a local landmark significant to the indigenous peoples of Northern Michigan. The landmark had long served as a gathering place for trade, and Crooked Tree Arts Center was envisioned as a similar gathering place for the community’s arts enthusiasts. The founders hoped the center would become a landmark for the arts in Northern Michigan.

Watering the Sapling

The founding members of Crooked Tree had three primary goals for the organization: to provide high-quality cultural experiences for residents of Northern Michigan; to encourage local artists and create opportunities for advancing their professional careers; and to form an umbrella organization that could provide cultural services across the two-county region, avoiding the redundancy and costs associated with multiple small, independent organizations. In the early years, lacking a permanent location, CTAC operated out of members’ homes, the Petoskey Public Library, and borrowed office space at North Central Michigan College. Despite these challenges, CTAC brought professional touring performances in ballet, drama, opera, and symphonic music to the community whenever possible. The organization also hosted regular art shows and exhibitions, as well as offering music scholarships to local students, helping them study at prestigious institutions like Bay View and Interlochen Arts Academy.

In 1978, CTAC purchased the old United Methodist Church in downtown Petoskey, providing the organization with its first permanent home. With modest renovations funded by local donors, the 1890 building became the center’s headquarters. In 1980, Michigan’s First Lady, Helen Milliken, opened the newly renovated Arts Center, dedicating it to the people of Charlevoix and Emmet counties. While many small upgrades have taken place since the late 1970s, the Arts Center’s current look is the result of a major, multi-million dollar renovation in 2003.

The ‘Tree’ Today

For over five decades, Crooked Tree Arts Center has developed exceptional visual and performing arts programs, community outreach, and opportunities for both artists and art lovers. Managed by a professional staff with guidance from the board of directors and supported by numerous volunteers, the organization is recognized as one of the community’s most valued assets. In 2015, CTAC merged with ArtCenter Traverse City, establishing a second location – Crooked Tree Arts Center - Traverse City. This expansion allowed the organization to serve not only residents of Charlevoix and Emmet counties but also those in Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau counties.

With locations in both the historic Gaslight District of downtown Petoskey and the Central Neighborhood District of downtown Traverse City, Crooked Tree Arts Center is now firmly rooted in two vibrant cultural and creative communities, offering a wealth of artistic programming for everyone with an interest in the arts. Since its founding in 1971, Crooked Tree has thrived, with membership now exceeding 3,000 members from all across Michigan and the country. Thanks to the support of the Northern Michigan community, Crooked Tree Arts Center serves over 250,000 people annually, expanding its reach and continuing its mission of connecting people, fostering learning, and nurturing growth through the arts.