AMERICANA

Overview

Crooked Tree Arts Center invites artists to explore the many meanings of Americana through contemporary and traditional works that celebrate, question, reinterpret, or expand our understanding of American identity. We welcome artwork inspired by place, community, music, labor, history, culture, memory, migration, celebration, resilience, and everyday life. All mediums are welcome, including ceramics, glass, fiber, metal, wood, painting, drawing, photography, and mixed media.

Eligibility

Open to artists 18 years and older who are USA Great Lakes Region residents (if your state has a Great Lakes shoreline, you are eligible). Works must have been created and completed within the last three (3) years and not previously exhibited at Crooked Tree Arts Center–Traverse City.

Media & Size

All mediums welcome and encouraged. Works 60" at their greatest dimension AND up to 50lb (please email or call for exceptions). 2D and 3D welcome; all work must arrive assembled and be stable for safety concerns. Diptychs and triptychs are allowed but are to be submitted and priced as one piece.

Key Dates

• Submission period: July 3–30, 2026
• Notification: Friday, August 7, 2026
• Work delivery: August 24–28, 2026 (Monday–Friday 9 am–5 pm)
• Exhibition: September 4–October 3, 2026 (East & West Carnegie Galleries, Traverse City)
• Pickup: October 5–10, 2026

How to Enter

Submit entries online during the July 3–30, 2026 window. Artists may submit up to three entries. Submissions must be original works created by the artist submitting the work. Image files must meet CaFE image requirements (1–3 images per entry).

Delivery & Logistics

The artist is responsible for transporting work to and from Crooked Tree Arts Center through shipping or in-person drop-off and pick-up. If shipping, artwork must arrive with a return shipping label between August 24–28, 2026. Unsold artwork must be picked up during gallery hours between October 5–10, 2026; works delivered with return shipping arrangements will be returned within 2 weeks of the exhibit's end.

Display & Hanging

Works may be displayed on pedestals as available or on the floor as appropriate. Accepted wall-hanging artwork must be ready for hanging (frames must be wired or have d-rings; no sawtooth hangers or ready made hardware). Chosen artwork must remain on display for the entirety of the exhibit and must not change in appearance, price, title, or medium from what was entered.

Sales & Commission

Crooked Tree Arts Center galleries are sales galleries, and works can be for sale. Sales price is set by the artist. Crooked Tree Arts Center will retain a 40% commission on all sales.