Meet Our Team
Our staff at Great River Arts are dedicated to providing the community with a variety of arts experiences. However, due to COVID-19, GRA are operating with limited staff.
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Karla Zeck | Executive Director Growing up in Minnesota, Karla Zeck, now resides in the lakes area with her family. She comes to GRA with more than 20 years of nonprofit experience and a double major in public relations and speech communications from St. Cloud State University. In her free time, Karla enjoys spending time with family and friends, travelling, scrapbooking, and being active in the outdoors. Karla has a passion for the arts and looks forward to working and meeting the residents and business owners of Little Falls. |
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Mark Slupe | Station Manager, Great River Television (Channel 180) After a successful career as a photojournalist, Mark Slupe has been serving as the Station Manager for Great River Television since 2016. 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. |
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Erika Powers | Operations Manager e
A native of Homer Glen, Illinois, Erika comes to GRA by way of the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, Western Illinois University, and the Will County Historical Society in Lockport, Illinois. Erika enjoys exploring in nature and working on creative projects. Erika is looking forward to getting to know the community.
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Linda Galstad l GRA's Lead VolunteerIn partnership with the Little Falls Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB), GRA is participating in a program offered through Experience Works. This enables GRA to collaborate with a skilled volunteer network focused on aiding nonprofits. Galston began working at GRA in August 2021; dedicating time weekly to help staff stay organized and on track. Her talent was especially needed after COVID reduced staffing significantly. Not only does Galston bring a wealth of insight and experience to the organization, she enters each day with enthusiasm and a commitment to excellence through her work. |
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Are you interested in joining the team? Check out our Opportunities at GRA page for current positions.
GRA Board
The Great River Arts Board of Directors volunteer their time and expertise to support creativity in our community.
Learn more about the Board's role in supporting GRA.
If you are an arts advocate and would like to be considered as a GRA board member, please complete the Letter Of Interest Form and mail it to GRA (PO Box 157, Little Falls MN 56345) or email it to the Executive Director. The board reviews submissions quarterly.
| Executive Team | |
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Mark Gerbi, President
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| Scott Saehr, Vice President | |
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Ron Bieganek, Treasurer Ron is happily married and retired. Inspired by the unique asset of GRA to the community Ron has been actively associated with GRA for over 20 years. Ron continues to support GRA and seeks to inspire other community members to do the same. |
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| , Secretary | |
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Members at Large
Sheryl Johnson
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| Kris VonBerge | |
| Olivia Wood | |
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Judith Uebelacker
Judith has been active in the arts for many years as an artist, entertainer, and supporter. She has worked across the country in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Oregon, and Texas. She continues to explore new artforms and bring joy through art working as a face painter and airbrush artist. Her hobbies include travel and gardening. Judith also volunteers with Purple Carrot Market in Little Falls. |
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Visual Arts Committee
The visual arts committee (VAC) is one of our longest standing committees. Established to support the curation of our galleries and offer a peer review of all handmade artwork and products sold in GRA's retail store.- Randy Asseln, Photographer
- Kathy Braud, Watercolorist
- Bev Gold, Painter
- Kerry Kupferschmidt, Watercolorist
- Scott Wonderlich, Art Patron