ABOUT THE NEW YORK MILLS REGIONAL CULTURAL CENTER
Building a Legacy of Arts in Rural Minnesota
On a mission to be a rural hub for creativity, community vitality, and lifelong learning in the arts.
Who We Are
The New York Mills Regional Cultural Center (legally the New York Mills Arts Retreat) is a multidisciplinary arts organization dedicated to expanding cultural and creative opportunities for rural Americans. Founded in 1990 by John Davis, the Cultural Center is a place where art, ideas, and community thrive.
Located in the historic Finnish-founded town of New York Mills, MN, the Cultural Center offers a year-round calendar of arts programming, artist residencies, festivals, and community events—all designed to connect people through creativity. We have been cultivating the arts on Main Avenue for more than three decades.
Our Legacy & Impact
Since our inception in 1990, the Cultural Center has grown from a small rural arts initiative into a vibrant regional hub for creativity, connection, and lifelong learning. From the beginning and throughout our history, we have:
Welcomed hundreds of artists of all disciplines for uninterrupted time to create and connect with rural Minnesota through our Arts Retreat residency program (our original cornerstone).
Expanded arts learning opportunities beyond our walls and into schools, senior centers, and community spaces, ensuring access to creativity for all ages.
Sponsored annual festivals and community gatherings that celebrate art, culture, and local heritage.
Produced The Great American Think-Off (since 1993), a nationally recognized philosophy contest for the ordinary person.
The Cultural Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, supported by memberships, donations, business sponsorships, foundation grants, and government funding. This vital support has sustained our mission for more than three decades.
OUR MISSION
To be a rural hub for creativity, community vitality, and lifelong learning in the arts.
OUR VISION
To connect people to artists and rich cultural experiences in rural Minnesota, celebrating the local and being a window to the world.
OUR VALUES
Hospitality
Everyone is warmly welcomed and invited to use the resources available through the Center
Expansive understanding/role of the arts
To include visual, performing, literary & folk arts, as well as arts in wellness, health, justice & healing
Inclusivity
We create an environment of belonging in which each and every person feels valued and respected
Community
We value art and artists for the sake of strengthening and enriching the fabric of community life
Drawing sustenance from the local
The creative work of the Center is informed by where we live and work
Leadership
We understand our role in the community as actively promoting next-generation growth and social, cultural, and economic vitality
Meet Our Team
2026 Board Members
The volunteer Board of Directors of the Cultural Center actively participates in policy development for the Center, strategic planning, and financial oversight for the organization.
Latham Hetland
Chair, New York Mills
Jennifer Parta
Vice Chair, Perham
Sarah Carlson
Secretary, New York Mills
Kirstin Roberts
New York Mills
Mindi Larson
Perham
Lynne Penke Valdes
Dalton
Christina Peeters Kickhafer
New York Mills
Cyrus Bickell
Perham
Staff
Cultural Center staff members carry out the mission of the organization through program and activity planning and execution, and assist in making connections between artists and community members.
Betsy Roder
Executive Director
Megan Shirley-Ross
Artistic Director
Emily Ericksrud
Program Specialist
Pam Mahling
Operations Specialist
Avery Perala
Program Assistant
Sofia Godinez Milantoni
Program Assistant
Lindsay Kennedy
Summer Arts Education Coordinator
Kip Peltoniemi
Maintenance
Jaime Kopveiler
Overflow Creative, Marketing & Design Contractor
Photos courtesy of overflow Creative and Impressions by Sarah Photography.
Proud Partners
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement
The New York Mills Regional Cultural Center is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and compassion. We unequivocally condemn intolerance, racism, and all forms of hatred. We seek to listen and learn, and to amplify the voices of the under- and mis-represented. We approach this work with optimism, courage, and humility, knowing that we will make mistakes, learn, and adapt along the way.