Welcome ARAC’s New Board Members!
The Arrowhead Regional Arts Council (ARAC) is pleased to announce five new members for its Board of Directors. The new members include Nik Allen, Khayman Goodsky, Janie Heitz, Peggy Kelly, and Veronica Veaux. Their board term began on July 1, 2023.
“We are excited to be adding these strong members of their communities and appreciate the commitment they bring to our continued work towards diversity and arts in the Arrowhead region,” said ARAC’s Executive Director Becca Graves.
Nik Allen will represent St. Louis County - outside of Duluth. She has a connection to the arts through her writing, photography, and teaching art in her community. Allen is currently on the board of Generations Health and is currently the Executive Director of the Rural Renewable Energy Alliance.
Khayman Goodsky will represent the Bois Forte Band of Chippewa. Goodsky’s connection to the arts in the region comes primarily through her filmmaking and her work through the American Indian Community Housing Organization (AICHO) Art Galleries. Goodsky has a long reputation of supporting other artists and the arts community in the Arrowhead Region.
Janie Heitz will represent Itasca County. Heitz works for the Judy Garland Museum and the Children’s Discovery Museum in Grand Rapids, MN. She has some past experience with being on a board of directors and works with the board at the Children’s Discovery Museum.
Peggy Kelly will represent Koochiching County. Kelly is very involved in the community she will be representing through her Open Range Concerts - Up North series, performing through the Rainy Lake Community Orchestra, and so much more. She has also had years of experience working with boards during her time living in Kansas City, KS and has since participated as a board member for the Koochiching County Food Access Board.
Veronica Veaux will represent the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe. She is connected to her arts community through her bead work, dress, and skirt making. Veaux has an extensive history of serving on various boards. She currently serves as the Chair of the Bemidji School District LIEC and is a member on the Peacemaker Resources Board and the Minnesota Indigenous Business Alliance Board.
“I am thrilled to welcome our new board members representing communities across our region. Their range of expertise and diverse insights in support of arts and culture will certainly strengthen the work we do in service of the Arrowhead region,” ARAC’s Board Chair Kathy Neff said.
