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We're taking applications for LCAA Board positions. Bring your creative, organizational and/or leadership skills to help make LCAA the best organization it can be. Being on the Board is a wonderful opportunity to support the LCAA and support the community. It's also a great way to meet the community members and to network with other Lake City organizations.
(Note: background checks are mandatory for new Board members).
BOARD OF DIRECTORS BIO’S
Meet Karen Smith ~ Chair
Karen grew up in North Dakota on a family grain farm. She attended Concordia College, Moorhead MN earning a degree in Home Economics Education and a Master of Arts from the U of M, Twin Cities. Karen taught Family and Consumer Science for 36 years and during her career, led a student group that established a large outdoor school garden. Karen and her husband were drawn to Lake Cities’ natural beauty and moved here in 2022. She is an animal lover who enjoys hiking, spending time with friends, trying new recipes, entertaining, and traveling. Karen is a John Denver fan and has attended several of his concerts. She appreciates all forms of art, especially textile art, pottery, and the culinary arts. Karen is excited about the future of LCAA and is looking forward to collaborating with the community to continue to bring a diverse mixture of art experiences here.
Meet lisa zmuda ~ vice-chair
Lisa Zmuda, a Blaine, Minnesota native who moved to Lake City in 2020 after falling in love with Lake Pepin during a 1992 Mother’s Day visit. She is a Realtor, business coach, and artist with 25+ years of sales and marketing experience. Lisa holds a BFA in Graphic/Advertising Design from the College of Visual Arts (formerly) in St. Paul. She enjoys digital design, blogging, podcasting, and is passionate about the arts. Lisa is married, a mom of three, and a nana to four granddaughters. In her free time, she loves writing, painting, gardening, thrifting, exploring, and spending time with friends and family across Minnesota, Michigan, and Pennsylvania.
Favorite Food: GG's Polish Galumpki's ~ Favorite Dance Song: It's All for You -Janet Jackson
Meet ~ Secretary - VACANT
Meet ~ Treasurer - VACANT
Meet Jason WRIGHT
Jason Wright is a full-time music teacher with Rochester Public Schools and brings a wealth of experience in music education, programming, community outreach, and volunteer leadership. His background includes serving as Music Director for the Park Rapids Classic Chorale, serving as a music leader and accompanist at St. John's Lutheran Church in Kasson, and recording and editing six easy-listening piano albums. Jason is “good at coming up with joyful and artistic ideas, good at analyzing collections of information, and enjoy the creativity and relaxation around creating and appreciating art.” His passion for the arts, education, and community service, combined with his creativity and collaborative spirit, will be a tremendous asset as the Lake City Area Arts Center continues to strengthen its connection with the community and expand opportunities for arts and culture.
Meet Art Orth
Born to Norwegian immigrants from Hell (Minnesota), Art grew up in and graduated from high school in Hastings MN. In his words, “It took me 48 years to float the 40 miles downriver to lovely Lake City.” Art married Terri and began living their real-life rendition of the Brady Bunch with 6 kids (3 boys and 3 girls), their own versions of Greg, Marsha, Peter, Jan, Bobby, and Cindy. He retired from teaching Computer Architecture at Metro State University to move to a wonderful neighborhood in Lake City with some amazing neighbors in 2019 . The power of creativity driven by the inspiration of the imagination is why Art dabbles in Silversmithing, Stained Glass, Poetry, Woodworking, and why he volunteers his time to help the Lake City Area Arts carry on into its 2nd decade.
Favorite Food: Lasagna Favorite ~ Dance Song: Shout! -Isley Brothers
Meet terri Orth
Terri Orth is a Columbia Heights Minnesota native who retired to Lake City in 2019 with her husband, Art. Her mom, Jean Kahla, was raised here, and Terri frequented Lake City as a child, visiting her grandparents. Terri has an accounting degree from the U of M - Minneapolis and tempers her business side by enjoying all forms of art and regularly exercising her creative side through photography, poetry and trying new things. Terri most enjoys time with family and friends, she enjoys baking, boating, gardening, and spending time in nature.
Favorite Food: - Pecan Crusted Sea Bass ~ Favorite Dance Song: Devil with a Blue Dress On -Mitch Ryder
Meet Jim Rahm
Jim Rahm is a retired octogenarian, and with his wife Sue, moved back to Lake City in 2012 to be close to their children and grandchildren. His working life included 8 years in Research and Development, and 33 years in Sales and Marketing. Jim also spent many years as a member and volunteer with the Frontenac State Park Association, of which, several years he served as president. During his tenure he earned Volunteer Master Naturalist status through U of M Extension and was honored to be the Master of Ceremonies for the 50th anniversary celebration of the parks founding. He is a writer and storyteller with great appreciation for most artists and artforms. Some of Jim’s strengths are being able to look at the big picture, and engaging people in meaningful dialogue, he considers himself a lifelong student.
Favorite food: Ahi tuna, lightly seared ~ Favorite dance song: -Blue Skirt Waltz
The LCAA Board typically meets the 3rd Tuesday of each month.

