Our Mission is to provide art experiences for all ages and to offer support and creative opportunities for local artists.
Our Vision is to cultivate an environment in which the Arts flourish, grow, and enrich our community.
Meet the Board Members
This refined group of folks keeps the JCA running smoothly! If you see them around, be sure to thank them for keeping art alive in our town!
Cay Gjertson
Board President
Cay graduated from high school in Jackson. She spent time in England, the Caribbean, and South America and teaching in Minneapolis prior to moving back to Jackson in 2018 to be near her parents. She became Interim Executive Director until locating a qualified person in Ferman Woodberry and continues to write grants to support JCA.
Liliana B. Castillo
Vice-President
Lily is a Latina mother of 2 college students whose husband works at a local manufacturing facility. She co-instructs the ESL class and helps us connect with the Spanish speaking community through art and cultural activities. She studies Business Administration, is a volunteer at the Food Shelf in Jackson and the Des Moines Valley Health & Human Services - Community Health Planner. Lily also volunteers with various non-profit organizations and helps the community through donations. She holds a degree in Human Resources Management and works as a professional pet groomer.
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Kayra Avalos
Office
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Keyra Avalos
Office
Keyra Avalos is a volunteer and a board member at JCA, at 19 years she has lived in Jackson for 4 years and earned her liberal arts degree. Keyra is a fine arts artist with a focus on drawing, oil pastels and crochet.
Rhonda Brandt
Rhonda Brandt, is a retired school principal who resides in rural Sioux Valley township where she works along side of her husband. They own and operate Brandt Gardens and Greenhouse, where they provide fresh locally grown produce to the area along with a variety of flowers and plants which are sold in the spring.
Farmers Market & TreaSurer
Michael Dahlin
Music Consultant
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Luke Ewald
Secretary
Luke grew up in Monticello, MN, attended St Cloud State University for a degree in public health, and moved to Jackson in 2014 to work at Des Moines Valley Health and Human Services (DVHHS) public health unit for Cottonwood and Jackson Counties. His primary role at DVHHS focuses on preventative health initiatives in community, childcare/daycare, healthcare, school, and worksite settings. Public health is about creating relationships within the community, and being part of the JCA is a great opportunity to help[ connect folks with art programs, music, and the Riverside Farmers and Makers Market.
Kathy Fransen
Music Consultant
Kathy has been a life long lover of music, art, and creativity. She studied Theatre in college, and became involved with the Jackson County Art Guilds in 1980. Since then has expressed her creative side through choreography, music, and performance in the community. In 2006 she was a founder of the Rhythm of the River Music Festival, and has also hosted house concerts in her home. In 2016 she was a founding board member of JCA, and coordinated the ‘Living Room’ concerts that have been a staple for music fans through the years. She enjoys creating costumes, and exploring new and creative ideas to enhance The Arts in our community. Kathy lives on a farm near Jackson with her husband Craig. They enjoy traveling, attending music festivals, and spending time with grandchildren.
Ferman Woodberry
Gallery Curator
Ferman was born and raised in Boston, MA. He graduated from Gustavus Adolphus College with a Art degree. Most of his career was in Campus Security. Ferman is retired and spends most of his time working on his art.
Jesika Mitchell
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Linda Titus
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Meet our artists, makers, and instructors
Gayle More
Gypsy Artist/Instructor
Born and raised in Jackson, MN
I call myself the art Gypsy because I enjoy all types of art ...painting, sculpting, beads, wire, I try it all!!
My arting classes have been anywhere from Bob Ross style, watercolor , acrylic, airbrushing, oils,cloth, yarn, floss...
As a child my parents kept me busy with anything using my hands.
Many times we call out art our therapy!! Making a mess is very relaxing for me!!
I have been lucky enough to have been involved in a few art “hangings” in Worthington. Okiboji & Fairmont and Jackson !!!
My belief is that everyone has artistic ability... you just have different talents!!! And you maybe haven’t brought it out yet!!!
Pam Pronk
SPOTS Coordinator
Pam Pronk has been a resident of Jackson for 38 years. She is a retired Preschool Para from the local school district. In her free time, she enjoys handy work and working with her dogs.
Linda Clarksean
Drawing, Children
Eunice Woodberry
Fiber Arts Instructor
Fiber Artist - Eunice has a lifetime of sewing experience from sewing clothing, repairs, and quilting. She is also experienced with hand quilting, simple machine quilting, and crocheting (but not knitting). She teaches beginning sewing, quilting, applique, and crocheting classes for all ages. JCA has 6 new sewing machines and sewing kits so we are able to teach true beginners.
