Crooked Tree Arts Center Celebrates Volunteers of the Year, Honors Departing Board Members, and Highlights Exhibition Impact at Annual Meeting

press release

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 1, 2025

Crooked Tree Arts Center Celebrates Volunteers of the Year, Honors Departing Board Members, and Highlights Exhibition Impact at Annual Meeting

PETOSKEY, Mich. — On Tuesday, September 30, Crooked Tree Arts Center (CTAC) hosted its Annual Meeting, celebrating creativity, connection, and community engagement across its Petoskey and Traverse City campuses during the 2024-2025 fiscal year.

The evening highlighted milestones from the past year, the recognition of outstanding volunteers, and gratitude for dedicated board members concluding their service. Guests also heard a “Mission Moment” presentation from Visual Arts Director Sheila Ruen, sharing the impact of CTAC’s exhibition programming and its role in bringing people together through the arts.

Honoring Departing Board Members

Board Chair John Fergus-Jean recognized four board members for their years of service and commitment to CTAC: Ed Boyer, Steve Fritz, Anne Montagne, and Jim Schroeder.

Welcoming New Board Members

New members of the Board of Directors were also announced and welcomed at the meeting:
 

  • Patricia Kaine - With over a decade of experience in healthcare human resources and commercial property management, Patricia also brings a strong passion for nonprofit work and a long-standing connection to Northern Michigan and CTAC's programs.
  • Russ Knopp - As co-owner of Comfort Keepers of Northwest Michigan and a dedicated leader in regional and statewide organizations, Russ brings extensive experience in business, senior care, and nonprofit leadership to the CTAC community. 
  • Jane Stewart -  A retired CPA with extensive experience in both public accounting and nonprofit finance, Jane brings valuable expertise and a strong commitment to CTAC, where she has been an active volunteer.

 

“Crooked Tree Arts Center thrives because of the dedication of our staff, volunteers, and board,” said Fergus-Jean. “We extend our deepest gratitude to Ed, Steve, Anne, and Jim for their years of leadership and service to the organization. We are equally thrilled to welcome our incoming board members and to continue building a bright future together.”

Recognizing Volunteers of the Year

CTAC also honored two outstanding volunteers whose dedication and generosity of spirit have strengthened the arts community:

  • Kathleen A. Davis, Volunteer of the Year for Petoskey, presented by CTAC President Angela Morris.
     
  • Maryrose Trubiroha, Volunteer of the Year for Traverse City, presented by CTAC Vice President Kristi Wodek.

“Volunteers are essential to our success and the impact we make,” said Morris. “Kathleen and Maryrose embody the spirit of service, and we are thrilled to recognize their contributions to CTAC and the communities we serve.”

Mission Moment: Exhibitions and Impact

To open the meeting, Ruen spoke about developing trans-disciplinary themes that involve collaborations with a variety of community partners, activating exhibitions with related programming for adults and youth, and reaching new audiences with unique experiences.

Crooked Tree Arts Center continues to foster creativity, learning, and connection through the arts. CTAC expressed gratitude for the support of its board, members, volunteers, staff, and community partners, and looks forward to another year of inspiring programming and collaboration.

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 in downtown Petoskey.

Three people stand together in front of a wall displaying sculptural artworks shaped like plants and leaves. The man on the left wears a suit jacket, while the two women beside him wear casual tops with slacks and a skirt, all smiling for the photo.

Russ Knopp (left), Patricia Kaine (center), and Jane Stewart (right) were voted in as new CTAC board members at CTAC's Annual Meeting held September 30.

Two men stand side by side in an art gallery, smiling in front of a grid of photographs depicting different views of water. Both are wearing plaid shirts, and one holds a canvas tote bag while the other carries folded materials in his hand.

Ed Boyer (left) and Jim Schroeder (right) are among the departing CTAC board members who were acknowledged during the Annual Meeting.

Two women pose in front of a wall display featuring mixed-media fiber artworks and natural materials. Each is holding a bouquet of flowers—one wearing a denim jacket and sandals, the other in a bright red blouse and black pants.

Traverse City Volunteer of the Year Maryrose Trubiroha (left) and Petoskey Volunteer of the Year Kathleen A. Davis (right) were celebrated at CTAC's Annual Meeting held September 30.

About Crooked Tree Arts Center

Crooked Tree Arts Center’s mission is to create ways for people to connect, learn and grow through the arts. With campuses in Petoskey and Traverse City, CTAC offers exhibitions, concerts, classes, lectures and special events for all ages. Learn more at crookedtree.org.

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

Crooked Tree Arts Center
461 E. Mitchell St.
Petoskey, MI 49770
231-347-4337
www.crookedtree.org