FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 11, 2025

Paint Grand Traverse 2025 Announces Featured Artists for Summer Plein Air Event

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. – Crooked Tree Arts Center (CTAC) is thrilled to announce the return of Paint Grand Traverse, northern Michigan’s premier plein air painting festival and competition, taking place June 14-21, 2025. Now in its eighth year, the festival welcomes 33 acclaimed artists from 20 states, who will capture the breathtaking landscapes and vibrant communities of the Grand Traverse region. Artists are invited based on awards from the previous year, while remaining spots are filled through a juried application process.

A Tradition of Artistic Excellence

Founded in 2018 by Liz Ahrens, former CTAC executive director, and Megan Kelto, former CTAC-Traverse City site director, Paint Grand Traverse was inspired by the region’s stunning scenery—pristine waters, sandy beaches, bustling marinas, lush vineyards, and charming downtowns. With guidance from local artist Elizabeth Pollie, they curated an event that would attract top plein air painters and expert jurors to northern Michigan.

Since its inception, Paint Grand Traverse has grown into an annual celebration of art, community, and outdoor painting, drawing renowned artists and passionate art lovers alike.

“Paint Grand Traverse continues to evolve, offering both artists and the community new opportunities to engage with plein air painting,” said Kristi Wodek, Vice President of Crooked Tree Arts Center and Director of the Traverse City campus. “In 2023, we moved the event to mid-June and extended it by a day, giving artists more time to immerse themselves in the region’s beauty and create work that reflects their unique perspectives and styles.”

Festival Highlights

Throughout the week, participating artists will explore Downtown Traverse City, Fishtown, Old Mission Peninsula, and more to create more than 250 original paintings, capturing the spirit of a northern Michigan summer. The public is invited to experience the creative process through live painting demonstrations, artist talks, exhibitions, art sales, and interactive activities for all ages—most of which are free to attend. Collectors, families, and art enthusiasts alike will have the chance to engage with artists and witness their work come to life.

“Paint Grand Traverse is a true reflection of Crooked Tree Arts Center’s mission to connect, learn, and grow through the arts,” Wodek continued. “This event not only deepens appreciation for plein air painting but also strengthens our community’s connection to the arts. Whether watching artists paint in the field, attending a free demonstration, or participating in the Pint-Size Paint Out for young aspiring artists, everyone can be part of the creative experience. It’s more than an art event—it’s an opportunity to meet and connect with talented artists from across the country and see how they bring northern Michigan to life on canvas.”

2025 Featured Artists

CTAC is proud to announce this year’s Paint Grand Traverse featured artists:

Kevin Barton, David R. Becker, Lyudmila Tomova Clark, Mary Ann Davis, Justin Donaldson, Vlad Milan Duchev, Lori Feldpausch, Lydia Gatzow, Millie Gosch, Steve Griggs, Giselle Harrington, Kristin Hosbein, Debra Howard, Neal Hughes, Lynn Lewis, Heather Ihn Martin, Mark Mehaffey, Thomas Moberg, Jimmy Navarro, Crista Pisano, Elizabeth Pollie, Kari Ganoung Ruiz, Todd Schabel, David Smith, Richard Russell Sneary, Jeff Steiner, Jeff Suntala, Mark Vander Vinne, Richie Vios, Jill Stefani Wagner, Durre Waseem, Stephen Wysocki, Jing Zhao

Experience the Art and Community

More than just an art festival, Paint Grand Traverse is a celebration of creativity, connection, and the stunning beauty of northern Michigan. Whether you’re a seasoned collector looking for your next acquisition or a family seeking an inspiring day out, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Be one of the first to see the 2025 Paint Grand Traverse Collection and have the opportunity top buy a piece or two during this year's Fresh Paint Party, held on Friday, June 20. Tickets go on sale Saturday, March 1, 2025 at 10:00 am.

For more information, visit paintgrandtraverse.com or follow @paintgrandtraverse on Instagram for event updates.

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