Meet the Team
Cultural Centre Board
Chuck Brown
President
Olivia, MN- Chuck, a humorist and a retired businessman published his first novel in 2006 and then wrote three more! Chuck is involved in civic and regional organizations. His involvement with these organizations lends depth to his knowledge of greater Minnesota’s interpersonal relationships. He currently is a policy fellow for Growth and Justice. Bill Holm wrote, “This is truly a funny and charming book.” (The Lake Hayes Regatta)
Cathy Baumgartner
Vice-President
Olivia, MN – Cathy is a retired grant writer and labor market advisor to businesses and job seekers. She is active in local economic development organizations, an avid reader, dabbles in creative writing, and is a frequent world traveler. Cathy believes in the value of art, books and travel as tools to enrich our lives and better understand the world around us.
Mark Glesener
Secretary | Treasurer
Bird Island, MN – Mark, a retired Social Worker, entrepreneur, healthcare administrator, and civic organization officer is an assest to many organizations, especially the Cultural Centre in Bird Island where he is the fiscal officer and a grant writer.
Karen Roker
Board Member
Bird Island, MN – Karen is a County Extension Educator and 4-H leader. An agricultural businesswoman who understands community interconnectedness is of land, civic spirit, and hope for future generations.
Rebecca Heerdt
Board Member
Hector and Chaska, MN – Rebecca is a Special Education Teacher, art teacher, film producer, set designer, pianist and composer. She is President of the Renville County Music Teachers Association (Club 88) and Music Chairman of the MN Federation of Music Clubs Scholarship and Awards Committee and their Parade of American Music. Rebecca was also recently named President of The Yellowstone Trail Alliance of Western Minnesota.
Diane Drager
Board Member
Hector, MN – Diane is a life long resident of Renville County. She is a retired teacher, speech and theater coach. Her love of theatre keeps her active in Friends of the Arts as both director and actor. She is an avid reader, gardener and quilter. Diane volunteers her time with various civic organizations as well.
Gene Wenstrom
Board Member
Sartell, MN – Gene, an Economic Development Consultant and former MN State Legislator, thrives on good ideas, solid economic management and how to benefit greater Minnesota.
Paul Heyl
Board Member
Bird Island, MN – Paul is an avid reader, story teller, poet, retired social worker, mental health consultant, horticulturist and artist. As a former mayor, he exemplifies the term, “If you think deeply, you must feel deeply.”
Rosemary Glesener
Director
Bird Island, MN – Rosemary, a Minnesota native has resided in Renville County for approximately forty years. During this time, she organized art shows in various venues. These three-day exhibitions showcased local, regional and metropolitan artists. As a Cum Laude graduate of the University of Wisconsin – Superior, she designed her own major entitled Integrative Community Wellness which encompassed her belief that art, psychology and health are interconnected. She has been instrumental in the management of the Cultural Centre, her brain child, since its inception in November 2016. As an artist, poet/essayist and entrepreneur she thrives on the creative process. In 2021, Rosemary was selected as the receipent of the Prairie Disciple Award “in recognition of her outstanding commitment and sustained efforts to promote the vitality of the arts in Southwest Minnesota and with appreciation for her significant achievement as an arts advocate for our region and state.”
__________________________________________
The Selection Process
__________________________________________
Mark and Rosemary Glesener originated the nonprofit corporation and subsequent 501(c)(3) status and chose the initial board members through a process of determining, among people they knew, who would have an interest and time available to develop the Centre and its programs. Currently the Board has six members and pland to expand to seven members shortly to increase diversity of the Board as a reflection of our regional community. Also, efforts are being made to recruit a young adult to the Board to support and identify the interests of high school and college aged members of the greater community.
__________________________________________
Our Partners
__________________________________________
Interested in Partnering with Us?
The Cultural Centre is always looking for new innovative ways to integrate the arts into the community and to reflect the community in the arts. We accomplish this through partnering with people, business and non-profits in a wide variety of ways. If you or your organization are interested in joining our mission please contact us today. We look forward to hearing from you!
Address
640 Dogwood Avenue P.O. Box 434
Bird Island, MN 55310
(320) 365-1011
birdislandculture@gmail.com
Gallery Hours
Monday - Friday: 10am - 5pm
Open on Saturdays by request.
Follow
This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board and The Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund.