Heart of a Tree

CALL TO ARTISTS

CALL TO ARTISTS

HEART OF A TREE - SOUL OF A STORM
Creative Expressions Shaped by the Iconic Fallen Basswood Tree and the Ice Storm that Changed the Landscape.

In the early morning hours of March 29–30, 2025, a beloved 150–200-year-old, 70-foot-tall Basswood tree fell during a devastating ice storm. Located at Bier Art Gallery and Pottery Studio, just south of Charlevoix in Norwood Township, the tree was a natural landmark—towering, graceful, and deeply rooted in the community.
Charlevoix Circle of Arts invites artists to honor this fallen icon and the storm that changed the landscape through works of art. Artists may create pieces directly from the Basswood tree itself or works inspired by the March 2025 ice storm.

PROPOSAL SUBMISSION DEADLINE: December 1, 2025
(Initial Call for Proposals — if space remains, a second round will follow.)

DESCRIPTION & GUIDELINES:

Open to artists age 18+ from Michigan and beyond.
Submit a proposal including a written description of your concept, approximate dimensions, and a sketch or visual representation.
Proposals will be reviewed by a selection committee based on artistic merit, originality, and feasibility. Artists will be notified as soon as possible after their proposal is received. Selections announced on an ongoing basis.
Artists choosing to work with the tree will coordinate with Ray Bier at Bier Art Gallery and Pottery Studio to harvest their chosen piece of the Basswood. Tree sections vary in size and condition. Artists may choose from available pieces; some may require drying time or special handling.
Artwork must be completed by early September 2026 for inclusion in the group exhibit, running mid-September through end of October 2026.
No submission fee.
All completed artworks must be for sale. Standard 40% gallery commission applies to sold works.
Open to mixed media interpretations—let your creativity take root.

If you have additional questions you may contact Laura Kelly, Exhibit Coordinator at Laura@charlevoixcircle.org .

AWARDS:

Recognition will be given for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place works as part of the exhibit.
Let the heart of the tree and the spirit of the storm live on—through your hands.

Please fill out the submission form below.

HEART OF A TREE - SOUL OF A STORM

Submission Form

First name

Last name

Company name

Phone

Mailing Address

City

State

Zipcode

Artwork Proposal Title:

(we realize details may be subject to change, complete to best of your ability)

Medium/Materials

Dimensions (H x W x D)

Approximate Weight

Special Display/Installation Needs

Will the proposed artwork incorporate wood from the Basswood Tree?

Yes

If yes, please describe how

Is your artwork inspired by the 2025 ice storm?

Yes

Proposal/Concept Description

File upload #1. Attach up to 3 images or sketches of your proposed work.

File upload #2

File upload #3

Resume or a brief Artist Bio

Signature

Drawing mode selected. Drawing requires a mouse or touchpad. For keyboard accessibility, select Type or Upload.

Agreement:

I have read and agree to the guidelines. I understand that this exhibit is open to artists age 18+ from Michigan and beyond, and that standard gallery commission applies to sold works. Proposals will be reviewed by a CCA selection committee based on artistic merit, originality, and feasibility.