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Arts Advisory Panel

Arts Advisory Panel

The Arts Advisory Panel is comprised of representatives from each of the five artistic disciplines of Dance, Literary Arts, Music, Theatre, and Visual Arts, as well as generalists who demonstrate strong involvement in support of the arts in the SEMAC region. The Panel is responsible for reviewing grant applications and making funding recommendations to the Board of Directors. See Grant Review for more information on the role of the Arts Advisory Panel.

Assembled through an open nomination process, panelists are appointed by the Board of Directors based on their artistic expertise and critical skills in their respective disciplines. To nominate someone for a term on the Arts Advisory Panel, contact the SEMAC office.

Interested in serving on the panel yourself? Go to your account on the grant interface and complete the form called SEMAC Services Opportunities to tell us a little about your background and how you would prefer to be contacted.

Listed by artistic discipline, the current Arts Advisory Panelists are

DisciplinePanelistBackground
DanceJennie Autonoebackground and training in visual arts and literary arts as well as dance, Northfield Arts Build Education and Engagement Manager.
DanceKaitlyn Hawkinsprofessional dancer and choreographer
DanceCynthia NethFounder of Krum Salabak Khmer M’Kut Meas (KSKMM) dance troupe that celebrates Cambodian culture.
Literary ArtsAnnette Nawlsauthor deeply involved in World Revival Power Ministry of Rochester, providing arts opportunities to abuse victims and the homeless
MusicDavid Kasslerprofessional musician with experience in performance, conducting and composition, recipient of a SEMAC Individual Artist Grant to compose and perform chamber music
MusicBenjamin DownsExecutive and Artistic Director, Fesler-Lampert Performing Arts Series, holds doctorates in Theory and History of Music from Stony Brook, and Piano Performance from Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music
MusicVivian Larkmusician and director, Music Lessons for All, a nonprofit dedicated to teach music to children in underserved communities
TheatreEileen MoellerManaging Director, Frozen River Film Festival, co-founder of ArtFarm MN, works to support artist and community collaborations
TheatreJames DouglassFounding director/board member, Absolute Theatre, with 30 years experience in acting, directing, design, stage management and marketing at theatres throughout Minnesota
Visual ArtsRobbie Brokkenceramic and jewelry artist, previous gallery director, Lanesboro Arts, degree from Fashion Institute of Technology, NYC
Visual ArtsDave Caseyassistant curator of education and exhibitions at the Minnesota Marine Art Museum in Winona, freelance musician performing with a variety of groups across multiple genres
Visual ArtsIvete Martinezvisual artist, board member, Gallery 24 Artists Collaborative, founder and director, Med City Art Festival, former board member, SEMVA
Visual ArtsLois Petersonclay artist, founder of the Southern Clay Center, taught art and arts administration in K-12 and college settings, as well as in South Africa
Visual ArtsKalianne Morrisonvisual artist, advancement coordinator, Rochester Art Center, principal of Art on the Ave in Rochester
GeneralistDavid SchmidtWabasha resident, organic farmer, grant writer, WideSpot Performing Arts Center & Community Project
GeneralistKevin Dobbecomposer and new media artist, retired faculty member Rochester Community College
GeneralistGretchen Ramloarts enthusiast, boards of Austin Area Commission for the Arts and Riverland Foundation, volunteers for the ArtWorks Festival and Spruce Up Austin
GeneralistAmy Wightkinmanager, Historic Paramount Theatre, background in music education