We are so delighted to have hired two extraordinary people to join the Northfield Arts Guild team: Rachel Haider as the Performing Arts Program Manager and Heather Lawrenz as the Visual Arts Program Manager! The full team will be in place on May 11!
Rachel Haider
Rachel Haider is a theater arts director, instructor, performer, choreographer, and arts administrator. Her extensive resume includes work with professional, community and educational theaters. In addition, she has worked with the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music and the Duluth Symphony Orchestra. Her training and experience crosses all of the arts curricula. Rachel has served as a Publicist, Regional Office Manager and Human Resources Representative; she has taught in both public and private schools, as well as with numerous arts organizations. She is also an avid gardener. Rachel and her family chose to move to Northfield in 2004 after a broad three state search for the perfect town. The dedicated and delightful nature of the Northfield Arts Guild played a vital role in their decision. Formerly serving on the Theater Committee, the staff and board, Rachel is excited to assist the Arts Guild on its continued path of discovery and success.When asked why she’s excited to work at the Northfield Arts Guild, Rachel says, “Northfield is a very special place for the arts and the arts make Northfield a very special place. We are fortunate to have our youth nurtured through amazing arts education and opportunities practically from birth. In my eleven years here, I have witnessed the growth of Northfield’s youth into adult artists. I’ve witnessed the veteran artists share their experience with the younger generation, who now continue the charge. I’m elated to be a part of this cycle and will work hard to support our arts and artists, and the amazing impact they have on our community.”
Heather Lawrenz
Heather Lawrenz is a jewelry designer who grew up in Eagan, and has resided in Northfield with her husband, Daris, and sassy Mini Schnauzer, Ruby since 2003. She brings over 20 years of retail experience to this position, including management of two Northfield businesses: Glass Garden and Trinket Foundry.
Heather has a BA in Fine Arts and Biology from St. Olaf, and since graduating, has immersed herself into the local arts community of Northfield. Since her time as a 5th-year Art Apprentice, she has served as a committee member of Studio ArTour, and is Co-Chair of the Fine Craft Collective.
As a result of her love of networking, Heather is most excited to expand community awareness of all of the amazing programs the Northfield Arts Guild offers, and to grow the Visual Arts opportunities at the Guild.
