FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 5, 2026

 

Crooked Tree Arts Center Announces Board Changes, Honors Volunteers and Celebrates Year of Impact

PETOSKEY, Mich. — Crooked Tree Arts Center (CTAC) celebrated another year of connection, creativity and community during its Annual Meeting & Community Open House on Tuesday, September 29. The annual meeting provided an opportunity to reflect on the organization’s accomplishments over the past year, recognize outstanding volunteers and welcome new and returning members of its Board of Directors. 

 

For the 2026–27 year, CTAC’s officers are Hal Lawrence, Chair; Kathleen A. Davis, Vice Chair; Russ Knopp, Treasurer; and Michelle Boyer, Secretary. After completing his term as Treasurer, Ragnar Avery will continue serving on CTAC’s Board of Directors. John Fergus-Jean, who completed his term as Board Chair, will also continue serving on the Board. The organization welcomed five new board members: Deborah Baughman, Christine Donovan, Connie Landis, Jane Stewart and Paula Welmers. CTAC also thanked outgoing board members Sue Bingham, Rob Harold, Stephen Palmer, Celia Sinclair, and Carrie Titus for their service and commitment to the arts. 

Three Volunteers of the Year were recognized for their contributions to CTAC: Laura Solomon, Helen Donahue and Jane Stewart. Each honoree has given their time and talents in ways that strengthen programs, support staff and help create welcoming experiences for the community. Stewart’s recognition comes as she also begins her service on CTAC’s Board.

The evening also highlighted several milestones from the past year, including IMMERSED, CTAC’s 2025 exploration of the many ways water shapes Northern Michigan’s environment, culture, history and sense of place. The exhibition brought together 34 artists and organizations in the Bonfield and Gilbert Galleries and was accompanied by conversations, films, workshops and panels. More than 850 people attended the series of Coffee @ Ten programs, including approximately 200 people who gathered to hear author and botanist Dr. Robin Wall Kimmerer.

CTAC also celebrated ten years in Traverse City, marking a decade since the organization opened its doors at 322 Sixth Street in the former Carnegie Library. What began with fewer than 100 students has grown to serve more than 4,000 students annually. The Traverse City location has also expanded from less than 6,000 square feet to approximately 9,500 square feet. In 2025, it featured 195 gallery artists and 180 artists at its two art fairs. Anniversary events and fundraising throughout the year celebrated the community’s support while helping build a foundation for the next decade.

“Crooked Tree Arts Center’s impact is deep, and it happens because artists, volunteers, staff, and our philanthropic community come together to support the arts,” said John Fergus-Jean, outgoing Board Chair. “This past year exemplified the breadth of what we offer—from the exhibitions and lectures of IMMERSED and the celebration of ten years in Traverse City to our art classes, performances, School of Ballet, and many other programs. Together, these activities show that support in action. I’m grateful to everyone who made this year possible and proud of what we accomplished together.”

The Annual Meeting was held alongside a Community Open House designed to give guests a firsthand look at the breadth of CTAC’s programs. Visitors could observe an intermediate contemporary dance class in the School of Ballet, explore Clay Club in the ceramics studio, learn about upcoming culinary classes in the CTAC Kitchen, ask a docent questions about current exhibitions and try a sample art activity inspired by CTAC’s ongoing Saturday Open Studio program.

For more information about Crooked Tree Arts Center’s programs and upcoming events, visit crookedtree.org.​

Caption: New CTAC Board Executive Committee Members following the annual meeting: Michelle Boyer, Secretary (far left), Kathleen Davis, Vice Chair (center); Russ Knopp, Treasurer (far right). Not pictured: Hal Lawrence, Chair.​

Caption: Crooked Tree Arts Center welcomed five new members to the Board: Christine Donovan (far left), Connie Landis (left center), Deborah Baughman (right center), Paula Welmers (far right). Not pictured: Jane Stewart.