Crooked Tree Arts Center launches fall season on creativity, wellness, and community connection

press release

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sept. 5, 2025

Crooked Tree Arts Center launches fall season on creativity, wellness, and community connection

PETOSKEY, Mich. — This fall, Crooked Tree Arts Center (CTAC) – Petoskey invites the community to experience the transformative power of the arts with The Art of Wellbeing. On view Sept. 19–Nov. 1, 2025, The Art of Wellbeing includes three exhibitions and an immersive lineup of public programming designed to highlight the connections between creativity, wellness and community.

Inspired by research in Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us by Ivy Ross and Susan Magsamen, the exhibitions and programs will feature opportunities for visitors of all ages to deepen their sense of wellbeing and connection through art, movement, sound and reflection.

Sheila Ruen, Crooked Tree’s visual arts director and curator of The Art of Wellbeing, said: “Our goal with this series is to respond to a real need in our community for opportunities that nurture wellbeing, mindfulness and connection. Many of these programs are offered free or at a reduced cost so they can be accessible to the widest possible audience. We want people to see the arts not only as a source of beauty and inspiration, but as a resource for healing and resilience.”

Exhibitions

Art from the HeART
Atrium Gallery | Sept. 13–Oct. 11, 2025
Features artwork by HeART Studio clients from Harbor Hall’s Expressive Arts Therapy program, celebrating creativity’s power to inspire resilience and hope.

Process and Practice: Crafting Wellbeing
Bonfield Gallery | Sept. 19–Nov. 1, 2025
A juried exhibition by Dr. Elizabeth Fergus-Jean exploring relationships between sustained creative practices, experiences with art and wellbeing.

Vibrant Matter: Engaging Energies
Gilbert Gallery | Sept. 19–Nov. 1, 2025
An invitational exhibition themed around the idea that everything is connected by energy and change, featuring artwork exploring the vibrancy and dynamism of the natural world.

Exhibition special events

Fall Vernissage & Swirl
Thursday, Sept. 18 | 5:30–7 p.m.
Be the first to preview The Art of Wellbeing exhibitions while enjoying wine, artisan bites and live music by Amanda Jane. Tickets: $25 members, $30 nonmembers (includes one drink ticket; additional wine tickets $5). Ages 21 and older.

Public Opening Reception
Saturday, Sept. 20 | 3–5 p.m.
Meet some of the participating artists and celebrate the opening of CTAC’s fall exhibitions. Free.

Public programming

The Art of Wellbeing public programming includes meditative drawing, slow looking, sound healing and movement-based experiences. All programs are at CTAC – Petoskey unless otherwise noted. Details and registration: crookedtree.org/ArtofWellbeing.

  • The Poetry of Wellbeing | Sept. 23–Oct. 21, Tuesdays, 6–7:15 p.m.
     
  • Creating Through Change: The Art of Crafting Sacred Space | Sept. 24–Oct. 29, Wednesdays, 6:30–8:30 p.m.
     
  • Free Contemplative Movement Practice | Sept. 26 & Oct. 17, Fridays, 7–8:30 p.m.
     
  • Free A Day of Art and Regeneration for Caregivers | Oct. 4, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
     
  • Free Community Sing | Oct. 7, 7–9 p.m.
     
  • Sound Bath | Oct. 10, 7–8:15 p.m.
     
  • Mindful Movement and Nature Wander | Oct. 11, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
     
  • Creating Mandalas as Meditation | Oct. 18, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
     
  • Contemplative Photography | Oct. 25 & Nov. 1, 9:30 a.m.–noon
     
  • Free “Join or Die” film screening and Join Fair | Oct. 25, 1–4:30 p.m.
     

Coffee @ Ten Free Lecture Series

Join CTAC – Petoskey every Thursday at 10 a.m. for free coffee, pastries, and engaging talks.

  • Sept. 25 | Anishinaabemowin and the Spirit of Creation with Netawn Kiogima, language department director, Gijigowi Anishinaabemowin Language Department
     
  • Oct. 2 | My Relationship to the Gifts From Mother Earth that the Creator Gives with Renee Wasson Dillard, traditional Anishinaabe natural fiber artist and teacher
     
  • Oct. 9 | Materiality and Hope with Shanna Robinson, artist
     
  • Oct. 16 | Civic Engagement and Stewardship with Derek Shiels and Lindsey Walker, City Council members and environmental stewards
     
  • Oct. 23 | Reconnecting: The Artwork of Loren Eiferman (film) with Christopher Vagts, artist, student and interviewer
     
  • Oct. 30 | Art Therapy: Shedding Light on the Profession with Kathleen Buday, MEd, ATR-BC, board-certified art therapist

The Art of Wellbeing is supported by Petoskey–Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation, Munson Healthcare, Charlevoix County Community Foundation and Comfort Keepers, CTAC’s visual arts presenter.

About Crooked Tree Arts Center

Crooked Tree Arts Center’s mission is to create ways for people to connect, learn and grow through the arts. With campuses in Petoskey and Traverse City, CTAC offers exhibitions, concerts, classes, lectures and special events for all ages. Learn more at crookedtree.org.

Media Contact:
Keely Bomee Platte, Marketing & Communications Manager
Crooked Tree Arts Center
231-550-6868 | keely@crookedtree.org

Crooked Tree Arts Center
461 E. Mitchell St.
Petoskey, MI 49770
231-347-4337
www.crookedtree.org