The Crooked Tree Arts Center celebrated community impact and creative milestones at its annual meeting on Sept. 30.
Held at the Petoskey campus, the event highlighted achievements from the 2024–25 fiscal year across both Petoskey and Traverse City locations, according to a community announcement. The evening included a “Mission Moment” presentation from Visual Arts Director Sheila Ruen, who spoke about the power of exhibitions to foster connection and collaboration through the arts.
Recognizing board transitions and volunteer excellence
Russ Knopp, (from left) Patricia Kaine and Jane Stewart were voted in as new members of the Crooked Tree Arts Center Board of Directors.
Board Chair John Fergus-Jean honored four outgoing board members for their service: Ed Boyer, Steve Fritz, Anne Montagne and Jim Schroeder. The meeting also welcomed three new members to the Board of Directors:
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Patricia Kaine, a health care HR and property management professional with deep ties to Northern Michigan
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Russ Knopp, co-owner of Comfort Keepers of Northwest Michigan and a leader in senior care and nonprofit work
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Jane Stewart, a retired CPA with extensive experience in nonprofit finance and a longtime CTAC volunteer
“Crooked Tree Arts Center thrives because of the dedication of our staff, volunteers and board,” Fergus-Jean said. “We extend our deepest gratitude to Ed, Steve, Anne and Jim for their years of leadership and service to the organization.”
CTAC also recognized its Volunteers of the Year:
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Kathleen A. Davis, honored for her contributions in Petoskey
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Maryrose Trubiroha, recognized for her work in Traverse City
“Volunteers are essential to our success and the impact we make,” said CTAC president Angela Morris. “Kathleen and Maryrose embody the spirit of service, and we are thrilled to recognize their contributions.”
Exhibitions and community impact
Ruen’s presentation emphasized how CTAC’s exhibitions are designed around trans-disciplinary themes and community partnerships. These programs engage audiences of all ages through related events for youth and adults, helping expand access to the arts.
For more information, visit crookedtree.org or call 231-347-4337.
This story was created by David DeMille, ddemille@gannett.com, with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct.
This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: Crooked Tree Arts Center celebrates volunteers and board
