FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 5, 2026
Crooked Tree Arts Center Announces Local Artist Kurt Anderson as Dart for Art 2026 Featured Artist
Artwork to Debut at Winter Vernissage & Swirl on Jan. 15; Dart for Art Tickets on sale Feb. 3
PETOSKEY, Mich. — Crooked Tree Arts Center (CTAC) will host its 29th annual Dart for Art, presented by Gaslight Group Properties, on Jul. 8 and 9, 2026, returning to Bay Harbor. The event will once again bring together artists, chefs, community partners, and guests for a two-night celebration supporting CTAC’s mission of creating ways for people to connect, learn and grow through the arts. At the heart of Crooked Tree’s signature summer fundraiser is the long-standing tradition of “darting,” where guests are called in groups at random to race for a donated piece of art to take home.
CTAC has named Northern Michigan artist and longtime contributor Kurt Anderson as the Dart for Art 2026 Featured Artist. His new oil painting, “Where the River Sings” — to be unveiled at CTAC’s Winter Vernissage & Swirl event on Thursday, Jan. 15, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. — will serve as the signature artwork for next summer’s celebration, and will be auctioned off at Dart for Art.
“Dart for Art is a celebration of the creativity, generosity and community spirit that define Crooked Tree,” said Angela Morris, president of Crooked Tree Arts Center. “Kurt Anderson has been part of that story for many years — as an artist, educator and supporter — and we are honored to feature his work as we look ahead to another unforgettable Dart for Art.”
A Harbor Springs resident since 1993, Anderson served the community for 33 years as a physician assistant in general medicine, orthopedics, rheumatology, and family medicine at McLaren Hospital. Though medicine shaped his professional life, art remained a steady companion throughout his career.
“I was working 50 or 60 hours a week while raising a family, so painting happened in bits and pieces — little bursts whenever time allowed,” Anderson said. “But after retiring in 2016, I finally had the space to focus on it. The more I painted, the more it became something I couldn’t put down.”
Anderson began painting in 1995 as a self-taught artist, gaining skills through reading, workshops, and consistent practice. He later studied with several nationally recognized instructors at CTAC, including Timothy Horn, Mark Hanson, Shelby Keefe, and Alan Maciag.
“Crooked Tree brings extraordinary artists right here to Northern Michigan,” he said. “The level of instruction, along with CTAC’s exhibitions, performances, and programming, makes it a cultural anchor for our community.”
Anderson now teaches at CTAC, most recently leading a Foundations of Plein Air Painting course last fall. His next class, Painting Basics: Level Up Your Painting Skills geared toward intermediate and advanced painters, runs April 16 to May 7, 2026.
Anderson works across a range of mediums, including acrylic, watercolor, oil and pastel. His accomplishments include acceptance into national plein air festivals such as the Florida Lighthouse Invitational and Door County events, and receiving the Artist’s Choice Award at Paint Grand Traverse. His work is available for purchase or commission through his website www.kurtbriananderson.com, Crooked Tree Arts Center, and Somebody’s Gallery in Petoskey.
Kurt Anderson, Where the River Sings, 2025, oil on canvas, 36 by 48 inches
Kurt Anderson in his Harbor Springs studio
Anderson’s featured oil painting captures serenity and movement through a cascade of water and stone. “When I saw this spot during a hike on a monthlong road trip — this peaceful, rippling water coming toward us — I was completely taken in,” Anderson said. “Painting it brought me back to that moment of peace. My hope is that viewers feel that same sense of calm.”
Anderson has contributed artwork to Dart for Art for more than 15 years. “To be chosen as Featured Artist — it was a wonderful surprise,” he said.
This year’s Dart for Art will feature catering by NOMAD. and will offer another unforgettable experience for attendees.
Two-day event tickets for Dart for Art 2026 will go on sale Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026. Any remaining tickets for individual Preview and Main Night events will be available in March while supplies last.
Winter Vernissage & Swirl
Get the first look at Kurt Anderson’s featured Dart for Art painting, “Where the River Sings” at Crooked Tree Arts Center’s Winter Vernissage & Swirl on Thursday, Jan. 15, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Guests will also enjoy an exclusive first look at CTAC’s On Ice and At Home winter exhibitions ahead of their public opening. Attendees will savor wines from Great Lakes Wine and Spirits, paired with delicious appetizers crafted by Chef Sarah McDonnell of Little Bay Gourmet, while enjoying live music by Dane Tollas. Tickets are $25 for CTAC members and $30 for non-members and include one drink ticket. Additional wine tickets are $5 each. The event is for guests ages 21 and older.
For more information about Crooked Tree Arts Center, classes, exhibitions or Dart for Art, visit crookedtree.org or call 231-347-4337.