FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 30, 2024

Crooked Tree Arts Center Celebrates Volunteers of the Year and Welcomes New Executive Board Members

PETOSKEY, MI — On September 24, Crooked Tree Arts Center (CTAC) held its Annual Meeting, highlighting a year filled with creativity, collaboration, and community engagement across the Petoskey and Traverse City locations. 

During the meeting, attendees heard inspiring testimonials from community partners, Challenge Mountain and Little Traverse Conservancy, showcasing the impact of collaborative programming. The event also included the election of new executive board members and the recognition of our Volunteers of the Year.

CTAC expressed deep gratitude to the outgoing executive board team: Elaine Smiley (Board Chair), Anne Morningstar (Vice Chair), Michelle Boyer (Secretary), and Stephen Palmer (Traverse City Leader). Simultaneously, they extended a warm welcome to the incoming executive team, who were officially voted in at the annual meeting: John Fergus-Jean (Board Chair), Hal Lawrence (Vice Chair), Kathleen Davis (Secretary), and Jennifer Tobias (Traverse City Leader). Ragnar Avery remains Treasurer, completing his second term in September 2025.

Reflecting on their tenure, Elaine Smiley shared, "It has been my honor and my pleasure to serve as an officer on the Board of Directors at Crooked Tree Arts Center the past seven years and most recently the last two years as Chair of the Board of Directors. Crooked Tree is close to my heart providing opportunities for learning and events in the arts that are educational and inspiring. I have had the opportunity to make many friends both in Petoskey and in Traverse City and for that I am grateful."

CTAC President Angela Morris, Vice President Kristi Wodek, and Treasurer Ragnar Avery highlighted the exciting achievements from the 2023-2024 fiscal year, including a record-breaking number of attendees at the New Year’s Eve event, continued growth of Traverse City’s educational programming, and over $55,000 provided in financial aid scholarships to students. Also during this time, CTAC celebrated major milestones, concluding their 50th Anniversary Campaign, which not only allowed the organization to pay off its mortgage but also funded significant facility renovations, as well as CTAC School of Ballet’s remarkable 20 year anniversary.

CTAC also recognized two outstanding contributors as its Volunteers of the Year. In Petoskey, Cathy Richardson was honored for her enthusiastic support during events and her invaluable administrative assistance. For the Traverse City location, CTAC expressed its gratitude to Linda Gardiner for her exceptional stewardship, helping with exhibition preparation, gallery openings, and most notably as Housing Coordinator for Paint Grand Traverse.

Crooked Tree Arts Center continues to foster creativity and community spirit and looks forward to another year of inspiring programming and strengthening collaborations. CTAC is grateful for the support and hard work of its Board of Directors, committee members, and volunteers. 

For more information, contact Crooked Tree Arts Center at (231) 347-4337 or visit crookedtree.org. Crooked Tree Arts Center is located at 461 E. Mitchell Street, downtown Petoskey. The full annual report can be found here.

Images provided by Crooked Tree Arts Center:

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About the Crooked Tree Arts Center: The mission of the Crooked Tree Arts Center (CTAC) is to create ways for people to connect, learn, and grow through the arts. CTAC offers exhibits, concerts, classes, lectures, special events, and so much more, from its campuses in Petoskey and Traverse City. For more information, please visit www.crookedtree.org.

Media Contact:
Keely Bomee Platte
Marketing & Communications Manager, Crooked Tree Arts Center
keely@crookedtree.org | 231-347-2718