Mission Statement
Inspiring Performing Arts in Our Community

​Vision Statement
The vision of Aitkin County Friends of the Arts is for Aitkin to Become an Arts Destination

2026 Board Members
Executive Director: Tom Kuppich
Chair: Theresa Larson
Vice President: Bob Zelenka
Treasurer: Christine Bright Marwede
Secretary: Angela Weitnauer

Programming/Performance/Marketing Director: 
Christian McShane

Members:
Bob Burchett
Jan Cherry
Jeremy Goble
Nedra Henline
Peter Lowe
Jeff Tidholm
Tom Wolden

Interested in becoming a board or committee member?
We'd love to speak with you!  Email us at: friends@aitkinarts.org

Aitkin has long been known for its interest and support of the arts. Established in 1978, a group of seven individuals made the decision to form a non-profit organization through the State of Minnesota called Aitkin County Friends of the Arts. Virginia Maxine Ridlington, Dorothy Mae Lindquist, Mark Alan Zook, Ross Alan Otto, Gregory Allan Ronnback, Gary Noel Christensen, and Iola Bolster formed the first board of directors. It was their intent to promote public involvement and exposure to visual and performing arts.

Since then, hundreds of people have donated time with Friends of the Arts working to develop a support and appreciation for arts in Aitkin. The Board of Directors and various committees are made up of volunteers who give their time to provide the community with activities that are enriching and entertaining.