Board & Staff

Board of Directors

Chippewa

Georgette Jones
Watson
Term Expires 12/2028

Georgette Jones of Watson has previously served on the SMAC board for Chippewa county from 2016 to 2022 (and served as the President for a time), and has now returned! Jones currently also serves on the Lac qui Parle Players, and the newly formed and developing Montevideo Creatives, boards. She has a long history in advocating for local arts as well as in education, teaching literature and drama in Chippewa and lac qui Parle Counties. Jones is involved in musical theatre with the Marshall Area Stage Company in Lyon County as an actor and director. And, you also might recognize Jones from singing locally in the two-person band “The MadHatters”, with musician Lee Kanten (formally of Ortonville)!

When asked why Jones was interested in returning to serve on the SMAC board she said, “My previous service on the board reinforced how important these positions are and how having a full slate of representative voices is crucial to furthering arts advocacy in our region."

Pictured: Mixed media artwork titled "Sacred Hearts" by Michelle Hooker.

Cottonwood

Michelle Hooker
Windom
Term Expires 12/2027

Michelle Hooker of Windom was voted in as the new Cottonwood County Board member at the end of September. Michelle is a self-taught mixed media artist and likes to dabble in a bit of all things creative! Raised in a family of artists from several disciplines, she believes creative expression is of great importance to us all. Joining the council is a way for her to advocate for the arts and arts education. Since moving to a rural area, she is excited to get more involved in the arts of this region and meeting up with other artists and attending events; she would love to create more opportunities for artists to come together. Michelle dreams of helping to create a collaborative creative space, like a co-op for artist studio spaces.

Pictured: Mixed media artwork titled "Sacred Hearts" by Michelle Hooker.

Quilted applique of blue shades of circles

Jackson

Eunice Woodberry
Jackson
Term expires 12/2027

Eunice Woodberry of Jackson was a congregational paster in SW Minnesota with diversity work through synod for fifteen years, a secondary education math teacher, a quilt guild president for three years, and a media specialist for the Jackson Center for the Arts. Eunice's art experience and interest is primarily in fiber arts, watercolor and poetry. When asked why she wanted to be a part of the SMAC board she said that through her time at the Jackson Center for the Arts she became aware of what SMAC was and the work it does for rural arts. She said, " I would like to be more involved in promoting arts & culture in SW MN, especially in rural settings."

Pictured: Original design appliqué by Eunice Woodberry

Lac qui Parle

Kristine Shelstad
Madison
Term Expires 12/2028

Kristine Shelstad is the “Energizing Officer” of the Madison Mercantile; a community center that will include an art gallery, artists studios, performance stage and entrepreneurial spaces. Kristine is an Initiator Fellow for the Southwest Initiative Foundation, and has previously served as a board member of the Spicewood Arts Society in TX, as well as served in Rotary Clubs and Veteran Service Organizations. She is currently the Junior Vice Commander of the VFW Post 1656 in Madison and is a retired Army Lieutenant Colonel. Kristine is also a member of the Madison Arts Council, which promotes public art in Madison, and is involved with the local theatre group, the Lac qui Parle Players. Kristine attended the University of Minnesota, Morris, with a minor in Studio Art. She is interested in serving on the SMAC board because she wants to bring arts opportunities to underserved populations in her county.

Lincoln

Mark Wilmes
Tyler
Term expires 12/2027

Mark has served 23 years on the Lake Benton Opera House Board of Directors and is currently the president of their board as well as the Artistic Director for the Opera House. He has also worked as a newspaper editor since 1997 in Lincoln county and is currently managing editor for the Tyler, Lake Benton and Hendricks newspapers. Wilmes has been honored multiple times by the Minnesota Newspaper Association in the areas of ad creation, photography and as a columnist. When asked why he was interested in serving on the SMAC board of directors he said, “I am a strong believer in SMAC’s mission and would like to ensure Lincoln County is represented. SMAC has been a great benefit to our organization over the years and I would like to give back in a small way by helping other small groups benefit in the same way.”

