Announcements
Crooked Tree Arts Center Hosts Inspiring Professional Development Day for Regional Art Educators
Petoskey, Mich. — May 2026 — Crooked Tree Arts Center (CTAC) welcomed K–12 art educators from across Northern Michigan on Monday, April 20, 2026, for its annual Art Teacher Professional Development Day, Teaching Through Making—a full-day immersive experience designed to spark creativity, collaboration, and fresh approaches to classroom instruction.
Centered on the idea that hands-on artmaking deepens student engagement, Teaching Through Making invited educators to explore multi-medium processes and practical strategies they can bring directly into their classrooms. The day emphasized creative problem-solving, choice-based learning, and meaningful connections between artistic process and concept—empowering teachers to foster more dynamic and inclusive learning environments.
The program featured a keynote presentation by Anne Morningstar, Professor of Art and Design at North Central Michigan College, who guided participants through the relationship between teaching and learning while encouraging educators to build thoughtful, customized curricula that support student growth.
Participants also engaged in a variety of breakout sessions led by regional artists and educators, including Jim Beckering, Gretchen Dorian, Jasmine Petrie (Howl at the Loom), and Shanna Robinson. Sessions ranged from clay jewelry and encaustic techniques to natural dye processes and gelli plate printing—offering educators hands-on experience across diverse materials and methods.
The day began with a meaningful opening session led by Renee Dillard, a traditional Anishinaabe natural fiber artist and teacher, who shared Anishinaabek methods for making basswood cordage and cedar bark woven bags—grounding the experience in cultural tradition and place-based learning.
Throughout the day, educators collaborated, experimented, and exchanged ideas—leaving with new tools, classroom-ready concepts, and renewed inspiration. The program aligned with CTAC’s core tenets of ensuring participants feel engaged, supported, and challenged, while strengthening connections among educators across the region.
“Professional development experiences like this create a ripple effect far beyond a single day,” said [CTAC representative]. “By investing in educators, we’re helping shape creative, confident learners in classrooms throughout Northern Michigan.”
Because of the generosity of donors and supporters, CTAC was proud to offer this program at no cost to Char-Em ISD educators, making high-quality professional development more accessible and impactful for local teachers.
About Crooked Tree Arts Center
Crooked Tree Arts Center is a nonprofit organization committed to enriching lives through the arts. With locations in Petoskey and Traverse City, CTAC provides opportunities for people of all ages to connect, learn, and grow through art exhibitions, classes, lectures, and community events.
Support Acknowledgment
This activity is supported by the Michigan Arts and Culture Council (MACC) and the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). Crooked Tree Arts Center was awarded a 2026 grant from MACC and NEA totaling $52,300, supporting a range of initiatives including general operations, capital improvements, youth summer camps, professional development for area teachers, and the Martha Graham centennial celebration. Additional funding supports school tour bus scholarships and staff training and development. CTAC is deeply grateful for this partnership, which helps advance its mission to create opportunities for people to connect, learn, and grow through the arts.