About
New Richmond Fine Arts Council
Founded in 1958
The History
1958
Our Beginnings
In November of 1958, the New Richmond Fine Arts Center, Inc. was was founded by Bill and Lois McNally as a non-profit organization . The original reason for the organization was “to promote the cultural interests of the city of New Richmond and vicinity.” The goal was to not only to promote these cultural interests but to raise enough funds for an art center in New Richmond.
1959 - 1961
Arts for the Adults
During 1959-1960, $457.90 was raised through memberships. Adult enrichment was the focus with programs at the New Richmond Golf Club, visiting artists and tickets to live theater in the Twin Cities.
1962
A Focus on Children
In 1962, children became the new focus and summer workshop scholarships were awarded for students in the junior and senior high levels based strictly on merit.
1994
A New Name, A New Focus
In 1994, the board voted to change the name to the New Richmond Fine Arts Council to better reflect the focus of providing opportunities for cultural interests alone. The funds that had been raised to that point for a building were used to purchase a grand piano which now sits in the conference room at Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College (WITC). To this day, New Richmond Fine Arts Council has continued to award funds “to promote the cultural interests of the city of New Richmond and vicinity.” Music, art and theater scholarships, field trips for students to orchestral and dramatic performances, concerts, a community chorus and other cultural experiences all have been funded through requests supported by membership dues and contributions from individuals and businesses.
2021-2022 Board Members
President, Stephen Dahle
Vice President, Karen Gigure
Secretary, Julie Bergstrom
Treasurer, Alice Thomson
Barb Anderson
Mary Rang
Sherry Wolf-Halonen
Jenna Wojan
Student Representatives
New Richmond High School students are encouraged to participate as as board members. Be an art advocate and gain leadership skills. Due to COVID Student Representatives are on hold.
Email info@nrfac.org if you would like to become a student representative.
Make an Impact
“This camp was full of opportunities that could only come from a place as magical as this.”
– Julia, NRFAC WSMA Honors Workshop Scholarship recipient (2017)
For More Information:
- Contact us at: info@nrfac.org
- Connect With Us on Facebook!
- Fill out our online contact form.