CTAC Artist Groups
CTAC Artist Groups
Crooked Tree Arts Center is proud to support an engaged community of artists through a variety of artist-led groups that meet regularly to connect, learn, and grow from one another. These groups offer opportunities for peer support, skill-sharing, informal critiques, and artistic inspiration in a welcoming and inclusive environment. Below are the current artist groups at CTAC.
CTAC - Petoskey
Kitchen Painters
Are you looking for a welcoming space to paint and find inspiration among fellow artists?
Join us: Thursdays, 12:00 - 3:00 pm at CTAC - Petoskey's Visual Arts Room
The Kitchen Painters invite artists of all levels to join them for open studio time in a friendly and supportive environment. The group offers encouragement, creative exchange, and occasional assistance. All mediums are welcome, including watercolor, acrylics, oil, pastel, pencil, ink, and more. What brings everyone together is a shared desire to grow artistically and connect through the creative process.
Members frequently share informal presentations on techniques they’ve learned through classes or personal experience. Time is also set aside for optional, constructive critiques of works in progress to support artistic development. Participants are responsible for bringing their own materials.
Contact: For more information or to get involved, contact the group’s coordinator, Mike Coltman, at (239) 777-4417.
CTAC - Petoskey
Crooked Tree Photographic Society
Join us: Most Wednesdays, approximately 9:00 - 11:00 am at Roast and Toast in Petoskey (309 E. Lake Street) - please contact Rob Harold below to confirm meeting time!
The Crooked Tree Photographic Society (CTPS) is a welcoming group of photographers from across Northern Lower Michigan who gather to share ideas, inspiration, and their love of photography. On a monthly basis, CTPS will also meet at CTAC to provide members with opportunities to receive valuable feedback on their work, discuss photography with their peers, and increase their knowledge of the photographic medium.
There are no dues to attend meetings, and guests are always welcome. Those interested in becoming official members of the group are encouraged to join Crooked Tree Arts Center, if not already members. All skill levels are welcome, from beginners just starting out to seasoned professionals, and new participants are especially encouraged to attend.
With the support of the Crooked Tree Arts Center, the Photo Society holds an annual photography exhibition of members' work in the CTAC Atrium Gallery and often participate in the Holiday Bazaar.
Contact: For more information or to get involved, contact the group's coordinator, Rob Harold, at ctps.photo@gmail.com or Facebook: Crooked Tree Photographic Society (CTPS)
CTAC - Petoskey
Art Club
Looking for a place to connect with fellow artists, makers, and creative minds? The Crooked Tree Art Club is an informal gathering designed to grow and celebrate Northern Michigan’s arts community.
Join us: Every second Thursday at Elder Piper Beer & Cider in Petoskey (923 Baxter Street) for a casual evening of conversation and connection. There’s no agenda or formal structure—just an open space to meet other creatives, share ideas, and enjoy good company. Whether you’re a practicing artist, an art appreciator, or someone who simply loves being around creativity, you’re welcome here.
Bring your curiosity, your stories, or even a sketchbook if you’d like. Come as you are, and help us build a supportive network that celebrates the arts in all its forms.
CTAC - Traverse city
Visually Impaired Painters (VIP) Group
Join us: Schedule varies, Thursdays, 10:00 am - 1:00 pm at CTAC - TC's Basement Classroom.
The Visually Impaired Painters (VIP) Group was founded by artists experiencing varying degrees of vision loss, united by their determination to continue creating. In response to their changing sight, the group has embraced a looser, more impressionistic style of painting, allowing for greater expression and adaptability.
The group fosters a supportive environment where artists facing vision challenges can share techniques, exchange ideas, and encourage one another. Each week, a group member leads a session by introducing a new technique, creating opportunities for learning and collaboration. Together, they explore creative approaches and discuss the unique challenges they encounter both in and out of the studio. For many members, the group provides not only artistic growth but also vital motivation and community.
Crooked Tree Arts Center is proud to host the VIP Group weekly in the Cornwell Classroom at Crooked Tree Arts Center - Traverse City. Occasional guest artists and lectures are also offered, with some sessions including fee-based instruction.