Lyon

Tetta Askeland
Marshall
Term Expires 12/2028

Tetta Askeland of Marshall has a MFA in Scenic Design, a BA in Theatre, Communications and Political Science. And she is currently pursuing a doctorate in Curriculum Design and Technology! She also studied film in her undergraduate work. Tetta is an assistant professor of theatre at Southwest Minnesota State University (SMSU), teaching theatrical design, technology, film and tv aesthetics and management. In the summers she runs a SPT Equity theatre in Iowa called The Clinton Area Showboat Theatre where she is the assistant executive director. She is an avid attendee of local music and literary events, as well as participating in and supporting local dance productions, theater, cultural arts events, and DEI efforts. Tetta is the LGBTQ+/Women's Center Interim Co-Director and contributes to the Bias Incident Response Team, Equity Steering Committee, and Equity and Inclusion subcommittee at SMSU. She is also a beginning stained glass artist! Tetta has been a panelist for SMAC many times before becoming a board member. When asked why she was interested in working with SMAC she said, "An artistic mission of mine surrounds accessible art. I believe art should be accessible for all, and SMAC helps make this a reality for many local artists...My dedicated volunteer work supporting the local arts community reflects my deep commitment to both artistic expression and inclusion. As a participant in SW Minnesota’s vibrant arts community, I am eager to serve as the Lyon County representative on the SMAC Board of Directors. My passion for reinvesting in our artistic community through an educational lens directly aligns with SMAC's mission to develop and support the arts throughout Southwest Minnesota."

McLeod

Lisa Hill
Hutchinson
Term expires 12/2026

Lisa Hill of Hutchinson has many years experience as an attorney and lawyer, as well as being a small business owner. She has previously served as the president of the Hutchinson Rotary Club and also served on the Hutchinson Center for the Arts Board. Lisa was also part of the Crow Rivers Singers and volunteered for the Hutchinson Marching Band and Phoenix Drumline. Before Hutchinson and Minneapolis, Lisa lived in Mankato where she was actively involved with the board for the Minnesota Valley Chorale and the Mankato Area Youth Symphony. While involved with those boards, she gained experience with writing grants, fundraising, and administrative duties. She said she "looks forward to becoming further involved with volunteering on behalf of the arts in McLeod county!"

Murray

Tiffany Holmes
Dovray
Term expires 12/2026

Tiffany Holmes is a classically trained concert violinist. Having started violin at the age of three, Tiffany studied with some of the best violinists in the business, such as Adam Han-Gorski---himself a student of the legendary Jascha Heifetz.
Having grown up in a musical household, Tiffany not only plays classical violin but all types of fiddle (such as Scottish, Celtic, Bluegrass and, Scandinavian) as well as Klezmer. That musical household and family also gave her a love of other genres of music such as opera (her mother's brother is an opera singer who helped open both Lincoln and Kennedy Centers with an opera written specifically for him) and musicals.
Also, her mother has a degree in music theory and composition as well as piano and pipe organ performance. (The mention of organ brings up a fact that is very concerning. Pipe organs are being destroyed and there are no trained organists left in the area. Also, another musical tradition that is sadly falling by the wayside is the A Cappella choir.)
It was her mother's knowledge and experience that allowed Tiffany to excel at violin, giving her first professional debut at the age of 6 and going on from there.
As well as violin, Tiffany has a background in ballet, having studied at the Andahazy School of Classical Ballet (from the age of 6 she was a regular at concerts of the Kirov Ballet), an art form for which she still retains a knowledge and respect.
Also, she is a great admirer of the works of Shakespeare and classic theatre, in general. Specifically, the acting of Olivier, Leigh, Gielgud, etc and has insight from friends in the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art community.
She believes it's not necessary to throw out the old for the new. Our brains can retain and learn from all of it.
Ultimately, Tiffany sees a definite decline in arts in Southwest Minnesota and finds that very disheartening. She hopes to try to bring an awareness to that in her county and is optimistic that, with the help of her colleagues at the Southwest Minnesota Arts Council, some good can be done.

