MEET THE SMAHC BOARD

This issue of VOICES, we are pleased to introduce you to one half of the SMAHC Board of Directors.  In the next issue, we will introduce the other half of the Board.  Minnesota is divided into 13 regions and there are 11 Regional Arts Councils.  The regions that make up SMAHC are Regions 6W, 6E and 8 (see map).  There are 18 counties in these regions with one board position for each county.  This issue we feature our board members from regions 6W and 6E

Kurt Schulz, Glencoe, is our current Board President.  He has been on the SMAHC board since May of 2005.  Kurt is actively involved in theater as an actor and as a director.  He represents McLeod County.

Barbara Kay, rural Dassel, is one of our new board members elected to the board in December, 2007.  Barbara is a retired music teacher having taught music for 30 years in the public school.  She represents Meeker County

Sydney Massee was elected to the board in September, 2007.  She lives in Appleton and represents Swift County.  Sydney has much experience working with organizations in voluntary positions.

Nancy Strand has been on the board since June of 2006.  She lives in Milan and represents Chippewa County.  She has been a SMAHC grant panelist and has been involved with other arts organizations.  She is also a church organist.

Jerry Ostensoe is a new board member as of December, 2007.  He lives in rural Sacred Heart and represents Renville County.  He is a songwriter and musician and has performed extensively throughout Southwest Minnesota.  Jerry has also been involved with SMAHC grant panels over the years.

Deborah Meyer, Madison, came on the board in December, 2007.  She represents Lac qui Parle County.  She has long been a strong advocate for the arts as an organizer and participant.  She is on the board of the Lac qui Parle Players.

Louise Mack has been on the board since September, 2005.  She lives in New London and represents Kandiyohi County.  She is an arts advocate and former award winner of the SMAHC Prairie Disciple Award.

Tamara Isfeld, Granite Falls, has been on the board since June, 2004.  She represents Yellow Medicine County.  She is an art teacher and visual artist.

Ardie Eckardt, rural Odessa, came on the board in February, 2007.  She represents Big Stone County.  She is the current coordinator of the Milan Village Arts School.  She is a former free-lance graphic designer and she has a keen interest in book arts.

Ruth Ascher came on the board in October, 2004.  She lives in Canby and is a SMAHC At-large representative.  Ruth is the current Executive Director of the United Way of Southwest Minnesota and a long-time advocate for the arts.  She is a church organist.