MEMBER SPOTLIGHT LAURA ADAMS
Tell us your CTAC “origin story.” When and how did you get involved with Crooked Tree Arts Center? After relocating to Traverse City from the Detroit area, where I had previously taught elementary art in the Grosse Pointe school district, I actively pursued teaching opportunities. However, I knew I didn't want to commit to a full-time teaching position. My initial encounter with Kristi was during the Community Printmaking Day featuring a steam roller. This event sparked our collaboration and ignited a series of brainstorming sessions. Together, we explored ideas to strike a balance between family life with a young family and my unwavering passion for teaching. How do you engage with CTAC? What classes do you teach? For the past couple of years, I've been deeply engaged with Crooked Tree Arts Center - Traverse City’s preschool art programming. Beginning this fall, I renamed the preschool class to Preschool Process Art. This class focuses on the process itself, prioritizing play and sensory learning experiences. Since implementing this change, the program's engagement has more than doubled, leading us to add a second class each week to accommodate the increased interest. Additionally, my children have actively participated in Crooked Tree Arts Center’s Summer Art Camps, Afterschool Art sessions, and Saturday drawing workshops led by Richie Gunn. What is your favorite part of being a member of CTAC? I enjoy the diverse array of opportunities available at CTAC, all of which foster engagement for individuals of all ages. From the vibrant Drop-In Art sessions held every Saturday to the plein-air Paint Grand Traverse events, and the captivating openings of our exhibitions, there's truly something for everyone to enjoy and participate in.
Over the years, what has been your favorite CTAC memory? One of my favorite memories is witnessing my children participate in the Paint Grand Traverse Pint-Size Paintout. The event was beautifully orchestrated, allowing my kids to feel like genuine artists as they worked with the watercolor sets they received, which they used throughout the summer. Another standout experience was attending the Birds of Prey summer art camp in 2023. The highlight was when North Sky Raptor visited our classroom for an engaging presentation. Witnessing my children's enthusiasm during the presentation, and then seeing them channel that firsthand experience into their artwork, was truly special. It was inspiring to watch them express themselves creatively, drawing from their newfound knowledge and passion for the birds.
my upbringing. This foundation stayed with me as I pursued my studies at Wayne State University, where I earned my master's degree in Art Therapy. Art provides the power to tap into the soul. It is a powerful tool for processing emotions and experiences unlike anything else. Today’s world is very technical and there is incredible value in expressing yourself with your hands in a way that the digital world cannot replicate. Art allows us to slow down, to pause amidst the hustle and bustle of modern life. It provides a space for reflection and contemplation, allowing us to digest the complexities of the world around us. It plays a vital role in the lives of children, especially for those who may not gravitate towards sports. Every community needs spaces where children can explore their creativity and be celebrated for their unique talents and perspectives. Art offers a nurturing environment where children can discover their strengths, express themselves authentically, and develop a sense of belonging and accomplishment.
Why are the arts important to you (and your family)?
Where do I start? From a young age, creativity and self-expression were a fundamental part of
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