A Long History of Supporting the Arts PAUL AND CAROL LAPORTE, self-proclaimed “makers and doers,” have been involved in the arts for years. From personal
artistic endeavors and building home additions to starting an interior design business and filling their home with original works of art, they have enjoyed being both creators and patrons. With a passion for the arts and community involvement instilled during their respective upbringings, the LaPortes have spent recent years supporting numerous arts-related organizations in the Traverse City area.
It started out with Paul taking summer workshops at ACTC, which led to him becoming a member, and then being asked to join the Board by fellow member Bob Streit. Paul eventually became president of ACTC, and it was at this time that he first came into contact with Crooked Tree Arts Center (CTAC).
Photo courtesy of John Robert Williams
Paul’s interest in the visual arts began during his childhood thanks to his artistic mother’s influence. Since his early introduction to the arts, Paul has explored oil painting, stained glass, and watercolor painting, a medium that he still works in today. Carol, on the other hand, focused on the practical hobbies of knitting, sewing, and craft-making in her youth. She always had an interest in design and color, but it wasn’t until Carol met Paul that she really became aware of the world of fine visual arts. Once married, the LaPortes built a life together, a life that greatly valued the arts. After moving north to Traverse City in 1990, Paul and Carol became involved with several community arts organizations. During their involvement, Paul was able to implement his experience as a business consultant to assist in the growth of each organization. First, Paul served on the board of The Music House Museum as president. Next, at the request of the Michigan State University Extension in Traverse City, and due to Carol’s skills as a master gardener, the LaPortes helped establish the Botanical Gardens to preserve and protect nature for the community as a lasting legacy. And then Paul and Carol got involved with Artcenter Traverse City (ACTC).
During a summit at Crystal Mountain in 2012, representatives from 22 arts organizations in the region gathered to coordinate, network, and collaborate; two organizations in attendance were Artcenter Traverse City and Crooked Tree. Paul had a hope that the two arts centers would join together in the name of collaboration: “Anybody paying attention to the arts in Northwest Michigan knew about Crooked Tree, and that was our gold standard,” he recalls. What he hadn’t expected was that the initial discussion of collaboration would quickly turn to talks of merging the two organizations. Fast-forwarding a little over two years to November 2014, after much work and defending the prospective merger, Paul signed the merger document at the City Office, accompanied by Carol, CTAC Executive Director Liz Ahrens, CTAC Board Member Jim Shrier, and CTAC Chairman Tony Ryner. Paul and Carol both hold this moment as their favorite ACTC/CTAC memory. Thrilled by the growth and outreach CTAC-TC has experienced since the merger, Paul and Carol both have high hopes for the organization’s future. Carol looks forward to more young families and artists getting involved with Crooked Tree. Paul in turn hopes to fulfill three specific goals: “continue the growth of Crooked Tree’s endowment and financial stability; further expand associations with other organizations in the region; and find a permanent home for CTAC-TC.” The LaPortes have given so much of their time, energy, and knowledge to the Traverse City area in the name of the arts and community. The arts center merger was truly a group effort, however, it wouldn’t have come to fruition without the unyielding tenacity and dedication of Paul and Carol LaPorte.
“Today, as we see families, students, artists, and visitors streaming through the doors at Crooked Tree Traverse City, we cannot help but think a dream has come true for us.” 14
– Paul and Carol LaPorte