For Immediate Release
July 13, 2025

Crooked Tree Arts Center’s Dart for Art 2025 Celebrates Connection and Creativity in Northern Michigan

PETOSKEY, Mich. — Crooked Tree Arts Center (CTAC) announces the successful conclusion of its 28th annual fundraiser, Dart for Art, presented by Gaslight Group Properties and supported by numerous local business sponsors. The two-night event was held July 9–10 in Bay Harbor and welcomed more than 700 guests in celebration of creativity and CTAC’s mission to provide ways for people to connect, learn and grow through the arts.

This year, 217 artists donated 235 original works of art to the Dart Gallery, including 65 first-time contributors and 13 artists who have supported the event for more than 20 years. The event also featured food and drink from 19 Northern Michigan restaurant partners, live entertainment, and spirited bidding on auction items donated by more than 100 local businesses.

Featured Work: “Unbridled Spirit” Anchors the Event

Dart for Art 2025 was visually anchored by Unbridled Spirit, a dynamic oil painting by this year’s featured artist, Connie Landis. Known for her emotive, gestural approach and contemporary impressionist style, Landis created the work after being inspired by the equine photography of local artist Stephanie Cope.

“Through this painting, my hope is that viewers feel the profound connection between humans, nature and animals,” said Landis. “I aim to evoke sensations of freedom and exhilaration—the wind in your hair, the rhythm of hooves pounding against the sand and water.”

Landis, who resides in Petoskey and previously lived in the Chicago area, was influenced by her mother, renowned landscape painter and Dart for Art 2016 featured artist Martha Landis. Connie’s work focuses on still life, Northern Michigan landscapes, and the female figure, and is driven by a desire to create art that connects and brings joy.

What Is Darting?

The signature moment of the event is the exhilarating “dart,” when guests dash to claim their chosen artwork. This year’s Dart Gallery featured a collection valued at more than $140,000, including paintings, photography, sculpture, jewelry, ceramics, glasswork and more. One Dart Tag was distributed per couple based on ticket level.

Award-Winning Artwork

At Preview Night, juror Art Martin, director of collections and exhibitions and senior curator at the Muskegon Museum of Art, recognized several outstanding works:

• Best in Show: Kevin Barton, Circumnebulous, oil on birch, 28 x 28 x 1 inches
   
• Best 2D Work: Jen Kritcher, Seven Bridges, hand-painted linocut print, 15 x 18 x ¾ inches
   
• Best 3D Work: Julia MacLachlan, Petoskey Stone Pendant & Earrings, Petoskey stone, smoky quartz, sterling silver, 14 x 8 x 2 inches
   
• People’s Choice Award: Mary Bea McWatters, Smooth Sunset, acrylic on canvas with glaze, 13 x 16 x 2 inches
   
• Artist Appreciation Award: Susan Lyman, Nature Lab, oil on prepared panel, 14 x 14 inches
   

These awards highlight the creativity and talent of participating artists and remain a beloved part of the event.

A Legacy of Generosity

Dart for Art generates approximately 30% of CTAC’s annual operating budget, supporting arts programming for more than 35,000 community members and visitors each year. Proceeds directly fund exhibitions, scholarships, art supplies and instruction for classes and camps, live performances and more across CTAC’s Petoskey and Traverse City campuses.

This year’s event was chaired by CTAC board member and community volunteer Kathleen Davis, with support from a dedicated committee and team of volunteers.

“The generosity of our donors, artists, community partners and event sponsors makes Dart for Art possible year after year,” said Angela Morris, president of Crooked Tree Arts Center. “This event not only celebrates creativity—it helps sustain it. We’re deeply grateful to everyone who contributed to making Dart for Art 2025 a vibrant success.

Get Involved in Dart for Art 2026

Interested in joining the fun next year as a guest, sponsor or participating artist?
 

• Sponsors and Guests: To learn more about sponsorship opportunities or ticket information, email events@crookedtree.org with the subject line: “Dart for Art 2026 Interest.” Early sponsor outreach and sponsor-level ticket sales typically begin February of the event year.
• Artists: A submission form for the 2026 Dart for Art gallery will be available at www.crookedtree.org March 2026.

About Crooked Tree Arts Center

The Crooked Tree Arts Center’s mission is to create ways for people to connect, learn and grow through the arts. CTAC offers exhibitions, concerts, classes, lectures and special events from its campuses in Petoskey and Traverse City, Michigan. Learn more at www.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