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.

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.

Call for Art

2026 Annual Youth Art Exhibit

Crooked Tree Arts Center – Traverse City

Crooked Tree Arts Center – Traverse City invites Traverse area schools to participate in the 2026 Annual Youth Art Exhibit. This beloved exhibition celebrates the creativity of students across the greater ISD—and honors the incredible art teachers who support and inspire them.

Who Can Participate

• K–12 schools within the greater North Ed ISD region

• Art teachers submitting on behalf of their students

Teachers must complete the RSVP form to participate.

Homeschool Families

We haven’t forgotten about you! We are currently evaluating space and exploring how to create a fair opportunity for homeschool students to engage and participate. Details will be updated here as space becomes clear.

Important Dates

• RSVP Deadline: January 25

• Artwork Install: March 2–7

• Exhibit Dates: March 10 – April 11

  • Note: Galleries will be closed during TCAPS spring break.

• Artwork Pick-Up: April 13–18

Teacher Responsibilities

• Select student artwork to be displayed

• Label and hang all artwork

• Coordinate delivery and pick-up within the listed dates

CTAC volunteers will assist with de-installing 2D work at the end of the exhibit.

How Much Artwork Can We Bring?

Great question! The number of works each school may bring depends on how many schools RSVP.

Once RSVPs are in, we divide the available wall space and contact each school with their specific dimensions/space allowance. This number may vary slightly from year to year as participation grows.

Awards & Recognition

A juror will be hired to select artwork for cash awards. In past years, representatives from Kendall College of Art & Design (KCAD) and the University of Michigan Stamps School of Art & Design have participated and offered awards as well.

We look forward to celebrating your students’ creativity and the powerful work you do in the classroom every day.