Blue Earth County – TOM DAVID BARNA, Eagle Lake

Tom has a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science.  He is a retired Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel, former Peace Corps Volunteer. He is a writer, director, producer and actor. He is an affiliate and former board member of Twin Rivers Council for the Arts, a founding member of the Blue Earth Readers Workshop, and a member of the 4Playwrights Project. Tom is a former board member of the Mankato Playhouse. He has received several Artist grants from Prairie Lakes and recently received a Minnesota State Arts Board Artist grant. Tom has created many theatrical and musical productions, staged readings, published works as a children’s author and published eBooks.

Brown County – DAVE WAHL, Springfield

Dave is a Navy Veteran, accomplished DIY'er, and jack of all trades whose many talents include singer, actor, and former musician. He is currently the Maintenance Manager at Corteva Agriscience (Pioneer Hi-Bred) in Jackson, EMT with the Springfield Ambulance Service, American Legion Post Commander, and City Planning and Zoning Commission member. Dave was extensively involved in theatre and music throughout high school and returned to the stage over ten years ago. He has been a board member of the Springfield Community Theatre since 2012 and has shifted his focus from acting to working behind the scenes in set construction and stage crew for the last several SCT productions.

Faribault County – JULIE FORDERER, Wells

Julie has a BA in Elementary Education, K-12 Special Education, and a MA in Curriculum and Instruction.  She is a retired educator from United South Central Schools in Wells, where she worked in Special Education for grades K-4.  Julie has choreographed many school musicals and community theater events. She has written grants for the Faribault County Fair, has served as a grant reviewer for the Minnesota State Arts Board, and was a Regional Facilitator for the Minnesota Rural Arts Initiative. She was also an Associate Professor in the College of Education at Minnesota State University, Mankato for six years.

LeSueur County – RANDY MEDIGER, Waterville

Randy is from Waterville and has a BS in Elementary Education and Minor in Music, MS Curriculum & Instruction, and Education Specialist: Administration. He previously served as Elementary Principal at Waterville-Elysian-Morristown Public School and classroom teacher in Waterville, Henderson and Belle Plaine schools. He’s participated in a variety of music and theater performances in the past, and was a charter member of LeSueur Community Theater. He received the 2002 Arts Education Leadership Award from the Minnesota Alliance for Arts in Education.

Martin County – KRISTIE GAALSWYK-POMERENKE, Truman

Kristie is currently the Web Editor at University of Minnesota Extension. She has a BA degree in Theatre Arts and Journalism, with a focus on Arts Administration, from the University of Minnesota. She was the Education Coordinator at the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts for 4 years. While there, Kristie facilitated in-school artist residencies, managed their school performances, and developed a musical theatre camp.  She is a board member of the Martin County Area Foundation, Fairmont Community Education and Recreation Advisory Council.  She also previously served as a board member of the Fairmont Opera House.

Nicollet County – MARK WAMMA, St. Peter 

Mark has a BA in Honors Music Performance. He is the Music Director and Operations Director for Mankato Area Youth Symphony Orchestra. He teaches violin and viola privately, at the New Ulm Suzuki School of Music, and as an adjunct instructor for these organizations: MN State University, Mankato, Martin Luther College, New Ulm, and Bethany Lutheran College, Mankato.  He performs as a soloist and an orchestral musician. He is a founding member of the Two Rivers Community Orchestra and River Valley String Quartet serving as the coordinator and violinist for the latter. 

Sibley County – MICHAEL LOOFT, Winthrop

Michael is a dedicated public servant and advocate for the arts, known for his multifaceted contributions to his community. Currently serving as the City Administrator for Winthrop, he brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the local government. His tenure has been marked by a commitment to effective governance and community development. Beyond his professional role, Michael is an integral part of the annual Bavarian Blast music festival held in New Ulm, where he lends his support and expertise. With a passion for the arts, he has consistently championed diversity in artistic expression, recognizing the importance of inclusion and representation within the creative realm. In his personal life, Michael is an avid enthusiast of Clydesdale Horses. Alongside his partner, he spends his free time showcasing these majestic animals at various events and exhibitions throughout the Midwest. His dedication to both his civic responsibilities and personal interests underscores his well-rounded character and commitment to making a positive impact on the community and beyond.

