Calls for Artists

Exhibit in the New Libragallery at CTAC–Traverse City

We’re excited to invite current Guild Members to exhibit in the Libragallery—a unique library-gallery space that remains open year-round, even during gallery changeovers. This ensures art is always on view for our visitors.

About the Space

• Best suited for 2D work (hanging track system provided -work must be wired)
• Limited shelving for small 3D pieces
• Open year-round, visible to visitors at all times

Artist Responsibilities

• Install and de-install your own work
• Installation: Day before your exhibit begins
• De-installation: First business day after your final exhibit day
• Artwork for sale follows CTAC’s standard 60/40 commission split (artist/CTAC)

What We Provide

• Hanging track system for 2D works
• Shelving for select 3D display
• Artist contract and label templates

How to Participate

• Review the available 2026 dates below.
• Email brian@crookedtree.org with your preferred date(s) and up to three images of the type of work you’d like to exhibit so we can confirm logistics and schedule accordingly
• Open to all current Guild Members—no jury process, we'll do our best to work with your date preferences, but may have to offer other dates in the future
• Exhibitors will not repeat unless all first-time participants have been scheduled or there is an opening for unfilled dates
• Additional dates for 2026 will be offered in the future

LIBRAGALLERY 2026

• July/August/September dates coming in early 2026

Please note: Expressing interest does not guarantee selection for a pop-up exhibit. Artists will be scheduled randomly based on availability, and no artist will be selected more than once until all interested artists have had the opportunity to exhibit.

An annual exhibit featured outstanding artwork by Crooked Tree Artist Guild Members

Location: CTAC - Traverse City

Key Dates:

• Extended Deadline - December 5 at 11:59 pm EST - Submission Deadline
• December 13 - 18 - Artwork Drop-Off Dates
• January 16 - February 21, 2026 - Exhibition Dates
• January 17 - Opening Reception
• February 23 - 28 - Pick-Up Artwork

Carpools to and from Traverse City will be created with interest.

To RSVP/Confirm Participation please complete the form or contact Brian at brian@crookedtree.org

Eligibility

This opportunity is open to current Artist Guild Members 18 and over. All mediums welcome!

Would you like to join the Guild and be in the exhibit? Please click HERE!

The ​Crooked Tree Arts Center in Traverse City, Michigan, seeks artists for the national plein air painting festival, Paint Grand Traverse: a plein air affair, now in its sixth year. Paint Grand Traverse is a plein air (outdoor) painting festival and competition featuring 32 artists from across the country.

The Grand Traverse region is located in northwest lower Michigan and is known the world over for its gorgeous scenery, hundreds of miles of Lake Michigan coast, and historic small towns and villages. The largest of these, Traverse City, is nestled on the southern shore of West Grand Traverse Bay, and is home to Crooked Tree Arts Center - Traverse City.

Paint Grand Traverse is presented by Crooked Tree Arts Center. Founded in 1971, CTAC is a community-based arts center serving Northern Michigan from campuses in Traverse City and Petoskey, Michigan. We offer events and classes in visual arts, dance, music, culinary arts, and more.

​Eligibility
This opportunity is open to all U.S. residents, 18 years and older. All painting media are eligible.

Prizes and Awards
Best of show: ​$3,500 cash award. A total of $17,000 in cash and prizes will be awarded in a variety of categories.

Deadline: December 15, 2025

Applicant Timeline

• Submit 5-7 images of recent plein air work online by December 15, 2025 via CallforEntry.org
• Entries will be scored by a panel of jurors, December 16-31, 2025.
• Notification of acceptance will be sent by January 12, 2026.
• Accepted artists must submit a signed letter of agreement, bio, and promotional images by February 1.
• Event dates: June 21-28, 2026
• Extended Exhibition dates: July 1 - August 15, 2026 (artists will have option to participate in extended exhibit)

Submission Materials

• Submit 5-7 images of recent plein air artwork, including artwork title, dimensions, medium, and date. Digital images should be cropped to show the painting only - no frame, no background.
• Artist Bio and C.V.
• Artist Statement
• Link to online portfolio (URL) (optional)

Jurors: A team of five jurors, comprised of practicing artists, teachers, collectors, and curators, will review all submissions. Top scoring entries will be accepted.

Terms and Conditions:

• The call is open to all U.S. residents, 18 years and older.
• All plein air painting media are eligible.
• Submissions must be original works of art created by the artist submitting the work.
• Artists may submit five to seven (5-7) images.

The Crooked Tree Arts Center galleries are sales galleries and works created during the festival must be for sale. Price is set by the artist. The Crooked Tree Arts Center will retain a 40% commission on all sales.

A non-refundable fee of $30.00 per artist is required for entry (CTAC members $20.00). CTAC Artist Guild Members can submit their work free of charge. Members and Artist Guild Members: If you need a discount please contact Kristi@crookedtree.org or call CTAC at (231) 941-9488. If you have questions about your membership status, or are interested in becoming a member, please call CTAC at (231) 941-9488. We are unable to provide a refund if you forget to apply coupon code.

Submission Procedure:

• Submit requested application materials via CaFÉ (callforentry.org). Entries must be submitted online via CaFÉ and file formats must meet CaFÉ specifications.
• Jury will be done online.
• Notification will be delivered via email on January 12, 2026.
• Accepted artists must submit a signed letter of agreement by February 1, 2026

Crooked Tree Arts Center invites you to apply to its 65th Annual Art Fair, held on the south east end of the Civic Center - A Grand Traverse County Park. This location is a new location on the property on the corner of Titus and Fair Street. This location offers street side parking in addition to the parking lots on the property, public restrooms, food trucks and more. Participation is open to all artists who exhibit work of original concept, design, and execution.

Our fair seeks to maintain the highest standards for both the artists and for the viewing public. Juried artists will be selected for the event by the Art Fair committee.

Date: Saturday, July 25, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (rain or shine)

Media: Painting, Drawing, Collage, Graphics, Leather, Sculpture, Jewelry, Fiber, Wood, Metal, Glass, Photography, Pottery, and Mixed Media will be considered. Clothing, jewelry, and craft work must be handmade or substantially altered by artistic effort.

Submission Guidelines: Each applicant must submit five digital images, including four of current work and one of a fully-stocked booth. Artists working in more than one medium must have all media represented in their image set. Artists working in multiple media do not have to submit separate applications for each medium. Select "Multiple Media" in the application drop-down menu.

The Suttons Bay Art Festival, a beloved Northern Michigan tradition, is now managed by Crooked Tree Arts Center (CTAC) after a multi-year transition. Since its founding over 50 years ago, CTAC has been a vital force in the region’s arts community, providing educational programs, exhibits, and events that foster creativity.

Held annually on the first weekend of August, the festival draws thousands of art lovers to Suttons Bay’s Marina Park, a picturesque venue alongside Lake Michigan’s shoreline. Known for its exceptional selection of fine arts and crafts, the event attracts visitors and locals alike, offering a unique blend of sophistication and charm that reflects the region’s vibrant appreciation for the arts.

Featuring approximately 100 artists, the festival creates an artist-friendly atmosphere with extensive regional marketing and a stunning location. In addition to the art booths, visitors can enjoy food vendors, community group displays, a children’s art area, and the popular annual library book sale. A portion of festival proceeds supports arts initiatives in the Suttons Bay community, making it a destination event that celebrates creativity while giving back.

This art-filled weekend is the perfect way to experience the beauty and artistry of Northern Michigan.