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.

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.

Sara Telahun Birhe is an Augustana University graduate, (B.A. in Government, International Affairs, and Philosophy). Sara currently works in the public sector in Sioux Falls. Her current work focuses on connecting community members and governmental systems. Sara has spent the last decade living and working in the Sioux Falls area. Community, connecting, and interpersonal conversations are at the heart of Sara’s work.
She has perversely written on the place of black individuals in philosophy to open a dialogue for marginalized groups. Most recently Telahun presented at the University of Texas, Austin’s 2021 Assemblages of Empire: an American Studies Symposium. Their writing centered around ideas of natural law, belonging, ethical responsibility, and identity within the Black community. They have joined classical and contemporary philosophy to attempt to understand modern-day blackness. Sara hopes to continue this work as her understanding of what it means to be black and belong in a space.
When not working she spends time watching movies, listening to podcasts, and exploring the outdoors. She enjoys life with her family, friends, and her step-dog Mabel.

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.

Jennifer Oehme grew up in Brandon, SD, and spent time living and working in Chicago and Sarasota after graduating from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She and her husband returned to Brandon in 2005 to raise their family. While her children were young, Jennifer was the office manager and bookkeeper for the Sioux Falls Arts Council. After returning to the full-time workforce, she was the Controller for Washington Pavilion Management, Inc. for 6 years before accepting the role of Chief Financial Officer at ElevaCare in Luverne, MN. Jennifer and her husband Troy still enjoy living in Brandon and keep busy with their 5 children’s wrestling and dance activities. 

Angelica Mercado-Ford is a nationally recognized artist, poet, and educator. Originally from Jalisco, Mexico, her writing has been featured in Cream City Review, Acentos Review, Roanoke Review, Glass Poetry Press, Peatsmoke Journal, and more. She is also the author of the poetry collection TODO REVOLUCIONA. Mercado-Ford has spent nearly a decade immersed in Sioux Falls’ arts scene, working to create inclusive spaces where everyone feels seen and heard. She is passionate about making the arts more accessible and continues to advocate for opportunities that ensure broader community engagement. Her dedication to leadership and advocacy has earned her numerous community leadership awards. Angelica holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Briar Cliff University, and a Master of Education in Teaching from the University of Sioux Falls. She is currently enrolled at the University of South Dakota’s Knudson School of Law. In addition to her current work as an educator and head debate coach, Mercado-Ford is a Sutton Leadership Institute Leader, serves on the Let’s Skate Board of Directors, and is a Belonging and Inclusion Advocate for the National Speech and Debate Association. 

April Meyerink, is VP, Business Development with American Bank & Trust in Sioux Falls – River Centre.  April grew up near a small town called Revillo, SD, graduated from Brookings High School, and completed her higher education at South Dakota State University (SDSU). April and her husband Troy have a beautiful daughter, Grace, and a 2-pound Mal-Chi named Miss Pepper. Outside of work, there are lots of activities that keep her busy. She enjoys golfing, kayaking, painting, listening to music, going to the beach, hanging out with friends, and trying new restaurants. April serves on numerous boards and love giving back to our wonderful community.

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.

Erin Castle has been active in the arts industry of Sioux Falls for the past 20 years as a creator, curator and cultivator. She earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Augustana College in 2006 with an emphasis on painting and has worked in arts-based retail spaces ever since. Before joining the Visual Arts Center at the Washington Pavilion as the Assistant Curator, Erin served as General Manager for Rehfeld’s Art & Framing for 8 years. Her extensive experience spans custom framing, art conservation approaches, artful design and both corporate and residential art consultation. She has developed a wide network of artists and creators, cultivated through her experience representing artists in this region and beyond. Erin works every day to build a stronger and more vibrant arts community as seasoned musician, writer and singer for her Americana band, The Clover Fold, and continues to pursue her own creative practice through painting as well. When she’s not on stage, she is spending time gardening or exploring the outdoors with her husband, Jon, and two boys, Oscar and Arthur.

Hannah Grapevine is an elementary art teacher with roots in the Sioux Falls arts community. Throughout the nearly ten years Hannah has lived in Sioux Falls, she has participated in a wide array of art shows and events centering around the arts. Hannah graduated from Augustana University in 2020 with a bachelor’s in Fine Arts with an emphasis in painting and printmaking. In 2021, she co-founded an organization, Backartigans, that created opportunities for new and emerging artists as well as established artists to showcase and sell their work. In the past year, Hannah began volunteering in the Rogers Clay Studio at the Washington Pavilion and has explored ceramics as a medium since. 

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.

Luke Tatge is a local playwright and theatrical director whose work includes the locally premiered original musicals Daytime: A Soap Opera Musical, Alvin Fletcher’s Surprise 34th Birthday Party, Reality Wives and Suspect. In addition, Luke serves as Executive Director for the quarterly publications Sioux Falls Stage and Sioux Falls Gallery, which highlight and showcase the work of local arts organizations and artists making an impact in the performing arts and visual arts scenes and is the Creative Director at Epicosity a full-service growth partner specializing in creative, strategy, digital and media services.

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.

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.