Paint Grand Traverse 2018, the inaugural six day plein air painting festival, was presented by Crooked Tree Arts Center, in northern Michigan, August 13-18, 2018.
The Grand Traverse region is located in northwest lower Michigan, and is known the world over for its gorgeous scenery, hundreds of miles of Lake Michigan coast, and historic small towns and villages. The largest of these, Traverse City, is nestled on the southern shore of West Grand Traverse Bay, and is home to Crooked Tree Arts Center – Traverse City.
Paint Grand Traverse 2018 included a Masters Competition of 44 artists from across the country, an open to the public Quick Draw Event, numerous live demos, and a Gala Celebration & Sale at week’s end.
We were pleased to offer two prizes in support of Paint Grand Traverse 2018, awarded at the Gala by Ned Mueller, the Masters Competition awards juror and an accomplished artist with “Master Artist” status in both Oil Painters of America and the American Impressionist Society.
Congratulations to Jim DeWildt and Mark Shasha recipients of our sponsorship awards!
Jim DeWildt
Jim DeWildt captured the Best Traverse City Scene award, in the Masters Competition, with his painting “Before and After”
“Broken Tree,” above, by Jim DeWildt, oil, is one of the featured paintings from his website. View more of his work online here
Mark Shasha
Mark Shasha was awarded honorable mention in the August 15th Quick Draw Competition for his painting “Catching the Shimmer”
“Summer Vista,” above, by Mark Shasha, oil on canvas, is one of the featured paintings from his website.
View more of his paintings online here
Highlights from Paint Grand Traverse 2018
The Masters Competition began the week painting on Leelanau Peninsula with stunning views at Ciccone Vineyard and Winery, Leland Fishtown (Fishtown is the historic fishing district of the village of Leland), and 9 Beans Farmstead.
On the second day, the Masters Competition explored the wineries of Old Mission Peninsula with views of Grand Traverse Bay including Bonobo Winery, Grey Hare Inn, and Chateau Chantal.
The two-hour Quick Draw Competition took place on August 15th at the Fountain Point Resort, shown here, on Lake Leelanau.
Duncan Campbell and Liz Erlewine served as the awards jurors for the Quick Draw Competition. Duncan Campbell is President of the Scarab Club, a 110 year old arts club in Detroit. Liz Erlewine is the Crooked Tree Arts Center’s Galleries Director for both CTAC Traverse City and CTAC Petoskey.
On the fourth day, the Masters Competition painted in the harbor village of Elk Rapids, located between East Grand Traverse Bay and Elk Lake.
On the fifth day, the Masters Competition chose between the historic neighborhoods in downtown Traverse City or the Village at Grand Traverse Commons (shown above).
About Crooked Tree Arts Center
Founded in 1971, Crooked Tree Arts Center is a community-based 501(c)3 non-profit organization serving northern Michigan from its campuses in Traverse City and Petoskey. Its mission is to inspire and enrich lives through the arts.
Through forty years of service and sound stewardship, the Crooked Tree Arts Center has developed an excellent visual and performing arts program, managed by a professional staff with guidance from the board of directors.
Membership has grown to over 2,000 individuals, and services are provided to over 50,000 individuals each year. Thanks to the efforts of volunteers, the Crooked Tree Arts Center has thrived.
Visit their website for more on upcoming events, classes, workshops, and exhibitions.
