As I sit here typing this morning, I’m wrapped in the calm of a cool breeze and a chorus of cheerful birds. It’s that fleeting early moment before the day warms up — before July really leans into its heat. Like many of you, I’m savoring every drop of summer. We know how fast it goes, and we’re determined to soak in the sunlight, the sounds, the scents and all the joy this season brings.
Traverse City and our surrounding communities are bursting with life right now. It’s that magical mix of natural beauty, local flavor, and creative energy that makes this place so special. And at Crooked Tree Arts Center, we’re grateful to be part of the buzz.
This summer, our galleries are filled with work that reflects the spirit of northern Michigan. If you haven’t stopped by yet, the Paint Grand Traverse exhibit is still on view in the rotunda. It’s always a delight to hear visitors recognize familiar landmarks and beloved landscapes — sometimes even after only being here a day or two. That’s the power of plein air painting: it captures not just a place, but a moment in time.
We also have two woodworking exhibits on view, and last week we were lucky enough to host artists Nik Burkhart and Nick Preneta for an artist talk and live demo. Their talent, generosity, and ability to share their process truly made it a special morning. We’re so fortunate to welcome artists like these into our space. We have two more artist talks coming up. Check out https://crookedtree.org/ for more information.
And speaking of artists … we’re bringing nearly 100 of them to you this weekend. No travel required — just head to the Grand Traverse County Civic Center (1213 W. Civic Center Drive, Traverse City) for the 64th Annual Crooked Tree Art Fair. It’s a big deal. More than 80 juried artists from across the country will be here, ready to share their work and stories. There’s a kids’ tent for little artists-in-the-making, and we’ve opened up space for local nonprofits like the Northwestern Michigan Woodturning Group, North Sky Raptor Center, Forging for Peace, AFS-USA and Hoops Pet Food Pantry to join us. And yes — there will be food (because looking at art works up an appetite). We also have golf cart drivers who will happily escort you to and from the art fair so don’t worry about a long walk from the parking lot, we have your back.
The Art Fair is one day only, this Saturday (7/26) from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., so mark your calendar and come say hello. It’s one of those community moments that just feels good. That brings people together.
And the very next weekend we’ll be in Suttons Bay for the Suttons Bay Art Festival, a beloved tradition that Crooked Tree is proud to co-manage. This will be our second year helping to organize the festival, and it’s truly an honor. The original committee entrusted us with this transition, and we’ve approached it with care—keeping the festival’s heart and soul intact while bringing a little Crooked Tree magic along the way.
The festival will feature 100 artists (including some fresh new faces), a kids’ tent where young entrepreneurs can try their hand at selling their handmade creations, and great food both Saturday (8/2) and Sunday (8/3). Sunday morning, be sure to come hungry: the original festival committee is hosting a pancake breakfast with homemade pancakes, local maple syrup, blueberries, yogurt, and coffee or juice—just $12 and served from 8:30–11:00. There’s nothing better than breakfast with friends and neighbors.
And if all this feels like a celebration … it is. This summer marks ten years of Crooked Tree Arts Center in Traverse City. Ten years of exhibits and classes, ten years of community connection, and yes—ten years of hosting the Crooked Tree Art Fair. We’re also celebrating the trust placed in us to help steward the Suttons Bay Art Festival moving forward. It’s a milestone we don’t take lightly, and we’re incredibly grateful.
But for now, we won’t talk about fall or what’s coming next. Let’s stay here for a bit. Listening to the birds, watching the wildflowers sway, hearing kids laughing down the block or splashing in the bay. There’s nothing quite like summer. And we’re soaking it all in.
See you at the Art Fairs.
If You Go The Crooked Tree Art Fair is one day only — from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, July 26 at the Grand Traverse County Civic Center (1213 W. Civic Center Drive, Traverse City)