Crooked Tree Arts Center

461 E. Mitchell Street, Petoskey, MI 49770
www.crookedtree.org | 231-347-4337

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 at Saturday, March 1, 2025 at 10:00 am.

 

A Breath of Plein Air
June 8, 2024
Northern Express

Paint Grand Traverse Returns with Annual Plein Air Painting Festival and Competition
June 16, 2023
9&10 News

Your Labor Day Weekend Itinerary
August 27, 2022
Northern Express, Alex Dailey

Crooked Tree Arts Center hosts Community Block Party (video)
August 20, 2022
UpNorthLive TV7&4

Creativity Centered: Paint Grand Traverse wraps week with Gala, block party
August 19, 2022
Traverse City Record-Eagle

Creative Shores: Find Inspiration at this 6 Local Spots
August 16, 2022
MyNorth.com

Paint Grand Traverse: Artists Take Over the Town (video)
August 15, 2022
TV9&10 News

Painting the town: Fifth annual plein air affair hits Grand Traverse
August 10, 2022
Traverse City Record-Eagle, Alex Dailey

Nothing Plein about Plein Air
August 8, 2022
Northern Express

Connecting and Creating: Sharing art in the public square
August 5, 2022
Traverse City Record-Eagle

Paint Grand Traverse a Week of Wonderful Moments
August 27, 2021
Traverse City Record-Eagle

Creativity Centered: Beautiful Weather, Beautiful Art
July 9, 2021
Traverse City Record-Eagle

Paint Grand Traverse (video) - Northwestern Michigan College Student Project
Spring 2021
Students from NMC's Visual Communications program produced this promotional video, featuring PGT artists Colleen Shull and Justin Shull.

The Return of Public Art
March 25, 2021
The Traverse Ticker

Virtually Beautiful with CTAC
August 7, 2020
Traverse City Record-Eagle

Ashland artist Robin Roberts wins Best of Show in Michigan contest
September 4, 2020
AshlandSource

Broad brushstrokes: Paint Grand Traverse recasts plein air event
August 7, 2020
Traverse City Record-Eagle

Kids Programs with Crooked Tree Arts Center
July 30, 2020
TV9&10 News

Crooked Tree Arts Center Revamps "Paint Grand Traverse"
July 22, 2020
TV9&10 News

Summer's Sweet Spots: 40 Northern Michigan Vacation Ideas
July 8, 2020
MyNorth

Artistry in August
October 18, 2019
Gather Grand Traverse

Local Kids Participate in Pint-Sized Paint Out
August 16, 2019
TV7&4 / UpNorthLive

Second Annual Paint Grand Traverse is Here
August 13, 2019
The Traverse Ticker

Paint Grand Traverse is Attracting Artists Nationwide
August 13, 2019
TV9&10 News

Second Annual 'Paint Grand Traverse' Competition Returns with 44 Artists
August 12, 2019
TV7&4 / UpNorthLive

Paint Grand Traverse: Plein air festival resturns with 44 artists
August 9, 2019
Traverse City Record-Eagle

30 Northern Michigan Events to Check Out in August
July 29, 2019
MyNorth.com / Traverse Magazine

Paint Grand Traverse video from WCMU's Destination Michigan
July 25, 2019
WCMU Public Media

Paint Grand Traverse is One of Our Favorite Traverse City Events - Here's Why
June 28, 2019
MyNorth.com / Traverse Magazine

Michigan Legacy Art Park Offers Summer Excitement
June 28, 2019
Manistee News Advocate

Artists compete in "Quick Draw" competition during Paint Grand Traverse
August 16, 2018
UpNorthLife / TV7&4

Paint Grand Traverse
August 16, 2018
"Destination Michigan" from WCMU Public Media

Easel living: Artists to paint the town in open-hair painting festival
August 15, 2018
Traverse City Record-Eagle

Painting Picture Perfect Views at Paint Grand Traverse
August 14, 2018
TV 9&10 News

Plein Air Festival Paint Grand Traverse This Week
August 13, 2018
The Ticker

Artist to flock to area for first plein air festival
August 10, 2018
Traverse City Record-Eagle

Paint Grand Traverse, a New Plein Air Festival in Traverse City
August 8, 2018
MyNorth.com / Traverse Magazine

An Open-Air Art Olympics
June 4, 2018
Northern Express

Traverse City's Next Major Arts Festival?
January 1, 2018
The Ticker