FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 5, 2025

Crooked Tree Arts Center Announces Connie Landis as Dart for Art 2025 Featured Artist, Sponsor-Level Tickets On Sale February 14

PETOSKEY, Mich. – On July 9 and July 10, 2025, Crooked Tree Arts Center (CTAC) will host their 28th annual Dart for Art, a premier summer fundraiser that brings together over 150 artists, 20 local chefs and restaurateurs, many local business sponsors and 600 guests spanning two nights in celebration of the arts in Northern Michigan. Proceeds from the two-night event support CTAC’s mission of creating ways for people to connect, learn, and grow through the arts. 

At the heart of Crooked Tree’s signature event is the unique activity of “darting,” where guests are called in groups at random to select a donated piece of art to take home. CTAC is proud to announce Connie Landis as the Dart for Art 2025 Featured Artist. Her stunning oil painting, Unbridled Spirit, will serve as the inspiration for this year’s celebration.

A Petoskey-based oil painter, Landis is known for her vibrant and expressive figurative works, often featuring women and children. While she grew up in an artistic household, her career in art began in earnest in her 30s, and her distinctive style developed over the past 20 years. She credits her bold use of color and energetic brushstrokes in part to early mentorships with renowned artists like Michelle Torrez, as well as her late mother, Martha Landis, who was also a prominent artist in the Petoskey community. “My mom used to say, ‘If you don’t believe in that brushstroke, nobody else will,’ and so I try to paint each day with confidence and intention.”

Martha Landis was named Dart for Art 2016 featured artist, making this moment even more meaningful. “It’s a huge honor to be named the featured artist,” Landis continues. “I was shocked and thrilled when they asked me. I am very grateful that my work will be highlighted at this premier event. I know my mom would be very happy for me.”

Unbridled Spirit was inspired by the equine photography of local artist Stephanie Cope. “Collaborating with Stephanie became a journey of connecting artistic threads—bridging relationships between horse and rider, horse and trainer, nature and human, and finally, photography to painting…creating a tapestry of shared artistry,” Landis explained.

Landis’ connection to CTAC spans decades, beginning in the early 1980s when her mother introduced her to the organization. Landis began contributing artwork to Dart for Art about 12 years ago and after moving to Northern Michigan permanently in 2016, Landis quickly became an active member, participating in workshops and volunteering as part of CTAC’s installation crew, including setting up countless Dart for Art events. 

“I fell in love with the sense of community here—it’s such a haven,” she said. “The artists support each other in such a welcoming and collaborative way.”

This year’s Dart for Art will feature catering by NOMAD and promises another unforgettable experience for all attendees.

Gold and Silver tables, Bronze and Benefactor level tickets for Dart for Art 2025 will go on sale Friday, February 14, 2025. Standard reservations and tickets for the Preview Night will be available starting March 14, 2025.

Get an exclusive first look at Unbridled Spirit by Connie Landis, who will be in attendance at Crooked Tree Arts Center’s February Swirl, Thursday, February 20 from 5:30 - 7:00 pm. Savor carefully selected wines from Great Lakes Wine and Spirit, perfectly paired with mouthwatering appetizers from the talented chef of NOMI Kitchen, and live music from Continuous Imposition, that will make for a lovely evening. As a special highlight, guests will have a chance to win two coveted tickets to Dart for Art 2025 Preview Night—one of Crooked Tree’s most anticipated events! Don’t miss this opportunity to mix, mingle, and maybe even take home an exclusive prize. Swirl tickets are $25 for CTAC members and $35 for non-members. 

Visit crookedtree.org/Dart2025 or call (231) 347-4337 to purchase tickets, donate artwork, become a sponsor and to learn more about the event.

Media Contact:
Keely Platte, Marketing & Communications Manager
Crooked Tree Arts Center
keely@crookedtree.org | (231) 550-6868

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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.