FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 26, 2026
Crooked Tree Arts Center Opens Applications for 2026 Youth Arts College Scholarships
PETOSKEY and TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. — Crooked Tree Arts Center (CTAC) is now accepting applications for its 2026 Youth Arts College Scholarships, awarding two $2,000 scholarships to graduating high school seniors pursuing postsecondary studies in the arts.
The scholarships are part of CTAC’s annual Youth Arts Festival, a spring-long celebration that supports and recognizes young creatives across Northern Michigan. One scholarship will be awarded to a student from CTAC’s Petoskey service area and one from its Traverse City service area, helping students take the next step in their artistic education.
Amelie Hanson, a graduate of the CTAC School of Ballet and the 2025 Petoskey Youth Arts College Scholarship recipient, shared how the award helped launch her next chapter: “I am currently completing my freshman year at Grand Valley State University, majoring in dance. The scholarship awarded to me by Crooked Tree Arts Center played a meaningful role in launching my college journey and easing my financial concerns. I am deeply grateful for their generous support.”
Youth Arts College Scholarship Details
The Youth Arts College Scholarships support students pursuing degrees in visual arts, performing arts, theatre, dance, or music. To apply, visit crookedtree.org.
Eligibility includes:
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Michigan residents
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Students attending school in CTAC’s Petoskey service area (Charlevoix or Emmet Counties) or Traverse City service area (Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, or Leelanau counties)
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One scholarship awarded per service area
Application Deadline: Saturday, March 14, 2026
Scholarship recipients will be announced during the Youth Arts Awards Night on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at Crooked Tree Arts Center in Petoskey, as well as at participating school award ceremonies.
Supporting the Next Generation of Artists
The Youth Arts College Scholarships and Youth Arts Awards are made possible through generous community support. Thanks to a dedicated donor, 2026 marks the first year Crooked Tree Arts Center will have an endowment specifically supporting Youth Arts Awards, helping ensure these recognitions continue to inspire and uplift young artists for generations to come.
Crooked Tree Arts Center invites individuals, families, businesses, and organizations to invest directly in Northern Michigan’s next generation of creatives by sponsoring Youth Art Show awards or contributing to the Youth Arts College Scholarships in Petoskey or Traverse City.
Youth Art Show award sponsorships provide meaningful, tangible recognition to student artists and celebrate creativity, effort, and artistic excellence across a wide range of media and age groups. Award amounts will reflect the support received through donations.
Community contributions expand access to arts education and help students take critical next steps in their creative paths. Every gift—whether sponsoring an award, supporting a scholarship, or making a general donation—has a direct and lasting impact on young artists in our region.
To donate and support Youth Arts Awards and Scholarships, visit https://crookedtree.app.neoncrm.com/forms/50, mail a check, or contact Crooked Tree Arts Center at (231) 347-4337.
Looking Ahead: Youth Arts Festival 2026
In addition to scholarships, CTAC’s Youth Arts Festival includes the Annual Youth Arts Show, featuring thousands of student artworks on view at both Crooked Tree Arts Center locations this spring, along with public receptions and awards celebrations.
CTAC – Traverse City
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2026 Youth Arts Show On View: Tuesday, March 10 – Saturday, April 11, 2026
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Traverse City Youth Art Show Awards & Reception: Sunday, March 15, 2026 | 1:00 – 3:00 pm
CTAC – Petoskey
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2026 Youth Arts Show On View: Tuesday, March 17 – Saturday, May 2, 2026
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Petoskey Youth Arts Festival Reception: Saturday, March 21, 2026 | 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
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Petoskey Youth Art Show Awards Night: Thursday, April 16, 2026 | 6:00 – 8:00 pm
Information for Petoskey-Area Educators
Char-Em area art educators—including public, private, homeschool, and independent school teachers—are invited to participate in the 2026 Youth Arts Show by submitting student artwork from Kindergarten through Grade 12. Participation details can be found at crookedtree.org or by calling 231-347-4337. Deadline to Sign Up to Participate: Friday, February 6, 2026.
Image 1: Amelie Hanson, the 2025 Petoskey Youth Arts College Scholarship recipient, receives her Scholarship on stage at the 2025 Youth Arts Show Awards Night from CTAC President Angela Morris.
Image 2: A Traverse City-area student poses with her award from KCAD.
Image 3: Students hold up their awards during the Youth Arts Show Awards Night ceremony in 2025.