Pipestone

Mark Thode
Pipestone
Term Expires 12/2027

Mark is the Managing Director for the Pipestone Performing Arts Center in Pipestone. He is also a print and identity graphic designer with an introverted disposition and a love of the theater. Long before getting his degree in Graphic Design from Bemidji State University, he began his career in theater working behind the scenes in community theater productions. Fast-forward to the present, he’s worked for a newspaper, owned a portrait photography studio for 12 years, has collaborated as a freelance graphic artist on many projects, served on the boards of three different arts organizations, and has been the director of a performing arts venue for many years. In his spare time, he attends theater events and loves spending time with his two Cocker Spaniels: Bailey and Sheldon. He’s fluent in Lorem Ipsum. When asked why he was interested in serving on the SMAC Board as a representative for Pipestone County, he said, “I have seen the arts enrich and empower the lives of many in the Pipestone community. The arts in Pipestone are able to thrive thanks in part to organizations like SMAC. I want to give back to an organization that has brought so much life to the arts in my region.

Redwood

Charlene Graff
Lamberton
Term expires 12/2026

Charlene Graff brings a lot of artistic experience, including watercolor artist, quilter, music (singer, director and guitar player), acting and directing in plays, and is a published poet! Graff has an undergraduate degree in English Education and has taught as a high school English teacher. She also has extensive experience in public service; over 20 years as a welfare-to-work job counselor and 15 years working for Second Harvest Heartland Food Bank serving SW MN as a resource for charitable food selves and food programs. Graff serves on many county Homeless Response Teams, the SW Rural Sustainable Development Partnership board and others!

Her volunteer work also includes: work with Redwood County Salvation Army, Worship + Music team at her church, Wabasso Food Shelf, Kuhar Park Advisory Bard, Lamberton's 150th Celebration Planning Committee, and the Lamberton Area Community Foundation board.

When asked why Graff was interested in serving on the SMAC board, she said, "I have deep roots here and feel an innate desire to use my talents, education, volunteer skills, and knowledge to develop and improve the SW region of MN...Not only can the arts be a boon to the rural economy, it also serves as a reflection of the meaning and identity of our rural communities...I'd be happy to offer my skills of organizing, public speaking and facilitation, helping to recruit artists from Redwood County to apply for grants and join SMAC, and promote the work of SMAC."

Joseph Evans stands at a merchant site with a sign that reads "Indigo Turtle Art"

Renville

Joseph Evans
Morton
Term expires 12/2027

Joseph Evans, originally from Redwood Falls, has been a lifelong member of the creative community. After high school he attended Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall, majoring in Graphic Design with a minor in marketing. This focus did not keep him from being distracted by traditional arts such as figure drawing and printmaking. He was highly involved in co-curricular activities such as the SMSU Art Club, Graphic Design Club, National Society of Leadership and Success and was the lead graphic designer for “Perceptions a Literary Magazine” produced by the school.
Joseph eventually found a career in carpentry which allows for some creative fulfillment, as well as a variety of opportunities in the non-profit sector to get his artistic satisfaction. He taught figure drawing and printmaking at a variety of non-profit art centers until finally developing the River Valley Art Center (RVAC) in Morton, MN. At the RVAC he hosted gallery openings and art fairs as well as camps for youth including: drawing, painting, printmaking, photography and some sculptural work. Teaching technical art skills is one of his favorite activities next to drawing live music and other live events such as plays. His art is inspired by the impressionists who had a phrase “Catching the fleeting moment,” leaving something to be interpreted and far from photo-realism. In 2020 Covid put the RVAC on pause, allowing him to pursue other avenues which led to appropriating Indigo Turtle Art, a porcelain jewelry company. With his business partner Julia Ravensmyth, Indigo Turtle has managed to get into 4 of the major Renaissance Festival among other art shows and holidays shows (pictured). Joseph enjoys discussing artwork with other artists and helping them price their work and find better value in their work. He has plans to continue as a contractor doing fine carpentry while slowly rebuilding the River Valley Art Center to reopen in the upcoming years.

