Art News
Summer Art News 2026
Where the ARTS meet YOU
Get to know a little bit about the staff at CTAC, and share your own!
What are some of the ways that you personally like to CONNECT, LEARN, or GROW through the arts?
SHARE YOUR RESPONSE for a chance to win a $50 gift certficiate to Crooked Tree Arts Center!
Jennifer Cantley, Visual Arts Director — I connect through the arts by creating space for dialogue, collective reflection, and relationship-building. Arts-based experiences invite people to gather, share perspectives, and engage with one another in meaningful ways, strengthening both individual and community connections.
I learn through the arts by engaging with diverse voices, stories, and cultural frameworks. Artistic practices offer opportunities to encounter perspectives different from my own and to deepen understanding through listening and shared experiences.
I grow through the arts by experimenting and continually refining practices that better serve others. Growth emerges through curiosity, thoughtful risk-taking, and reflection, allowing learning to inform future work and deepen impact.
Grace Darden, Administrative Assistant — As a painter, art is at the foundation of how I navigate life and understand the world. While I naturally grow through my individual practice, I find that collaboration deepens that experience. Working alongside others transforms art into a more meaningful and powerful way of learning. Drawing inspiration from others creates that connection.
Helen Habicht, Engagement Coordinator — I enjoy dipping my toes into different media to craft and create ranging from drawing and painting to quilting to book-making. I also love finding new local artists and musicians and connecting with people in our community. It is wonderful to work at Crooked Tree Arts Center. I’ve met so many wonderful people who care deeply about the arts in Northern Michigan!
Michelle Horn, Development Director —The way the arts allow people to express themselves and connect with others is something I’m genuinely passionate about. Personally, I love being creative and organizing events that not only give people the chance to experience the arts, but also inspire them to support and engage with it. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see how development and collaboration create opportunities that inspire growth, connection, and a deeper appreciation for creativity.
Carina Hume, Business Director — I have taken an assortment of classes to foster creativity that is often missing in my position. I have fond memories of Pysanky egg decorating, learning the baritone ukulele and cello, creating a beach stone ring, making alcohol ink art, watercolor miniatures and pastel landscape drawings. I love the arts, in all its forms and will continue to champion its accessibility for all.
Brian Iler, Gallery & Volunteer Manager — Finding new artists, writers, musicians, theaters, art organizations (and people in general) to collaborate with is a way I quite like to connect both professionally and personally. And from such connections, that often last indefinitely, one cannot help but to learn and grow in a very positive direction.
Maren Kilpatrick, Education & Outreach Coordinator — Art has been a form of expression for me since I was a kid! I grew up in a creative household, and always had different forms of art surrounding me. For me, creative outlets have helped me to process, draw inspiration, and build my imagination. I’ve never experienced life without some creative lens to look at things through. I like dabbling in all sorts of art making, but my favorites are; illustration, painting, collage, and creative writing!
Susie Louden-Matts, Guest Experience Associate — Art is a form of self-expression for me and has always been since I can remember. I suspect I have some sort of brain function that allows me to see shapes and forms manifest from the simplest of visual input - take a rock or a piece of wood for example. I look at and see this :). I am also very shy about making accurate drawings - it feels foreign - and as I work with the shapes and forms that I see they begin to form elegant humorous mysterious creatures.
Angela Morris, Executive Director — I’ve always loved to draw and paint, though that’s taken a bit of a back seat since starting my career and raising kids. These days I reconnect with creativity through coloring and crafts with my kids. I also feel lucky to be surrounded by art and creative people every day—it’s always inspiring!
Keely Bomee Platte, Marketing & Communications Manager — I like encouraging my 3 year old son who consistently asks to watercolor paint. I’ve loved teaching my daughter how to crochet and watching her take off on her own. Personally, I am learning how to knit my first sweater this year and hope to learn how to sew Jogakbo (traditional Korean patchwork) this summer. And I really enjoy working in a space where I’m surrounded by creativity every single day.
Gregg Prottengeier, Facilities Manager — Coming from decades of experience in the car industry and now working at the arts center, I've been toying with the idea of hosting a vehicle design talk or class to combine these two worlds! I’m working with some former colleagues to see if they can provide leftover metallic film that when placed over a clay model, it will transform into what appears to be painted sheet metal.
Heather Raue, Artistic Director, CTAC School of Ballet — My commitment to outstanding training in classical ballet and serious contemporary styles—while cultivating the next generation of dancers—creates an inspiring environment of dedication, artistry, and professional preparation that truly fosters growth and excellence in Northern Michigan and beyond.
Alissa Seelmann, Education & Outreach Manager — Art helps me grow by giving me new perspectives and ways to express things I can’t put into words. It lets me reflect and stay open to new ideas, both in my work and in how I see the world around me.
Audrey Steele, Events Coordinator — I connect, learn, and grow through the arts by closely observing what moves me, often through photography or poetry, and letting it keep me curious and connected beyond myself.
Kristal Taylor, Guest Experience Coordinator — With my background in theater and costume design, I’ve always believed the arts are about connection. I love meeting visitors and artists, learning from their perspectives, and sharing the history of the building and the organization. Every conversation is an opportunity to grow and help others feel connected to the arts.
Finley Van Patten, Operations Coordinator, CTAC School of Ballet — To me, education is a shared experience between the teacher and the student, to which learning is achieved on both sides. I continue to be in awe of the learning experiences that come forth when I share my love and passion for dance with the next generation of artists.
Kristi Wodek, Managing Director — Art is woven into my everyday life—through my work, I witness others connect with it, learn from artists, and grow through creative experiences. Personally, I’m always making, and I find inspiration in time spent at museums. Recently, I watched my three-month-old granddaughter become completely captivated by bold black-and-white artwork—it was a beautiful reminder that our connection to art begins early. For me, a day at the museum is always a good day.