Getting Wild at CTAC

March 4, 2016

A new art exhibit at the Crooked Tree Arts Center in Traverse City is making its debut on Mar. 15, and this exhibition is poised to be a lot wilder than you might expect.

WILD WORKS

As curated by artists Dani Knoph and Courtney Michalik, Wildhearted: A Fresh Take on Northern Michigan’s Environment will feature a selection of environmentally-conscious artists and creative professionals who are aiming at pushing the boundaries of artistic convention. “The end result will be a contemporary exhibition rooted in the spirit of our land, water, and wildlife,” explained Megan Kelto, CTAC’s Associate Director in Traverse City. Thirteen emerging artists in all will take part, with their works exploring the localized side of such topics as natural resources, wilderness, and outdoor recreation in mediums from paint and wood to graphic design, photography, and video.

ARTISTIC THEMES

Local graphic designer Erin Waineo is developing the look of the show with her logo and design work, and joins Knoph, Michalik, and the other artists in crafting this multi-media experience. “There are many talented artists working in the Grand Traverse area and across northern Michigan, many of whom expressed to us the need for exhibition opportunities outside of traditional juried shows and retail galleries,” Kelto said. “So we wanted to invite a group of these artists to work together and bring their creative vision to our gallery.” The show is also occuring, as Kelto put it, “right as we are all coming out of hibernation” here in northern Michigan, and will run in the heart of spring from Mar. 15–May 14, in keeping with the themes of nature and the outdoors.

EXCEPTIONAL EXPERIENCES

Many of the works on exhibit are quite unique, as Kelto further explained. “Artist Heather Gray is going to wow gallery goers with a ceramic wall installation comprised of a sea of handcrafted clay ‘vessel babies,’ which bear a candid likeness to swaths of lichen,” she said. “Courtney’s photography work will also grab attention. And videographer Aaron Dennis worked with photographer Michael Kent to compile Dennis’ archive of northern Michigan nature footage into one captivating time lapse that will be set to live harp music during the opening reception. Really, the standout pieces in this show are too many to name, so you’ll have to come and experience them all!”

COMMUNITY FUN

Several companion events are scheduled to complement the show itself, beginning with the exhibition’s opening reception on Mar. 15 from 7–9pm. “We’ll have libations, food, and great live music by Oh Brother Big Sister,” Kelto said. “This is an opportunity for us to celebrate the exhibiting artists, and for CTAC members to get a sneak peek and the chance to purchase pieces before the show opens to the public the following day.” Two Coffee @ Ten free lectures will occur during the show’s run on Mar. 22 and Apr. 26, covering topics like integrating art with community and creative collaboration. “These are free events, open to the public, with coffee sponsored by Higher Grounds,” Kelto said. And on Mar. 24, one of CTAC’s popular Swirl social events will center around Wildhearted, with food by Harvest, beverages from Short’s and L. Mawby, and live music by E. Minor. “Wildhearted takes traditional themes and breathes new life into them,” Kelto said. “Viewers will walk away feeling uplifted, inspired, and compelled to get outdoors. And the good news is they can take it (the art) home with them!”

For more information on Wildhearted: A Fresh Take on Northern Michigan’s Environment and its associated events, visit crookedtree.org.