Swift

Cindy Hendrickx
Appleton
Term Expires 12/2026

Cindy Hendrickx of Appleton, in Swift County, is originally from Hazel Run, Yellow Medicine County. Spending her childhood amongst arts and crafts activities with her mom and grandmother, trying a little bit of everything, from painting to drawing, to floral arranging to wood crafting, and more. After college, she began her career teaching elementary education in both Minnesota and Texas, eventually moving to Appleton, and into the role of Head Librarian at the Appleton Public Library. She continues to share her love of art and crafts through teaching programs at the library, attending local, regional, and state arts events, and personally, to stretch her arts and crafts muscle. Right now, she is trying her hand at resin jewelry. Who knows what will be next?

Yellow Medicine

Timothy Pehrson
Cottonwood/Clarkfield
Term Expires 12/2028

Tim Pehrson (of Cottonwood & Clarkfield) has joined the SMAC board as a voice from Yellow Medicine County. Pehrson has been a SMAC grant panelist many times, as well as attended SMAC Artist Retreats and played music at SMAC events as half of the duo for the band "Nautical Moth". Pehrson has been involved in many bands and musical groups in the past 40 years, as well as co-hosted Open Mic events, taken part in community theatre productions and written an (unpublished) memoir. When asked why he was interested in joining the SMAC board, Pehrson said, "I am familiar with, and appreciate, the organization and I want to do my part to help."

SMAC Staff

Nicole DeBoer

Executive Director

Nicole directly manages and oversees all grants and grant programs.

Nicole describes herself as a doer and a dreamer: an out of practice visual artist who believes everything can be renovated – including people. As the Executive Director of the Southwest Minnesota Arts Council, DeBoer enjoys meeting and helping artists and organizations who produce and support the arts. She has been at the arts council, which serves 18-counties and provides arts funding and services, for over a decade. There isn’t an artform she won’t try – but most of all prefers to see others succeed in sharing their art.

When not promoting the arts in rural MN, she enjoys DIY projects around her 1880s house and working on converting a century granary into a cabin. If she had a tattoo it would either say “If 2 Be/Up 2 Me” or “Stick to the Plan!”

If you are interested in consulting with Nicole on arts access for our region, schedule a meeting by clicking here.

nicole@swmnarts.org

Caroline Koska

Financial & Grants Administrator

Caroline Koska is originally from Marshall and has worked for SW MN Arts Council since 2011, first as Administrative Assistant and for the last several years as Financial/Grants Administrator. She has an arts background in music. With a degree in vocal performance, Caroline loves to sing and also plays piano, flute, and, as a new venture, harp. She has taught piano lessons, done music for church and community theater, and dabbled in acting in community theater productions as well. Caroline’s other hobbies include reading and sewing.

If you are interested in consulting with Caroline on on grant eligibility, using the application system, or reviewing a draft of a grant application, schedule a meeting by clicking here.

caroline@swmnarts.org

Krystl Louwagie

Access & Marketing Coordinator

Krystl Louwagie grew up on a Minnesota farm. She graduated with a Studio Art degree with an emphasis in intaglio printmaking from Hamline University in St. Paul. She now lives in Marshall and works full-time for SMAC. On the side, she finds time to work as a commission artist, professional facepainter, petting zoo assistant, Body Pump & Sprint 8 gym instructor, and pet sitter.

Her interest in the arts began early through illustrated fairy tale books, super-hero comics, animated cartoons and a healthy appreciation of musicals, theatre and dance.

She’s also enthusiastic about reading, exercising, the outdoors, cooking, and animals (especially cats)! She believes strongly in equity and community-building in rural spaces.

You can follow her artistic journey on Facebook & Instagram or Krystl’s website. She mostly creates ink portraits (people & pets) and short autobiographical comics about her life. If you are interested in consulting with Krystl about marketing, artist promotion, or social media content, schedule a meeting by clicking here.

krystl@swmnarts.org

LaRae Disbrow

Financial Administrator

LaRae Disbrow of Pipestone takes care of SMAC's book keeping so that full-time staff can dedicate more time to assisting grantees and future grantees. LaRae comes to SMAC with a total of 10 years experience in financial book keeping, 5 as a Project Debt Director and 5 years as a Finance administrator. She’s served as a volunteer for Community Club, Band Board, Youth Basketball, Sunday School and Youth Ministry. LaRae also brings a passion for music and the arts!

If you would like to get in touch with one of our board members, please contact us at info@swmnarts.org or 800-622-5284