The Board of Directors
Benjie Achen, President
I have lived in Red Wing for 35 years and in that time I've raised our family, volunteered and taught part time, been part owner of an antique shop, owned my own lamp shade business, and managed a small medical clinic.
One thing is always consistent for me and that is creativity. I have found it in all areas of my life.
It's been 4 years since I joined ArtReach. We have struggled with the challenges of funding but are strong again. When asked to be on the board, I looked at it as a new way to use creativity by joining an organization that offers this opportunity to others. Helping others to unleash their creativity through art is alive and growing in ArtReach and I'm very happy to be a part of it!
Nancy McKay 4th term 2011-
Art has been a constant in my life for as long as I can remember. As a kid, I was always sketching something in my notebooks
and I passed that along to my own four children. I believe the artistic process is a vital part of our lives and should be accessible to everyone. It is the reason I am so dedicated to ArtReach and to serving those with limited access to the arts.
My background includes a B. A. In Studio Art from St. Cloud State University. I taught two-dimensional design there while pursuing my Masters Degree with an emphasis in metalsmithing and jewelry design. Additionally, I studied independently at the University of Minnesota, the College of St. Catherine and Illinois State University. Today, I work from my studio, producing custom designs as well as creating jewelry for the BNOX Gallery in Pepin WI.
We have lived in this beautiful area for 16 years. My involvement with ArtReach began about 7 years ago when I was asked to help with a fundraiser. I've taught classes for Haven of Hope, Kids Count, Art Camps and St. Brigid's and found each one very gratifying.
Valerie Becker, Treasurer, 4rd term 2012 -
Art has always been an important part of my life and I am delighted to participate and contribute to ArtReach. For the past ten years
I have owned Red Wing Framing and Fine Art Printing. Prior to Red Wing Framing, I was self-employed, providing financial guidance and services for small businesses in the Twin Cities. I began my first term as a member of the ArtReach board of directors in January of 2009.
Paula Marshall, 3rd term 2011-
I have lived in Red Wing for most of my adult life. I have recently retired from teaching at Goodhue Schools where I taught Special Education for 33 years. At ArtReach I teach classes for young children and to the women from the Haven of Hope. In addition, I am enjoying being a member of the ArtReach board.
Paul O'Connell, 1st term 2012-
Sharon Schroeder, 4th term 2012-
I discovered ArtReach about four years ago after spending the better part of the last 20 years working in museums including Walker Art Center and the Minneapolis Institute of Arts. My life in Red Wing began in 2000 when I found a comfortable old house on East 7th Street and a job at the Goodhue County History Center. Teaching children's art classes for ArtReach has prompted me to dig out my own paint brushes. I have a B.A. in studio arts from the U of W, River Falls, but I put my own artwork aside for graduate school at the University of Minnesota, where I earned my M. A. in art history in 1983. Now that I am retired, and have the time to choose how to spend my days, I am finding teaching at ArtReach is one of the most gratifying "jobs" I have ever had. I am pleased to serve on the board of directors.
Susan Scweigenant, 1st term 2012-
OUR MISSION
ArtReach of Red Wing believes that creative expression is a fundamental need of all people. Our mission is to provide access to the arts and the enrichment it brings.
ArtReach of Red Wing believes that creative expression is a fundamental need of all people. Our mission is to provide access to the arts and the enrichment it brings.
Staff
Emily Nelson, Program Coordinator
I spent most of my childhood in Red Wing and was very inspired by my high school art teacher, Peg Hansen. My background includes a B.S. in Sociology with emphases in Art, Child Development Psychology, Anthropology, and English from the University of Wisconsin LaCrosse.
I moved back to Red Wing in 2004. In addition to working with ArtReach, I am also the Development Coordinator for HOPE Coalition, a local non-profit that helps families in crisis. Through my work at HOPE Coalition I have had the opportunity to work with children and families who have experienced abuse or homelessness. As a support group facilitator, I have witnessed first-hand the healing power and personal fulfillment that art can bring to those living in crisis, how one piece of art can touch the souls of many, and how one person's soul can be mended through the opportunity to create something whole and meaningful out of pieces of raw material.
I originally took this position to re-awaken the artist inside me that lay dormant while I began a family, but since then it has grown into so much more! Through ArtReach I am able witness healing and joy every day, and I am proud to be part of such a wonderful
organization committed to investing in the social good of our community.
I spent most of my childhood in Red Wing and was very inspired by my high school art teacher, Peg Hansen. My background includes a B.S. in Sociology with emphases in Art, Child Development Psychology, Anthropology, and English from the University of Wisconsin LaCrosse.
I moved back to Red Wing in 2004. In addition to working with ArtReach, I am also the Development Coordinator for HOPE Coalition, a local non-profit that helps families in crisis. Through my work at HOPE Coalition I have had the opportunity to work with children and families who have experienced abuse or homelessness. As a support group facilitator, I have witnessed first-hand the healing power and personal fulfillment that art can bring to those living in crisis, how one piece of art can touch the souls of many, and how one person's soul can be mended through the opportunity to create something whole and meaningful out of pieces of raw material.
I originally took this position to re-awaken the artist inside me that lay dormant while I began a family, but since then it has grown into so much more! Through ArtReach I am able witness healing and joy every day, and I am proud to be part of such a wonderful
organization committed to investing in the social good of our community.