Almanac

Celebrate a decade of art and impact at Crooked Tree Arts Center–Traverse City! This special evening is not just a celebration—it’s a fundraiser to support the next ten years of creativity, community, and culture.

This inspiring night offers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the creativity happening every day at CTAC-TC. Tour our classrooms, meet teaching artists and students, and see firsthand the powerful impact your support makes—from youth art programs and accessible classes to exhibitions that bring national and local talent to our community. Enjoy wine, appetizers, and live music as you explore our galleries —and see how we’re building a space where people of all ages and backgrounds can experience the joy and inspiration of art.

Your ticket is more than just admission—it’s a direct investment in the arts and in your community. The evening will offer additional tangible ways to help sustain and grow CTAC’s mission, ensuring that creativity, connection, and access to the arts continue to thrive in Northern Michigan.

Whether you’ve been with us from the beginning or are just discovering Crooked Tree, we invite you to celebrate, connect, and be part of what comes next.

Tickets for this fundraiser can be found online along with more information about Crooked Tree Arts Center of Traverse City and our dedication to the arts community.

Our Mission is to present professional dance companies from various corners of the country and making it accessible to the Northern Michigan community, fostering a shared passion for the art form through performances, community events, film showings, and workshops.

This festival will feature Grand Rapids Ballet, Miami City Ballet dancers, Alvin Ailey, Joffrey Ballet dancers, Falco Dance, Brooklyn tap artist Madison Hilligoss, plus collaborations with the Charlie Millard Band and local Anishinaabek Singers & Dancers.

Founded in 2012 by Brent Whitney and Jennifer McQuiston Lott, Traverse City Dance Project is expanding its role as a hub for professional dance and cultural innovation with this inaugural festival.

Program A: Friday, October 10th, 7:00-8:30pm

Program B and Installation/Reception: Saturday, October 11th, 7:30-9:30pm

Program B: Sunday, October 12th, 2:00-3:30pm

The Interlochen Arts Academy Orchestra kicks off the 2025-26 academic year with its debut performance. Dr. Leslie B. Dunner will lead the ensemble in a rich program of classical and contemporary masterworks.

IPR listeners are eligible for (4) free tickets to select performances at Interlochen Arts Academy.

The Community Connection Concerts are presented by Interlochen Public Radio, Interlochen Presents and Interlochen Arts Academy. IPR listeners can claim up to four complimentary tickets for each eligible performance. Click here to see the list of Community Connection Concerts for Fall 2025.

To redeem:

• Select this event and click "Tickets" to visit the Interlochen box office
• Add the # of tickets (max. limit 4)
• Use promo code IPR25FREE at checkout (valid for fall of 2025 only)

The Suttons Bay Farmers Market is held every Saturday morning from 9 AM – 1 PM.

For the 2025 season, we will be at our established location on St. Joseph St. at the north end of the village. Located on the east side of the intersection of M22 and M204 (between Concord St. and Race St.)

Market Dates of Operation: May 24 – October 18, 2025

A fun, creative way for parents and their children to connect and learn dance together.

In this weekly class, you will discover the joys of expressing yourself through dance with your child. Designed to be both exciting and educational, these classes help in the development of your child's gross motor skills, coordination, balance, and love for music and dance.

Inside a natural-light-filled studio with stunning views of the waterfront, a world-class Interlochen dance instructor will guide you as you strengthen your bond with your child. Each week, you will experience a warm, supportive environment that encourages self-expression and social interaction. Special focus will be placed on rhythm and moving your bodies to the beat of different types of music.

Date: Saturday, October 11, 2025
Time: 10 am–2 pm with lunch
Registration Deadline: Wednesday, October 8, 2025
Location: TBD

Paint “The most beautiful place in America” at the most beautiful time of the year. Painting is about color and there is no better time than the fall to capture the colorful beauty of Sleeping Bear Country.

Learn diverse dance styles and make new friends in a warm and welcoming environment. Whether you’re a complete beginner or an advanced dancer, everyone is invited to join the fun.

Designed for dancers of all ages and skill levels, our Social Dance Classes offer an opportunity to learn new dance styles and enjoy the camaraderie of other dance enthusiasts. Each week, you’ll explore a different dance genre such as salsa, waltz, swing, or tango. Under the guidance of one of Interlochen’s skilled instructors, you’ll learn the steps and techniques—all while connecting with others and gaining confidence on the floor.

The classes emphasize the joy of moving to the music, sharing laughs, and creating memorable moments. Come dance with us and experience the delight of social dancing.

If lily pads make you want to pick up a paintbrush, this is the workshop for you! Through guided practice, this 2-day watercolor workshop is designed to help you build the skills and confidence to paint semi-abstract, elegant waterscapes. Working in a friendly and encouraging studio space, you’ll experiment with techniques to interpret lily pads, flowers, and reflections on water—all inspired by Northern Michigan.

Build knowledge and skills through a series of demonstrations and guided exercises. Day one we’ll discuss style by observing the works of accomplished watercolor artists, techniques for loosely drawn compositions, and laying down washes. You’ll learn about native Michigan lily pads and create postcard studies from photographs. You’ll practice techniques for abstracting backgrounds and painterly mark-making for developing style. On day two you’ll draw a larger composition and practice techniques to bring your own semi-abstract rendition of watercolor lily pads to life.
Skill Level

Beginner to Intermediate
Objective

Skill Development, Creativity Enhancement
Outcome

Improved Technique, Creation of Artwork

A playful contrast in scale, monumental paintings meet intricate miniatures.

All exhibits are free and open to the public!  Groups Welcome. 

Gallery & Gift Shop Hours:  M-F 11am-4pm, Sat 11am-3pm.

This fall, jumpstart your creativity in a workshop designed for artists and writers in all disciplines. From exploring our artistic family trees and map-making current projects to taking in the natural beauty and inspiration of Leelanau County to discussions of visionary texts from choreographer/dancer Twyla Tharp, painter/sculptor Audrey Flack, sculptor Anne Truitt, writer Annie Dillard, printmaker/teacher Sister Corita Kent, music producer Rick Rubin, and many more, this class will energize your curiosity and creativity. Share what you know and learn something new — inspire and be inspired—in this autumn reset.
Skill Level

All
Objective

Creativity Enhancement, Personal Growth
Outcome

Inspiration and Creativity, Building of Community