About the Guild

Fifty years later, there are two buildings that host classes, productions and exhibits. Today, visual artists, actors, directors and technicians, dancers and choreographers, writers and musicians can produce, exhibit and sell their work. Teachers and students of all skill levels explore the unlimited potential of art to transform life. Administrators, advocates and art entrepreneurs work with local businesses and government to promote more art in schools, in neighborhoods and in surrounding communities. Audiences of all ages gather to appreciate the great work of this non-profit community based arts organization. Please join us in the adventure.

• Ann Mosey, Executive Director
• Libby Glimsdal, Theater Coordinator
• Shari Setchell, Dance Program Coordinator
• Jeff Ostberg, Technical Theater Director
• Sheryl Joy, Office Manager
• Kathy Bjerke, Accountant
• Mark Meyer, Custodian

• Michelle Olsen, President
• Toni Bennett Easterson
• Steve Engler
• Ann Etter
• Ken Ewald
• Gail Jones Hansen
• Paula Granquist
• Steve Meyer
• Kate Southwick
• Steve Wilmot
• David Wolff

Since Moving to Northfield from Connecticut in 2001, Toni has been involved in both local and state organizations and events. She has taught various classes at the Northfield Arts Guild including the visual portion of the Kids Art program. She believes that the stronger a community's arts programs are, the stronger the community will be. Besides her interests in the visual arts, Toni does a great deal of writing and is a part of Penchant, Northfield Women Poets and other writing groups. She and her husband have three grown children, raise quantities of flowers and are fans of Carleton basketball.

CPA Ann Etter is no stranger to the workings of the NAG. A frequent participant in theatrical performance and dance classes, she's also served on the Backstage Committee for 6 years. Ann believes that the NAG plays an adhesive part in Northfield's diverse artistic community, which she's learned first hand. "I've met many people through the NAG programs who I otherwise would not have met." She recognizes the theater portion of NAG as a major component of growth and opportunity as well. "I think the desire for theater is growing. There are more people who want to participate and to watch good theater."

Ken is a 32-year resident of Northfield. He works in management for Goodrich Corporation, an aerospace company based in Burnsville. In the past he's served as Cub Scout Cubmaster, member of Rotary, and as a Northfield Schools development committee community member (Bridgewater and new Middle School land purchase). His family has a long history as participants and supporters of the Northfield Arts Guild. "I have always had a strong interest in music, performance arts and the visual arts. I play trombone but I must say Jill opened my eyes to the richness the arts offer to anyone who looks," he says. "I see a very bright future for the next 50 years of the organization. I am excited to contribute my energy and time, particularly as our community focuses on the arts in these very challenging times. I believe that challenge is the great driver for creativity, artistically and in organizations. It's a great time to a be part of the Northfield Arts Guild."

In her 3 years involved at the NAG, Paula's been busy largely with literary arts as a writing teacher and in the Write Group. Outside of writing and teaching, she's an editor, a host of ArtZany! Radio Show, and involved with the Loft Literary Center. As far as the arts are concerned, Paula feels that NAG plays a leadership role in developing the fun and collaborative feel of Northfield arts. "The arts create opportunities for experiencing and understanding the world. The arts help to enhance the identity of our community."

Since returning to Northfield five years ago (after a 29-year hiatus), Gail has actively participated in its arts scene, serving on the Arts and Culture Commission, as President of the Northfield Historical Society, and on numerous arts committees and projects. Her communications firm, The Write Solution, provides corporate and not-for-profit clients with editorial, marketing and public relations services. She enjoys the angst of creative writing and has completed a young adult novel about love. "Art shapes our experience of the world; good art deepens its mystery and celebrates its diversity," Gail says. "The challenge for the NAG is to continue to support and make art that's for everyone, to collaborate with the increasingly numerous artists and art organizations that represent our broader community."

Steve Meyer has been involved with the Northfield Arts Guild since 1984. Steve has served on the board of directors on three separate occasions most recently from May 2004 to the present. He also served as president of board of directors during 2005-2006 fiscal year. Steve is a partner in the Minneapolis law firm of Oppenheimer Wolff & Donnelly LLP and is chair of the firm's Financial Services Industry Group.

Michelle joined the board in 2007, and is thrilled to be part of an organization which embraces and nurtures so many facets of the arts. Her day job is at Wells Fargo, but she has been known to perform in several NAG theater productions, including Jessie Jane's Jamboree (2007 and upcoming 2008), and Pajama Game (Spring 2008). When not at work or volunteering with the Northfield Arts Guild, Michelle spends time with her husband Hans, and their 3 boys. Michelle feels that the Northfield Arts Guild is one of the reasons Northfield is viewed as such an enlightened and progressive community, and that support for the Northfield Arts Guild really translates into support of Northfield.

In addition to being involved for 5 years at the NAG, Steve also served 4 years as secretary for the Northfield Rotary Club and currently serves a variety of other organizations. A working architect, Steve's artistic eye has earned him showings in 2 Annual Member Shows at the NAG Gallery. Steve views the arts as a basic part of life, particularly for Northfield. He feels that the NAG fills a nourishing role for the local arts. "I would like to see more stable and constant support for the arts in town. The arts are a life-long experience and need constant care and feeding for them to really take root and grow."

David is a composer and music copyist with a background in arts administration. New to Northfield and the Arts Guild, David's interested in interdisciplinary collaborations and finding ways of integrating new music into existing activities. "With the challenges faced in arts education and programming, our work is a crucial reminder of the essential role the arts play in exploring and experiencing the world." He also serves on the Northfield Community Services Advisory Council and on the Board of the new music ensemble Zeitgeist. David lives with his lovely wife, Jennifer, two brilliant children, and a ridiculously large collection of American comic books.