Overview
Open Arts Minnesota is recognized as the Outstanding Organization of the Year by the national organization the Transformative Language Arts Network at its 2024 annual conference in Kansas City.
Our Vision:
We Believe Everyone Can Create!
Our Mission:
Open Arts Minnesota creates and fosters inclusive artistic activities for people with disabilities who are of diverse abilities and ages seeking opportunities to discover their unique creative gifts, develop and practice skills, and share their creations in a supportive, compassionate environment.
Read more about our work from the Minnesota Star Tribune from August 2024: https://app.startribune.com/open-arts.../content.html
Meet Our Board
Erin Ebert
Board Member, Fairmont
Cheryl Hutchens
Vice-Chair, Mankato
Melinda Wedzina
Board Member, Mankato
Clarissa Meissner
Treasurer, Madison Lake
Melissa Steel
Board Member, Mankato
LeeAnn Erickson
Board Member, Sherburn/Fairmont
Shannon Sinning
Chair, Mankato
Jessica O’Brien
Board Member, St. Peter
Emily Austvold
Co-Secretary, New Ulm
Jyneal McCrea
Co-Secretary, New Ulm
Kathy Shimota
Board Member, New Ulm
Kari Peterson
Board Member, North Mankato
Diana Joseph- Emeritus Founding Board Member, Past Chair- 2018-2023
Joel Fienen-Emeritus Founding Board Member- 2018-2021
Amy Kortuem- Emeritus Founding Board Member- 2018-2020
Eric Sletten- Emeritus Founding Board Member- 2018-2024
Meet our Staff 2022
Wilbur Neushwander-Frink
Executive Director/Creative Director
Amy Jo Piedade
Artistic Assistant
Amber Frederick and Esther Hoffmann
2023/24 Teaching Artists
Open Arts Minnesota is a proud member of the Charter for Compassion. The Charter for Compassion is a document that transcends religious, ideological, and national differences. Supported by leading thinkers from many traditions, the charter calls on us to activate the golden rule around the world.
