Calls for Artists

Crooked Tree Arts Center - Petoskey is accepting submissions for the juried art exhibition Echoes: Revisiting Memory. Artists are invited to submit up to 3 works that engage the exhibition theme, juried by Paige Young, Assistant Professor of Photography at Kendall College of Art and Design and Photographer, the exhibition will run from Friday, September 18 to Saturday October 31, 2026, in the Gilbert Gallery at Crooked Tree Arts Center in Petoskey, Michigan.

Environments, places, and landscapes shape our memories and experiences. Echoes explores how memories lose their clarity and change as we revisit them. The exhibition invites artists to reflect on these varied reminiscences of environments that stay with us and reverberate in our minds over time.

We welcome original 2-D and 3-D works of art that engage the theme both literally and metaphorically across a wide range of media and artistic approaches created within the past 3 years. The entry fee is $30.00. Three cash prizes will be awarded: First Place $500, Second Place $300, and Third Place $200.

CTAC PAINT OUT LITTLE TRAVERSE BAY

For the Plein Air on the Plaza: Wet Paint Sale

Regional plein air artists are invited to participate in a 10-day Paint Out during which regional artists paint on location throughout the Little Traverse Bay area. Depicting local landscapes, architecture, waterfronts, and community landmarks, the artwork offers a vibrant portrait of the region.

Then, join us on Crooked Tree Art Center’s Bidwell Plaza for an evening of original art, live music, and a cash bar during Petoskey’s annual Sidewalk Sales weekend festivities. Plein Air on the Plaza: Wet Paint Sale features original artwork created by regional plein-air artists during the last week of July. Visitors can meet the artists, enjoy live music, and purchase paintings inspired by the landscapes, waterfronts, and charm of the Little Traverse Bay region. Original paintings created by regional artists will be on display and available for sale.

Artist Requirements

• All painting and drawing media are eligible.

• Paintings should depict outdoor scenes in the Little Traverse Bay area.

• Up to three works may be submitted. Completed paintings must be delivered to Crooked Tree Arts Center - Petoskey between 10:00 am-noon on Friday, July 31, 2026.

• All artwork must be framed and hang ready. Each piece must have an identification label securely attached to the back. Labels should include the artist’s name, title of the work, medium, price, and contact information. Labels will be provided by CTAC and must be completed by the artist.

• All work must be for sale. All sales are split commission: 60% artist / 40% CTAC.

• Artists set sales prices. Prices may not be changed once the work is consigned.

• All consigned works must be the artist’s original work and design.

• Artwork not sold during the exhibit may be picked up at the conclusion of the sale between 8:00pm and 8:45pm on Friday, July 31, 2026. Artwork not claimed by 8:45pm, and for which no alternate arrangements have been approved, will be considered a donation to CTAC.

• Artists must come into Crooked Tree Arts Center – Petoskey during open hours to get their substrate stamped. Open hours: Tuesday-Friday 10:00am-5:00pm & Saturday 10:00am-4:00pm

Artists can paint in any public space, as well as their own private property, anywhere in the Little Traverse Bay region, July 22-31, 2026. Artwork is due to the check-in station at Crooked Tree Arts Center, 461 E. Mitchell Street, Petoskey, MI, from 10:00 am-noon on Friday, July 31, 2026 for a Wet Paint Sale. The work will be on display, and for sale from 4:00pm-8:00 pm. An independent juror will award prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places. Artists must pick up any unsold artwork following the Wet Paint Sale at 8:00pm on July 31, 2026. Artwork not claimed by 8:45pm, and for which no alternate arrangements have been approved, will be considered a donation to CTAC.

Artwork Check In
Artists may submit up to three pieces. Completed and ready-to-hang artwork must be turned in at CTAC – Petoskey on Friday, July 31, 2026, from 10:00 am-noon. Work may be turned in earlier in the week. Please complete the artwork ID tag at delivery.

Artist Awards

• An independent juror will award prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place.

• Awards will be announced at 4:00 PM.

• Awards are as follows: First Place: $500, Second Place: $300, and Third Place: $200.

Plein Air on the Plaza: Wet Paint Sale Information

Join us during the event:

• Location: CTAC–Petoskey’s Bidwell Plaza

• Friday, July 31, from 4:00pm–8:30pm.

• 4:00pm-8:00pm | Wet Paint Sale

• 5:30pm-8:30pm | Live music by Lee Fayssoux and Whiskey Wranglers

• Artists must pick up unsold artwork on Friday, July 31 at 8:00pm

Please click the link below to complete the application forms and review event rules, regulations, and other important information. Printed copies of the forms will also be available at the front desk at CTAC - Petoskey

Application Link

For additional questions, please contact CTAC at - 231-347-4337