Crooked Tree Arts Center – Traverse City Presents May Exhibitions Exploring Connection, Community, and Creative Exchange
Opening Reception: Friday, May 1, 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 27, 2026
TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. — This May, Crooked Tree Arts Center – Traverse City (CTAC) presents a series of exhibitions exploring connection in its many forms, from community and mentorship to imagination and future possibility. On view May 1 through May 30, the exhibitions bring together artists of all ages and backgrounds and highlight the power of creative expression to connect people, ideas, and experiences, reflecting CTAC’s mission of creating ways for people to connect, learn, and grow through the arts.
“At a time when so much can feel divided, these exhibitions reflect the many ways art brings people together across generations, abilities, and perspectives,” said Angela Morris, Executive Director of Crooked Tree Arts Center. “That spirit of connection is at the heart of what we do.”
Visitors entering the building are first welcomed into the Cornwell Gallery, where 350: Imagining the World in 2126 brings together 14 artists to consider the future one hundred years from now. Created as communities across the country reflect on America’s 250th anniversary, the exhibition invites viewers to look ahead and explore how culture, environment, identity, and human connection may evolve over time.
“Rather than looking back, this exhibition asks us to imagine what comes next and what we value as a society,” said Morris. “It is a thoughtful and creative look at how we stay connected in a rapidly changing world.”
Moving into the East Gallery in the historic Carnegie building, Art of Connection highlights a collaborative partnership with Grand Traverse Industries (GTI). Since 1974, GTI has supported individuals of all abilities through meaningful employment and community engagement. Through ongoing art instruction at CTAC, supported by the Grand Traverse Regional Foundation, participants explore creativity alongside local artists in an inclusive and collaborative environment. The resulting exhibition celebrates each artist’s unique voice and perspective.
“We see firsthand how meaningful this work is for the artists involved,” said Kristi Wodek, Managing Director of Crooked Tree Arts Center – Traverse City. “These classes create space for connection, confidence, and self-expression, and this exhibition is a celebration of that growth and creativity.”
At the center of the building, the iconic Carnegie Rotunda features Tomorrow’s Artists Today: 2026 High School Portfolio Exhibition, showcasing the work of eight emerging artists. Developed under the guidance of Royce Deans, the exhibition highlights the growth, creativity, and distinct voices of students preparing for future opportunities in the arts.
The experience continues into the West Gallery with Connections & Flow: Ragnar Avery and Calvin Boulter Photography, an exhibition grounded in artistic dialogue and mentorship. Spanning decades of image-making, the work reflects both individual vision and the lasting influence of a shared creative relationship.
“This exhibition reflects something we value deeply at CTAC, which is the exchange of ideas between artists at different stages of their careers,” said Wodek. “That mentorship and shared experience is what helps creative communities grow.”
Together, these exhibitions highlight the role of creative collaboration and shared experience in strengthening community and fostering connection through the arts.
An opening reception for all exhibitions will take place on Friday, May 1 from 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm, free and open to the public. Additional programming includes artist talks on Saturday, May 16 from 11:00 am - 12:00 pm for Art of Connection and Saturday, May 30 from 11:00 am - 12:00 pm for 350: Imagining the World in 2126.
From emerging student artists to established voices and community collaborators, CTAC’s May exhibitions invite visitors to experience the many ways art connects us to one another and to the world around us.
Fantastic Voyage (Off the Rails), John Diephouse as part of the 350 exhibit in Cornwell Gallery at CTAC - Traverse City.
In Her Eyes, Calvin Boulter, as part of the Connections & Flow exhibit in the Carnegie West Gallery at CTAC - Traverse City.
Connections & Flow exhibit in the Carnegie West Gallery at CTAC - Traverse City.