FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sept. 12, 2025

Crooked Tree Arts Center – Traverse City Announces First Annual Fundraiser
“A Decade of Impact: Celebrating Art, Building the Future” set for Oct. 10

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. — Crooked Tree Arts Center – Traverse City (CTAC - TC) will host its first annual fundraiser, A Decade of Impact: Celebrating Art, Building the Future, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 10, at its downtown Traverse City location, 322 Sixth St. Tickets start at $50 and are available now.

The event celebrates the 10th anniversary of CTAC - TC and supports the nonprofit’s mission to create ways for people to connect, learn, and grow through the arts in northern Michigan.

“At a time when public funding for the arts is under threat, local support matters more than ever,” said Kristi Wodek, vice president of Crooked Tree Arts Center. “As we celebrate 10 years in Traverse City, this first fundraiser is about more than sustaining what’s been built—it’s about ensuring the arts continue to inspire, unite, and enrich northern Michigan. Together, we can secure a vibrant future for creativity and culture in our region.”

A Decade of Growth and Community Impact

Since opening in 2015, CTAC - TC has become a hub for arts education, exhibitions, and community engagement. Last year, more than 700 works of art were sold through CTAC - TC, generating more than $120,000 in artist commissions — a direct reflection of its aim to support artists and creative professionals.

In 2025 alone, the center exhibited 195 artists in its galleries and welcomed 180 artists from across the country to its two art fairs. More than 1,500 students have participated in classes, workshops, and programs since January. These numbers highlight not only artistic excellence but also the community’s growing appetite for creativity, connection, and learning.

An Evening to Sustain the Arts

Guests will enjoy an evening filled with creativity and celebration, including:

• Gallery highlights: Explore four gallery spaces and meet an exhibiting artist.
   
• Classroom encounters: Tour classrooms, meet teaching artists and students, and see creativity in action.
   
• Sips and sounds: Enjoy wine curated by Farm Club, appetizers, and live music while exploring CTAC - TC’s spaces.
   
• Impact in action: Connect with others who are helping to shape a vibrant future for the arts.
   

The evening will also feature a silent auction and opportunities to support CTAC - TC at various giving levels, including the chance to have a gallery space named in a donor’s honor for one year.

Every Ticket is an Investment

Each ticket is more than admission — it is a direct investment in the arts and in northern Michigan. Contributions at all levels sustain programs such as free family drop-in art sessions, youth scholarships, classroom equipment upgrades, and new gallery lighting.

Examples of what gifts can support include:

• $100: Art materials for a youth class or one month of free family drop-in art.
   
• $250: A youth scholarship for a class, open studio sessions, or live music for an event.
   
• $500: Four weeks of Access Arts programming, new classroom tables, pedestals, or gallery lighting.
   

How to Participate

Tickets for A Decade of Impact are available now at crookedtree.org/10Year. Those unable to attend are encouraged to support the campaign through a direct donation or by helping spread the word to family and friends.

A Decade of Impact is made possible thanks to the following sponsors: Richard and Susan Bingham, Susan Burks, Comfort Keepers, Farm Club, and Joan and T. Michael Jackson. Sponsorship opportunities are still available; please visit our website or contact Kristi@crookedtree.org for more information.

Event Details:
A Decade of Impact: Celebrating Art, Building the Future
5:30 to 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 10
Crooked Tree Arts Center – Traverse City
322 Sixth St., Traverse City
Tickets start at $50. Purchase at crookedtree.org/10Year or by calling 231-941-9488.

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