Board Members
President & Treasurer - Lise Spence-Parsons
British ex-pat living in Maple Grove since 2002, Lise is a local jewelry artist, published author, and watercolorist. Coming from a long line of artists and with a background in accountancy, she brings a strong mix of creativity and business expertise to the Arts Center management team. Lise also serves on the board of Experience Maple Grove and the Advisory Board of the Maple Grove Business Association.
Vice President - Chuck Skajewski
Recently relocated to Maple Grove from Medina, Chuck has a degree in graphic design & marketing. He uses those skills in his own printing firm for the last 40 years. Hobbies include relief wood carving and playing guitar and singing in his well known local band.
Secretary - Valerie Coopet
An avid arts enthusiast, Valerie holds and arts history and elementary education degree. Her background in art and art history inspires visits to museums and galleries in her travels around the U.S.A. and other countries. She believes that nothing connects a person to the experiences of another person, culture or period in history like art, whether it is painting, sculpture, architecture or prose.
Director-at-Large - Dan McAvey
Maple Grove born and bred artist, currently residing in Champlin. Dan is a faculty member at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design, where he teaches undergraduate and graduate level courses in studio art, art education, and humanities, empowering students to adopt a spirit of experimentation in their work and to embrace failure as a joyful part of developing their art.
Director-at-Large - Katie Walters
Kaitlyn Walters is currently a full time art teacher in the twin cities and graduated from University of Northwestern St.Paul with a double major in Studio Arts and Art Education. She loves helping kids refine their art skills and furthering art in the community.
Director-at-Large - Chad Manders
As an art teacher in District 279 Chad makes the perfect choice to drive our Scholarship program each year. A talented artist from an artistic local family.