Arts Education

Katharina Aymeloglu: Aymeloglu is a painter and illustrator currently based in Minneapolis. As a painter, she creates gestural oil paintings that are intimate studies of inanimate objects. As an illustrator, her work is whimsical and crafted using a mix of traditional and digital media. She received a BA in studio art from Wesleyan University. Beyond her work as an artist, she has more than six years of nonprofit experience, including work with grant writing and revision.; Alicia Bayer: Bayer is a writer and poet. She is the author of eight books, including children's books, poetry books, and nonfiction titles. She and her family run the Westbrook Arts Center, a free community arts center stocked with art materials, musical instruments, crafting supplies, books, photography equipment, costumes, games, and more that anyone can use for no cost. The Center is in a rescued 120-year old church building.; Shanna Cramer: Cramer founded Creatively Uncorked, a prominent paint and sip company in the Fargo Moorhead area. Cramer serves on the Red River Watercolor Society and Art of the Lakes Association boards. With a strong interest in plein air painting, she has taken on the role of chair of the Prairie Lakes Plein Air competition. Cramer previously worked in illustration and graphic design after attending Alexandria Technical College for communication art and design.; Rebecca Froehlich: Froehlich serves as the development and communications manager for the Minnesota Urban Debate League. She received her BFA in painting from the University of South Dakota and recently earned her master of arts in education at Augsburg University. She has been trained as an artist in healthcare within rural and urban settings at the University of South Dakota and the University of Florida. Most recently, she led telehealth arts programming in rural Minnesota. She also has experience as a high school and college speech coach.; Shirin Ghoraishi: Ghoraishi is a dynamic individual with a passion for the arts. As a cofounder of Eclectika Gallery in Dallas, Texas, she played a pivotal role in curating and promoting the works of more than 36 talented artists during its vibrant tenure from 2016 to 2017. Her dedication to the artistic community extended further as she assumed the role of curator during this period. Presently, Ghoraishi has embarked on a journey with the Ragamala Dance Company, where she serves as the programs and operations manager. Her commitment to the organization ensures the seamless execution of their diverse artistic programs and operations. Beyond her managerial roles, Ghoraishi is a visual artist who delves into the intriguing intersection of virtual reality and reality in her creative endeavors. Her artistry transcends borders, having been showcased both nationally and internationally. Ghoraishi continues to push the boundaries of artistic expression, making an impact on the contemporary art scene.; Nicole Havekost: Havekost is an artist educator and visual artist living in Rochester. She has twice served on Minnesota State Arts Board grant review panels, and served on the Minneapolis Institute of Art Minnesota Artist Exhibition Program (MAEP) review panel. She has received support from the Minnesota State Arts Board and exhibited extensively in the state.; Brian Rowe: Rowe has led experience design, strategy, organizational development, and IT across multiple industries. He's currently a principal strategy consultant and racial and health equity coach at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota. Rowe graduated from Gustavus Adolphus College with a BA in theater arts. He has helped connect arts education professionals to design and software development resources, served on arts curriculum advisories, and performed music across diverse genres.; Rebecca Smith: Smith is a communications consultant specializing in strategy, messaging, and public relations for nonprofits and independent businesses. She spearheaded communications at Violence Free Minnesota for eight years and counts a complete rebranding and name change of the statewide coalition among her accomplishments. Smith has served on several boards and concluded a decade of service on the Family Tree board in December 2022. She is currently serving her second term as board president for the PFund Foundation, the only LGBTQIA+ community foundation serving the upper Midwest.; Sten Wall: Wall is a state public programs coordinator for HealthPartners where he specializes in Medicaid policy. He has a master?s degree in public administration and nonprofit management. He was a professional stage manager in several states including Minnesota after graduating with a degree in theater. He served on the board of Chaska Valley Family Theatre from 2019-2022. Most recently, he has joined the Minneapolis Commodores Chorus.