Swing into Swirl!

May 3, 2015

If you’re looking for something elegant but fun to do in downtown Petoskey, trying swinging into a Swirl, Crooked Tree Arts Center’s popular social mixer.

Set against a backdrop of beautiful artwork at CTAC, guests at each Thursday night Swirl mingle while listening to local music, sampling fine wines and enjoying hearty hors d’oeuvres from a variety of local establishments.

CTAC has been honing Swirl’s formula for nearly 10 years, and they know how to combine the best local offerings to keep each Swirl fresh and fun.

SWIRL’S START

The first Swirl came from a desire to encourage more people to attend the center’s art exhibitions, back in 2007.

"People get intimidated by opening receptions," explained Liz Ahrens, CTAC president.

"They think they need to come in knowing all about the art and the artist."

While CTAC was brainstorming how to handle this challenge, Ahrens heard that Charlevoix cafe and wine market Esperance was having a similar experience, finding that people were intimidated by wine.

"We asked each other, "˜how can we bring people together?’" Ahrens said.

The answer was Swirl. Esperance would supply wine and food, and CTAC would supply the setting, the art and the ambiance for up to 100 people.

CITY SUPPORT

Swirl was an immediate hit with the Petoskey community. As the events evolved, they were also refined; sometimes CTAC would connect the food and wine to the art with a theme, other times the refreshments would take advantage of seasonal ingredients.

Ahrens and her crew take a solid stance to reward the creative community. Contrary to popular belief, Swirl is not a fundraiser, it’s a break-even, with CTAC paying up front for the food, beverages and talent.

"We price it affordably for the public to attend, but we also believe in paying our musicians and artists," she said.

Each Swirl runs from 5:30-7pm, which also helps support the rest of downtown Petoskey.

"It’s great timing because people meet their friends at Swirl and, since they’re already downtown, this encourages them to go to the local restaurants," Ahrens explained.

ART FOR ALL

Swirl encourages art appreciation and wine education, with the artists always invited to attend, as well as the wine purveyors.

"You’re not merely grabbing a glass of wine and walking around," Ahrens said. "You’re learning about the wine while you socialize, and sometimes you can meet the artists in person, so you can learn more about their work."

Swirl isn’t an exclusive club. While there’s definitely a core group that loves to attend the events, Ahrens said they’re constantly welcoming new folks and making new friends. "Swirl brings in a lot of different people of all ages," she said. "It attracts a really fun group and I also see a lot of first and second dates taking place there. Even blind dates – probably because Swirl is great for sparking conversation!" NEW OPPORTUNITIES Swirl begets more Swirl. CTAC has branded the events so well that they’re carrying down to Traverse City, where CTAC recently merged with ArtCenter TC.

"People there have already asked about Swirl, so we’re having our first Swirl event in Traverse City in June," Ahrens confirmed.

Swirl’s expansion has encouraged them to change things up locally, as well.

"A few years in, we noticed that a lot of other local wine sources were saying "˜we want to be part of this,’ and it just so happened that Esperance was ready to take a break," Ahrens said o began a new model for Swirl. They now have a different purveyor at each monthly event, giving attendees a chance to sample a wide range of local and regional restaurants, cafes, suppliers and wineries.

"It’s great for both sides," Ahrens said. "It’s an opportunity for them to showcase product and for us to bring people in to see art they otherwise might not come in to see."

SUPER SWIRL

Then there’s the Summer Super Swirl, the one Swirl event of the season that actually does serve as a fundraiser for CTAC. This expanded Swirl takes over all of CTAC’s indoor and outdoor spaces, features over 30 tables of refreshments and expands ticket sales to 400 people.

"All the food and wine this year will be from D&W Fresh Market, who are donating everything to help showcase their gourmet products and some of the things they carry that people don’t really know about," Ahrens said.

Expanded musical performers, live art demonstrations, and more round out the Super Swirl on August 19.

Now, there’s a Swirl Series, too. You can buy the entire year’s worth of Swirl events all at once, in the form of a Swirl punch card that you bring to each event.

"Swirl has been a real social connector for people in the Petoskey area," Ahrens said. "It’s become a catchphrase to say "˜see you at the next Swirl!’"

For a complete calendar of monthly Swirl events, visit crookedtree.org