FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 27, 2025

Paint Grand Traverse 2025 Wraps a Stunning Plein-Air Painting Week with Awards and Community Celebration

Traverse City, Mich. – Crooked Tree Arts Center is proud to announce the successful conclusion of Paint Grand Traverse 2025, a weeklong plein air painting festival that brought together 33 acclaimed artists from across the country to celebrate the landscapes and spirit of Northern Michigan through art. From June 14–21, artists captured scenes from harbor towns to vineyard vistas, producing more than 250 original works created on location throughout the Grand Traverse region.

The week culminated with the Fresh Paint Party on Friday, June 20 — a one-night-only exhibition at Crooked Tree Arts Center – Traverse City, where the full collection debuted. The evening featured the announcement of this year’s award winners, selected by juror Kimball Geisler, a nationally recognized plein air painter based in Rexburg, Idaho. Guests enjoyed live music, wine from Lake District Wine Co., and beautifully curated bites by Sugar2Salt, while mingling with artists and acquiring one-of-a-kind works fresh off the easel.

2025 Paint Grand Traverse Award Winners

• Best of Show – Neal Hughes (Medford, NJ)
  Fishtown Cowboy – Oil, 20” x 16”
  Presented by the Steve and Amy Van Andel Foundation and Plein Air Magazine
   
• 2nd Place – Jeff Suntala (Strongsville, OH)
  Shadows at Randy’s – Watercolor, 11” x 14”
  Presented by Plein Air Magazine
   
• 3rd Place – Thomas Moberg (Lansing, MI)
  Modern Vintage – Oil, 12” x 24”
  Presented by Plein Air Magazine
   
• 4th Place – Steve Griggs (Centennial, CO)
  After Hours at Cousin Jenny’s – Watercolor, 10” x 14”
  Presented by Plein Air Magazine
   
• 5th Place – Vlad Milan Duchev (Baltimore, MD)
  Rush of Dusk – Oil, 16” x 16”
   
• 6th Place – Logan Hudson (Fife Lake, MI)
  Dreams are Free – Oil, 12” x 24”
   
• 7th Place – Jeff Steiner (Minneapolis, MN)
  Lake Ave Shadows – Watercolor, 18” x 24”
   
• 8th Place – Kevin Barton (Petoskey, MI)
  Janky at Fishtown – Oil, 18” x 24”
   
• 9th Place – Mark Vander Vinne (Porter, IN)
  Breathe a Sigh – Oil, 10” x 10”
   
• 10th Place – Stephen Wysocki (Armstrong Creek, WI)
  Out Buildings – Oil on board, 8” x 20”
   
• Artist’s Choice – Lyudmila Tomova Clark
  (A peer-selected award for outstanding overall work)
  Presented by Plein Air Magazine

“The energy at this year’s Fresh Paint Party was electric,” said Kristi Wodek, Vice President of Crooked Tree Arts Center. “This week was wild, beautiful, and exhausting in the best way. It reminded me—deeply—why I do this work. These 33 artists, most of whom didn’t know each other a week ago, trusted our small but mighty team to host them, and in return, they gave us magic. It’s not just about painting outdoors; it’s about connection, creativity, and showing up for each other. I witnessed friendships deepen, new bonds form, and a community come alive. My heart is full, and I’m so grateful to be a part of it.”

The festival concluded with the Pint-Sized Paint Out on Saturday, June 21, inviting young artists ages 3–15 to explore plein air painting in Hannah Park. More than 100 children participated, creating joyful masterpieces of their own and bringing Paint Grand Traverse to a lively, colorful close.

The celebration continues with the Paint Grand Traverse Extended Exhibit, on view in the Carnegie Rotunda at Crooked Tree Arts Center – Traverse City from Tuesday, June 24 through Friday, August 22. This special exhibit features a curated selection of original artwork created during the festival, capturing Northern Michigan’s summer beauty in real time — from quiet shorelines to vibrant downtown scenes. It’s a second chance to experience the heart and artistry of this magical week.

Crooked Tree Arts Center extends heartfelt thanks to Presenting Sponsor Comfort Keepers, Plein Air Magazine, the many local home hosts, and the CTAC board members and volunteers whose support made this event possible.

To learn more about Paint Grand Traverse, browse or purchase artwork online, and view highlights from this year’s event, visit www.paintgrandtraverse.com or follow @paintgrandtraverse on Instagram.

Image: Fresh Paint Party attendees viewing the Paint Grand Traverse exhibit in its entirety on Friday.

Image: Lyudmila Tomova Clark won the Artist’s Choice award for her Paint Grand Traverse 2025 body of work.

Image: Fresh Paint Party attendees with their purchased artwork, including Best of Show Neal Hughes’ “Fishtown Cowboy.”

Image: Paint Grand Traverse 2025 Awards Juror Kimball Geisler connects with artist Jimmy Navarro at the Fresh Paint Party.

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.

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