Emily Petersen (originally of Slayton) is the new Murray county representative on our board. Emily is a visual artist who has been offering art classes to communities in southwest Minnesota for the past three years including Marshall, Slayton, Worthington, and Iona. She’s taught summer classes for Marshall Talents Academy, sessions for the Young Artists Conference at Southwest Minnesota State University, and “Art Day” at Yellow Medicine East High School. Emily also volunteers to teach art projects to at-risk teenagers for Hope Harbor in Marshall. Emily says she was interested in being on the SMAC board of directors because art is her passion and she desires to share that passion with others. Emily says, “I hope to bring opportunities for residents in my hometown and surrounding areas to experience art in an enriching way.”
Erica Volkir of Pipestone is now representing Pipestone county on the board. Erica is the Executive Director of the Pipestone Area Chamber of Commerce. She has a liberal arts education as well as a law degree and is a board member for many organizations in the Pipestone and surrounding area. When asked why she was interested in representing Pipestone county for the SMAC board, Erica replied, “I would like to help enhance the quality of life in southwest Minnesota to include exposure to and experiences with a wide variety of arts for all ages. One’s exposure to quality artistic performances, exhibits, and events should not be dependent upon either geography or income.” She also added that she has a great interest in public art and the arts as “economic development drivers to create beautiful spaces to live, work, and play” and that she is personally greatly inspired by the arts, both through attending and organizing events of all types.
David KelseyBassett of Lamberton will now be the Redwood county representative for the SMAC board of directors. David has been awarded two SMAC Individual Artist grants in the past for developing into an experienced screen printer. He has a BA in graphic design, experience in electronic music and hip-hop DJ-ing, soundboard operation, experienced in film post-production editing, and has written and self-published the book, “New York City Record Stores: A Pocket Guide.” David holds public “printing parties,” events that are free, with the goal of increasing the public’s awareness of local arts and artists. David says, “I hope I can be a progressive, active voice on the board. I desire to bring my experience and alternative approaches to promoting the arts in the area.”
