Welcome to our new Art Buddies Board Members!

Join us in giving a big welcome to our newest members of the Art Buddies Executive Board of Directors.


Jesse Norman Bergstrom - An entrepreneur, illustrator, and author. Jesse is a long-time and devoted mentor at our Whittier Program. He is highly engaged in everything he does. We are so lucky that he has chosen Art Buddies
to donate his time and talent.

Laura Norton - Laura has been an Art Buddy nearly since its inception... as a mentor and a supporter! She has worked at Carmichael Lynch for years and she has been a great cheerleader and support to all of our programs and endeavors. Laura is very artistic and musical and deeply understands the need of connection and creative expression.

Suyao Tian - An artist, illustrator, and independent curator with a deep connection to education and children. You can see her amazing watercolor art on her Instagram. Suyao also has fresh and insightful ideas around programming and fundraising.

A mighty Art Buddies thank you to our Executive Board Of Directors:

Leslie Yunis
Art Buddies Board Chair, KNOCK, inc Special Projects

Jean Hurlbert
Art Buddies Board Treasurer, Capital Management Associates Inc. Relations/Team Manager

Karisa Buechner Michel
Art Buddies Board Secretary, Prime Therapeutics Director of Client Engagement

Alla Ilushka
Ferrari Twin Cities Special Events Director

Amy Pressnall
MOBE Director of Creative Services

Amy Jarrard
Freelance Art Director and Copywriter

Cheryl Meyer
Treat and Co. VP and Creative Director

Elliott Payne
Founder President Sense Datum, LLC, Candidate for Ward 1 Minneapolis City Council

Heidi Rich, Art Buddies Executive Director, and President

Jesse Norman Bergstrom
Author, Illustrator, Creator of Worlds, Prairie Fox Design LLC

Kailey Mo Becker
President, Founder, Designer of Oya Beauty and Pinky Design Shop

Laura Norton
Carmichael Lynch Director of Office Services

Reginaldo Reyes
VP Brand Experience and Environmental Design

Suyao Tian
Artist, Designer, Independent Curator

We are so grateful to these volunteers for guiding the trajectory and the mission of our organization.

If you would like to serve on an Art Buddies Board please contact
Heidi Rich at
heidi@artbuddies.org

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