For Immediate Release

July 19, 2024

Crooked Tree Arts Center Achieves New Record with Dart for Art 

PETOSKEY, MI — Crooked Tree Arts Center (CTAC) recently hosted their 27th annual fundraiser, Dart for Art, in Bay Harbor to exhilarating success, surpassing last year’s event in support of the organization’s impactful year-round community programming that reaches over 35,000 residents. CTAC’s President Angela Morris, newly appointed this past April, and Dart for Art Co-Chairs Kathleen Davis and Karen Quenneville, welcomed over 1,000 attendees across the two-night event. This year’s record-breaking Dart for Art raised a remarkable 15% increase from last year. 

Held July 10 and July 11, Dart for Art is CTAC’s largest annual fundraiser that brings together artists, art enthusiasts, patrons, donors, and supporters in their commitment to fostering creativity and support of the arts in Northern Michigan. Guests were treated to two entertaining evenings filled with over 220 donated works of art by 185 artists including works by featured local artist Neil W. Ahrens. Numerous auction and raffle opportunities donated by over 150 local businesses, along with entertaining music, and delicious food and drink curated by acclaimed local restaurants and chefs were also featured. 

New to the event this year were the Artwork Awards held during Preview Night on Wednesday and judged by guest juror Trista Maltby. Award winners included Dogu (Best in Show), Winnie Chrzanowski (Best 2D), Ara J. Berberian (Best 3D), and Gail Passino (People’s Choice). 

The proceeds from the two-night event provide nearly 30% of CTAC's annual budget to support the organization's mission of creating ways for people to connect, learn, and grow through the arts. These contributions help fund the organization's quality arts programming, including art exhibitions, local and regional musicians for its performing art series, art supplies and instructor fees for kids camps and adult workshops, scholarships for students, performances by the School of Ballet, and more.

Driving this message home, Taylor Naturkas, an alumna of CTAC’s School of Ballet and Principal Soloist at the Miami City Ballet, addressed Main Night attendees to share how the School of Ballet has made a meaningful and lasting impact on her life. “Without Crooked Tree Arts Center’s support, I would not be where I am today. Their guidance and instruction helped give me the confidence to reach my goals and pursue my dreams.” 

“Because of the incredible generosity of our guests, local business sponsors, donors, and partners year over year, we’re able to provide important arts programming, education and experiences for generations to come,” says Angela Morris, President at Crooked Tree Arts Center. “This year’s Dart for Art was a record-breaking event, demonstrating that the arts build strong communities and that our community is here to continue supporting us. We are grateful to the dedicated staff, volunteers, Board of Directors, committee members, and artists who worked together to create a memorable two-day event. Thank you to all who helped make Dart for Art possible.”

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

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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.

Photography credit: Matte Photography