Kellen Boice was born and raised in Sioux Falls, SD. She graduated in 2000 from Roosevelt High School where she excelled in Marketing, Photography, Theatre and Graphic Art. Following high school, she started working full-time as a studio photographer for Harold’s Photo Center and freelancing weddings and seniors portraits. From 2004 – 2007 Kellen attended the Art Institute of Phoenix,  graduating with a BA in Advertising. After graduation, she started work as a marketing representative and in-house graphic designer for a master-planned community in Peoria, AZ. In 2011 she moved back to Sioux Falls to be closer to family and in 2014 started her role as Executive Director for the Sioux Falls Design Center where she worked hosting events to support and elevate the design community. November of 2019, she left the Design Center and started as the Executive Director for the Sioux Falls Arts Council. Kellen sits on the Visual Arts Commission for the City of Sioux Falls, is an inaugural member of the Dakota State University Digital Arts and Design Advisory Board for 2021-22, and board member for the Friends of McKennan Park Neighborhood Association and recently graduated from the Minneapolis College of Art in Design with a Masters in Creative Leadership.

Shane Wuebben is a Sioux Falls native, and, because of the vibrant arts community, he is proud to continue to call Sioux Falls his home.  He serves as the Fine Arts Coordinator for the Sioux Falls School District, where he works with all teachers and programs for visual arts, music, theater, speech and debate, oral interp, and most recently Esports.  Shane is now in his 20th year working in education, which has included teaching vocal music at both elementary and secondary levels as well as building and district-wide administration.  He enjoys being able to continue making music as a member of the South Dakota Symphony Orchestra Chorus.

Joel Rische is a partner at Davenport, Evans, Hurwitz, and Smith, LLP, where he is a civil litigation attorney. Prior to becoming a lawyer, Joel traveled South Dakota learning about its arts, culture, history, and music as a videographer, editor, and producer at South Dakota Public Broadcasting. Through the years, Joel has also participated in the local scene as a drummer (and sometimes guitar player and singer) in several bands. After a stint in Nebraska, where Joel attended the University of Nebraska College of Law, he and wife Jackelyn Severin returned to Sioux Falls in 2015. Joel and Jackie enjoy raising their rambunctious toddler, attending local shows, and strolling the downtown sculpture walk.

As the founder of Rose and Eugene Presents, Mel Cotton has established a dynamic space, serving as a hybrid gallery and retailer that showcases contemporary art and gifts from talented artists and makers in the Great Plains and Midwest. Before dedicating her efforts to Rose and Eugene Presents, Mel played a pivotal, nearly decade-long role in managing, marketing, and purchasing for a distinguished American craft gallery, collaborating with high-craft artisans from the United States, Canada, and Europe. With a background in studio arts and an emphasis in printmaking, Mel’s academic journey at SDSU laid the foundation for her passion for the arts. Beyond her professional pursuits, Mel enjoys relaxed moments at home, snuggling with her husband and furry companions, and cultivating a domestic jungle.

Deya Thorin was born on the Island of Hispaniola, in the Dominican Republic. She became a United States citizen in 1994 and loves the founding principles of this country. She and her husband Todd have been married for 35 years and have raised six children and are the proud grandparents of seven grandchildren. She has worked as a freelance Spanish Judicial Interpreter and Translator. She is an accomplished artist and professional model with a second degree black belt in Taekwondo. She can also twist a chicken’s head off and turn it into dinner. She has served as a Counselor in the Young Women and Relief Society Organizations of The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints. She also served as a leader, together with her husband, in the church’s addiction recovery program. She loves to entertain, cook and watch baking shows. Reading daily has become a great habit and she loves her book club sisters. Her children and grandchildren are her joy and her husband is her hero.

James Landon is a music Artist and Fashion Designer born and raised in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. After serving four years honorably in the Marine Corps, James moved to LA to start his music and fashion career then returned to Sioux Falls to open a clothing and arts event space. Passionate about infiltrating the art scene into the community, James brings to the table innovative thinking, unique perspective, and a drive to diversify art accessibility.

Maren Engel is the Arts Coordinator for the City of Sioux Falls. Her past work as Engagement Leader with Thrivent, supporting the organization’s philanthropic, community partnership, and generosity efforts as well as coaching new financial advisors through strategic business and marketing planning. She holds a bachelor of arts in music from Augustana University. Maren also works as a professional performing artist, voice teacher and arts advocate in the Sioux Falls area, performing with local organizations including the Good Night Theatre Collective, Midtown Coffee Radio Hour, and Transept. In addition to her work on the SFAC, Maren serves as board president for Breathe Bravely, a local non-profit that supports individuals with cystic fibrosis through singing lessons and music therapy. Maren lives in busy downtown Sioux Falls and is passionate about the continued development and support of the arts throughout the city.