Waseca County – DEVON LAWRENCE, Waseca 

Devon graduated from the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire in 2018 with a Music Education degree. There, he was a member of the Marching Band, Wind Symphony, Symphony Band, Orchestra, and various other small ensembles. Now in year five of teaching, he directs the 9th-12th grade Concert Bands at Waseca Jr. Sr. High School in addition to the Pep Band, Marching Band, Pit Orchestra, and various other small ensembles. Other involvement from him includes serving River City Rhythm Drum and Bugle Corps (Anoka, MN) in varying capacities, first as a member in the 2015 and 2016 seasons, then on the admin team (Assistant Corps Director and Corps Director) from 2017-2021 and is now the Program Coordinator for that organization. This group serves young musicians from all across the world, giving them an opportunity to participate in the Marching Arts on a professional scale. Lastly, Devon is a part of multiple performing groups in the area including Little Chicago (New Prague, MN) and Southern Minnesota's Real Big Band.

Watonwan County – SANDY SUNDE, St. James 

Sandy has a BA in English and MA in Education.  She is a retired Language Arts educator at St. James High School. Sandy was the co-editor of and contributor to “Your Story, My Story, Our Story” a published collection of immigrant stories. Sandy currently is a member of Uniting Cultures, Community Theater Board, multi-cultural fiesta planning committee, CAPP-Comprehensive Arts Planning Program, and council member and chair of Worship, Music, Arts Board First Lutheran Church. She previously was the director of 25 high school musical theater productions, 6 community theater musical productions, artistic director of St. James Trust Company, director of adult, youth and children’s choirs.

City of Fairmont – MONI HARPER

Moni is a lifelong resident of Martin County and a graduate of Mankato (now Minnesota) State University with a BS in Business Administration Marketing and Management. She retired as MRCI Fairmont Brand Manager in 2019. Moni has participated in the Fairmont City band for 46 years and the Trimont Centennial Band for 20+ years. She is the bugler for Fairmont VFW and Legion Honor Guard. She was also a former chairman of the Martin County Area Foundation and past president of the Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce. She has served on the Fairmont Opera House and Civic Summer Theatre boards.

City of Mankato – OPEN

City of New Ulm – CAROLYN BORGEN

Carolyn has a BA in Electronic Publishing, Saint Mary’s University of MN, Winona and a MA in Art Administration, Saint Mary’s University of MN, Minneapolis. She is a musician and plays the bass, and provides lessons for youth for the bass. She is a board member of the New Ulm Figure Skating Club. She previously was Director of Marketing and Design at State Street Theater, New Ulm; Executive Director for Mankato Area Youth Symphony Orchestra; Executive Director for Minnesota Valley Chorale, Mankato; and Program Director for The Grand Center for Arts & Culture, New Ulm.

City of North Mankato – JUSTIN EK

Justin is an artist from Mankato who is known for his community murals, paintings, social media presence, intricate weavings, and his work with youth and nonprofits in the area. He is passionate about using his skills to make a positive impact on the community and often volunteers his time to work with youth and nonprofits for free. Justin's art is a reflection of his love for nature and the world around him, and he is constantly looking for ways to use his art to inspire others and make a difference in the world. Justin also owns an art store in downtown Mankato where he sells his artwork and the work of other local artists as well as founded the Mankato Art Crawl through the store. Justin is an active board member of the City Center Partnership and is involved in the CityArt Walking Sculpture Tour in Mankato that features a variety of sculptures throughout the city. He is also known for founding the Old Town Mankato Day of the Dead Celebration with his family. The event is a celebration of life and death that takes place in Old Town Mankato every October. The event features art, music, food, and other cultural activities, and is a great way to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the Mankato area. Justin is always looking for ways to use his talents to improve the community.

City of St. Peter – APRIL MALPHURS

April has a MA in Art Education and BS in Interior Architecture/Design. She is a practicing artist in sculpture, glass and jewelry. Currently she is teaching community art camps and classes for children in St. Peter and at the Minnetonka Center for the Arts. April was the founder of Creative Play Place in St. Peter and served as board member and director for eight years. She is currently on a leave of absence from her position as a K-5 elementary art teacher at Hoover Elementary School, Mankato. April worked with South and North Elementary Schools in St. Peter as Art Adventure Coordinator for five years and was a guest artist and volunteer with the Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota in Mankato for eight years.