mike@greatart.org

A native of Walker, Minnesota, Mike holds a B.A. in American History from Moorhead State University and an M.A. in Public History from St. Cloud State University.  His background is in museum management and non-profit administration.  One of his goals is to strengthen the collaborations amongst the many cultural heritage organizations in the region.  He also coaches high school speech and enjoys working with students to help them discover their creative voices and talents.  

michelle@greatart.org

As an experienced community development professional and emerging creative placemaker/public artist, Michelle seeks to curate people inspired spaces. Her work results in collaborative and customized concepts (temporary or fixed) for a public space(s). 

Michelle holds a B.A. in Local and Urban Affairs and an M.S. in Tourism, Planning, and Development from St. Cloud State University. In 2017, she was selected as one of twenty individuals across the state, to participate in the “Emerging Public Artist” workshop - hosted by Forecast for Public Art. In addition, she is an alumna of the 2018 “Teaching Artist Roster Program,” offered through the Central Minnesota Arts Board (CMAB).

television@greatart.org

After a successful career as a photojournalist, Mark Slupe has been serving as the Station Manager for Great River Television for the last five years. A native Minnesotan, he was born, raised and educated in Windom. Slupe is a graduate of Central Lakes College’s Videography program. True to the Minnesota spirit, Slupe enjoys an outdoors lifestyle which includes camping, fishing, and cross-country skiing. Slupe is a world traveler with a passion for introducing the Little Falls community to new cultures and foods.

carlie@greatart.org

Carlie Mertens was raised in Little Falls, Minnesota with a deep love of literature and writing. In her spare time, it is likely that you will find her reading books of all genres, though young-adult fiction is her favorite, or writing in a notebook or on her computer. Following these passions throughout her life, she went to college at the University of Minnesota Duluth where she graduated with a B. A. in English. Carlie also has an interest in matters of the human mind and social science, so she acquired minors in political science and psychology to compliment her degree.

Now back in Little Falls, Carlie hopes to share her love of the arts with the community and the amazing artists and staff while in her position at Great River Arts.