Calls For Art

The GAAC’s AIR program began in the 1990s – then, the Glen Arbor Art Association — at the behest of the late Suzanne Wilson, a Glen Arbor painter, beloved teacher and founding member of the Glen Arbor Art Association. Wilson handpicked visual artists for the program and found friends in the area to house them.  The GAAC AIR program has built on top of that early and firm foundation.

Glen Arbor provides a perfect backdrop to experiment, explore and create. Our artist-in-residence program offer artists a unique opportunity to work in an awe-inspiring locale within the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Leelanau County includes miles of spectacular Lake Michigan shoreline, wooded hills, many inland lakes, and the Crystal River.

Walking is an exhibit about ambling, rambling, wending one’s way. Why do you walk? Where do you walk? What do you see when you walk? What do you think about when you walk? Are you present or elsewhere?

The 45th annual Suttons Bay Art Festival, a cherished local tradition, is now co-managed by Crooked Tree Arts Center (CTAC) as part of a multi-year transition. Since its founding over 50 years ago, CTAC has been a cornerstone of the arts community in Northern Michigan, offering educational programs, exhibits, and events that celebrate creativity at all levels. By 2026, CTAC will take full responsibility for managing the festival, ensuring that its legacy of high-quality art and community engagement continues. We are thrilled to continue working with renowned juror Donna Popke, maintaining the festival’s excellence and connection to the vibrant Northern Michigan arts scene.

The 64th annual Crooked Tree Art Fair will be held on Saturday, July 26, 2024 from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. The Crooked Tree Art Fair is a juried show featuring over 100 artists from across the country.  The fair will be held on the grounds of the Grand Traverse Parks and Recreation Civic Center. We will be located on the north end of the property facing US 31. This location features great visibility, high traffic, food trucks, and more.

We’re excited to announce that the 3rd Annual Coastal Caravan Art Fair will be held on Saturday, July 26^th on the grounds of the Oliver Art Center.  This will be a juried fair, the goal being to present shoppers with a high-quality shopping experience featuring handmade and original works, offering our participating artists an enjoyable opportunity to sell their products. The show will begin at 10:00 am and end at 4:00 pm and is free to the public. We will promote the event on our website, on social media, via email, in print, on IPR radio, and with yard signs throughout the region.

Sawbill Surf Club is a creative residency program hosting artists, writers, scientists, musicians, makers, surfers, and sailors for personal practice on the shores of Lake Michigan.  Offfering self-directed residencies for 2-4 weeks

Higher Art Gallery is excited to announce an Open Call for:

"Great Bodies"
This is an exhibit dedicated to celebrating the Great Lakes and inland Lakes, streams and rivers which make our region so special.