Long History of Supporting the Arts
Neil & Marsha BIDWELL
For Neil and Marsha Bidwell, their connection to Crooked Tree Arts Center began years ago with Dart for Art. After retiring in 1997, the Bidwells started spending the summers at their Bay View cottage, enjoying all that Northern Michigan had to offer. It wasn’t long after that their good friends Tom and Mary Lou Smith asked Neil and Marsha to join them at Dart for Art. “It was a wonderful event, and it opened our eyes to Crooked Tree Arts
Center’s existence and all their programming,” said Marsha. “It was the evening that started our involvement with CTAC.”
Both Neil and Marsha have always loved the arts, particularly the visual and musical arts. Aside from the Bidwells regularly attending exhibition openings and supporting local artists, Neil has taken watercolor classes and workshops at CTAC with a variety of instructors and continues to study the medium at CTAC. He has even participated in the annual Guild Member Salon Show!
With their connection to Bay View, music and the performing arts are quite special to the Bidwells. “Years ago, Neil actually appeared in a couple of Bay View musicals, The Music Man and South Pacific,” added Marsha. This love of music and performances led to the CTAC project that Neil and Marsha are most proud of—The Bidwell Plaza. Thanks to the generosity of the Bidwells, the outdoor space facing East Mitchell Street has hosted numerous concerts, gatherings, and events in its near-decade of existence. “It was CTAC’s vision, and we are grateful we could be part of it coming to fruition,” said Neil. “We are so pleased the plaza is used and enjoyed by passersby as well as for scheduled events.” The Bidwells also generously support the “Live on the Bidwell Plaza” summer concert series each year, welcoming all ages to the outdoor space for live music, activities, food, and drink. The site of artistic experiences, enrichment, and celebrations with friends, CTAC holds many wonderful memories for the Bidwells. “One year, we were both a part of a flash mob arranged by CTAC as part of the New Year’s celebration,” recalled Marsha. With each passing season and year, the Bidwells continue to come out and support the local arts center and community. They attend Coffee @ Ten lectures, Performing Arts Series shows, and theatrical productions hosted in the CTAC Theater. “The collaborative effort between CTAC and other area organizations, such as the Little Traverse Civic Theatre, is fantastic,” said Neil. CTAC not only holds a special place in the Bidwells’ hearts but also within the community as an arts and culture anchor. “CTAC is doing a terrific job bringing the arts to Northern Michigan and providing a creative environment for artists of all forms,” said Marsha. “CTAC is truly a jewel—we are so fortunate to have it and to be able to support its mission.”
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