Calls for Artists

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.

Ekphrastic Call for Winter Exhibits 2026
Calling all writers—and anyone curious about trying their hand at writing!
We invite you to visit the Winter Exhibits at Crooked Tree Arts Center–Traverse City and choose an artwork (or artworks!) as inspiration for your writing. You are welcome to respond in any form: a poem, short story, song, screenplay, or any style that speaks to you.
Can’t make it in person or live far away? Read on for options to participate remotely.
All participants are invited to share their work at an Ekphrastic Reading on Thursday, February 19, from 5:30–7:00 pm.

Gallery Writing Hours
You are welcome to write in the galleries during the following times:
Tuesday–Friday: 10:00 am–5:00 pm
Saturday: 10:00 am–4:00 pm
Monday: The galleries are typically closed, but please call ahead and we would be happy to arrange a time between 9:00 am–4:30 pm

We also offer limited evening access on select nights when classes are in session, with staff available until approximately 6:15 pm. Please call ahead to check weekly evening availability so we can help accommodate another option.
*Please note that photographs are not allowed to be taken of individual artworks without the consent of the artist. HOWEVER several artists have granted permission already for this and those images will be available to be emailed via inquiring to
Brian: brian@crookedtree.org 231-941-9488

AND if you can’t make it to the reading either we’d be glad to have another writer or staff read it for you.