CTAC PAINT OUT WAIVER, RELEASE & REQUIREMENTS 2026

 

Original paintings created by regional artists will be on display and available for sale. From July 22-31, CTAC-Petoskey is inviting plein-air artists for a 10-day painting event, depicting the charm of the Little Traverse Bay region. Local artists will paint across fields, woods, harbors, Petoskey's iconic downtown, and other regional spots. On Friday, July 31, we're inviting guests to view and purchase art while mingling with the artists.

Regional plein air artists are invited to take part in this special painting event, capturing the landscapes, architecture, and spirit of our area. Over the course of 10 days, artists will create original plein air works inspired by the landscapes, landmarks, and character of the region.

Artist Awards

• An independent juror will award prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place.
• Awards will be announced at 4:00pm.
• Awards are as follows: First Place: $500, Second Place: $300, and Third Place: $200

Artist Requirements

• All painting and drawing media are eligible.
• Paintings should depict outdoor scenes in the Little Traverse Bay area.
• Up to three works may be submitted. Completed paintings must be delivered to Crooked Tree Arts Center - Petoskey between 10:00 am-noon on Friday, July 31, 2026.
• All artwork must be framed and hang ready. Each piece must have an identification label securely attached to the back. Labels should include the artist’s name, title of the work, medium, price, and contact information. Labels will be provided by CTAC and must be completed by the artist.
• All work must be for sale. All sales are split commission: 60% artist / 40% CTAC.
• Artists set sales prices. Prices may not be changed once the work is consigned.
• All consigned works must be the artist’s original work and design.
• Artwork not sold during the exhibit may be picked up at the conclusion of the sale between 8:00pm and 8:45pm on Friday, July 31, 2026. Artwork not claimed by 8:45pm, and for which no alternate arrangements have been approved, will be considered a donation to CTAC.
• Artists must come into Crooked Tree Arts Center – Petoskey during open hours to get their substrate stamped. Open hours: Tuesday-Friday 10:00am-5:00pm & Saturday 10:00am-4:00pm

Artists can paint in any public space, as well as their own private property, anywhere in the Little Traverse Bay region, July 22-31, 2026. Artwork is due to the check-in station at Crooked Tree Arts Center, 461 E. Mitchell Street, Petoskey, MI, from 10:00 am-noon on Friday, July 31, 2026 for a Wet Paint Sale. The work will be on display, and for sale from 4:00pm-8:00 pm. An independent juror will award prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places. Artists must pick up any unsold artwork following the Wet Paint Sale at 8:00pm on July 31, 2026. Artwork not claimed by 8:45pm, and for which no alternate arrangements have been approved, will be considered a donation to CTAC.

Artwork Check In
Artists may submit up to three pieces. Completed and ready-to-hang artwork must be turned in at CTAC – Petoskey on Friday, July 31, 2026, from 10:00 am-noon. Work may be turned in earlier in the week. Please complete the artwork ID tag at delivery.

Plein Air on the Plaza: Wet Paint Sale Information

Join us during the event:

·        Location: CTAC–Petoskey’s Bidwell Plaza

·        Friday, July 31, from 4:00 pm–8:30 pm.

·        4:00pm-8:00pm | Wet Paint Sale

·        5:30pm-8:30pm | Live music by Lee Fayssoux and Whiskey Wranglers

·        Artists must pick up unsold artwork on Friday, July 31 at 8:00pm

 

Artist acknowledges the terms and conditions of the CTAC Paint Out Little Traverse Bay. Artist hereby agrees on behalf of the Artist, the Artist's heirs, successors, assigns, and other legal representatives that: Artist hereby accepts and assumes any and all risks resulting from attendance and participation in the Paint Out. Artist hereby releases Crooked Tree Arts Center (CTAC) and the City of Petoskey, Michigan (City) from any and all liability, fines, claims, or causes of action arising from such attendance or participation. Artist hereby agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless CTAC, CTAC staff, and the City, their heirs, successors, assigns, employees, officers, and agents from any and all claims, demands, expenses, and liability, whether for personal injury, death, property damage, traffic violations, violations of law, or otherwise, arising out of or relating to the Paint Out and Wet Plein Air on the Plaza: Paint Sale Competition & Exhibition.

Artists may paint in any public space, as well as on private property with permission, anywhere in the Little Traverse Bay region from July 22–31, 2026. Artwork must be delivered to the check-in station at Crooked Tree Arts Center, 461 E. Mitchell Street, Petoskey, MI, between 10:00am-noon on Friday, July 31, 2026, for the Plein Air on the Plaza: Wet Paint Sale. Artwork will be displayed and offered for sale from 4:00pm–8:00pm An independent juror will award prizes for first, second, and third place. Artists must pick up any unsold artwork following the Wet Paint Sale at 8:00 p.m. on July 31, 2026. Artwork not claimed by 8:45pm, and for which no alternate arrangements have been approved, will be considered a donation to CTAC.

Artists understand that although CTAC will exercise reasonable care in handling wet paintings during the Wet Paint Sale, Artists agree to hold CTAC harmless for any damage to submitted artwork. Artists understand that they will receive 60% of the sales price, as established by the Artist, while 40% will be retained by CTAC as commission. CTAC will absorb all processing and credit card fees from the retained percentage. Artists are responsible for pricing all artwork. CTAC will mail commission checks on the tenth day of the month following the sale of the artwork.