About Northern Lakes Arts Association:

Celebrating and Supporting the Arts in Our Community

Northern Lakes Arts Association is a non-profit organization that is committed to promoting and the arts in the community of Ely and its surrounding areas. Our primary goal is to serve the community by bringing professional artists from outside the area with local artists to connect, strengthen, and grow our community through the arts. We believe that by melding professional artists with local artists, we can enrich the quality of life for our members, the community and the surrounding area. Our mission is to inspire young and older adults to pursue the arts and learn how to collaborate, communicate, and create together. We believe that fostering and lifting up the arts will only help create a more prosperous and vibrant community. We are grateful to all the local businesses, individual donors, and audience members who have helped guarantee the existence of our organization.

Discover Our Mission, Vision, and Purpose: Guiding Our Path to Success

The mission of the Northern Lakes Arts Association is to support and develop the visual, performing, and literary arts to enrich the quality of life in Ely and the surrounding area.

Northern Lakes Arts Association is dedicated to fostering a thriving arts community in Ely, MN, by promoting and supporting local artists and arts experiences. We collaborate with other arts organizations to enhance the cultural landscape, encouraging connections between local and professional artists to nurture creativity. Our commitment to inclusivity ensures that everyone, whether participant or observer, can grow through the arts. By uplifting the arts, we aim to make Ely a vibrant arts and cultural destination, enriching the community for residents and visitors alike.

Northern Lakes Arts Association aims to enrich the Ely community by supporting and developing visual, performing, and literary arts. The association promotes arts participation, expands educational opportunities, and views the arts as an economic resource. It also values the area's ethnic traditions and collaborates with artists and arts enthusiasts. NLAA serves as a resource by fostering communication, aiding public art displays, assisting with funding, and providing educational opportunities for local artists.

Tracing Our Roots A Look into Our History

The Northern Lakes Arts Association (NLAA) was founded with the mission of enriching the cultural fabric of Ely, MN, and the surrounding region through the arts. Since its establishment, NLAA has become a cornerstone of the community, offering diverse programming that includes theater productions, music concerts, art classes, and youth camps.

Commitment to Accessibility and Inclusivity NLAA is committed to making the arts accessible to all. The organization provides scholarships through the Youth Art Fund Scholarship initiative, ensuring that participation fees are not a barrier for students and families facing financial challenges. This dedication to inclusivity has allowed NLAA to serve a broad and diverse audience, from young children to senior community members.

Evolving Programming and Initiatives Over the years, NLAA's programming has expanded to include the annual Broadway in the Boundary Waters season, which features musicals, youth camps, and concerts that consistently draw large audiences. In addition to this, NLAA has launched significant initiatives like the Northern Lakes Youth Theater, offering young people the opportunity to develop their acting skills and perform in front of live audiences.

The Snow Sculpture Symposium NLAA played a pivotal role in the creation of the snow sculpture contest, which has since evolved into the beloved Ely Winter Festival. This event has become a community tradition, showcasing the creativity and artistry that NLAA has championed since its inception.

Theatrical Productions With a rich history of producing over a hundred professional and inspiring theatrical productions, NLAA is dedicated to bringing engaging and thought-provoking shows to the community. From musicals to plays, each performance is crafted to provide an unforgettable experience for the audience.

Reflections Dance Company Under the direction of Molly Olson, Reflections Dance Company has been a proud member of NLAA for the past four years. The company offers accessible dance classes and produces two dance concerts annually, showcasing the talents of its dancers. Recently, Reflections Dance Company had the honor of featuring their film "Home on Earth" at the North x North International Film Festival, further highlighting the creative spirit NLAA fosters.

A Cultural Destination through its diverse offerings and unwavering commitment to supporting and developing the arts, NLAA has not only enriched the lives of Ely’s residents but has also helped position Ely as an arts and cultural destination in the region.

Meet Our Board of Directors: The Visionaries Behind Our Success

At the Northern Lakes Arts Association (NLAA), our success is driven by a passionate team of volunteers who are committed to enriching the arts in Ely, MN. Our volunteer-led board members work tirelessly to offer a diverse range of arts activities to the community. We’re always on the lookout for more dedicated individuals to join our mission. Whether you’re interested in organizing events or supporting our programs, there’s a place for you on one of our Action/Task Forces.

Meet Our Executive Board

Chair - Molly Olson: With two years on the board, Molly balances her roles as a math teacher at ISD 696 and Director of Reflections Dance Company. Her dedication to education and the arts shines in everything she does.
Vice Chair - Laurie Kess: A retired home economics teacher and high school counselor, Laurie brings over 20 years of community theater experience, including directing, costume design, and acting.
Secretary - Carly Wogen: As the manager of the Minnesota North - Vermilion Campus Bookstore and a member of AAUW, Carly’s love for theater and behind-the-scenes expertise make her an asset to our team.
Treasurer - Samuel O’Brien: A sculptor and Director of Vermilion Country School, Samuel brings his dual expertise in arts and education to oversee our financial and personnel operations.

Meet Our Board Members

Vladimir Perez Vacalla: With three decades in the hospitality industry, Vladimir enhances our front-of-house efforts, bringing his arts passion from his career in luxury cruise lines.
Scott King: A visual artist and Ely Public Library Board member, Scott leads our Visual Arts Committee, drawing on his experience from the Minneapolis Institute of Art.
Karl Kubiak: In his second year as ISD 696 Band Director, Karl’s dedication to music education and community involvement enriches the local arts scene.
Vince O’Connor: A multifaceted talent, Vince is a poet, programmer, writer, and board member for the Donald G. Gardner Trust and Ely’s Historic State Theater, contributing his diverse skills to our board.
Megan Wind: A dynamic force in Ely’s arts community, Megan’s background in tap dancing, choreography, and graphic design drives innovative campaigns and enriches the local arts scene.

Get Involved

If you’re passionate about the arts and want to make a difference in the Ely community, consider joining NLAA as a volunteer. Together, we can continue to grow and enhance the vibrant arts and culture of our region.