Arts Experiences

Matthew Connolly: Connolly is the advancement manager at Park Square Theatre, leading development and marketing efforts to enhance community engagement and support for the arts. With a BA in communication and art from Saint John's University, he brings diverse experience in nonprofit management, social media strategy, and fundraising. Connolly is also a mixed media artist, recognized with multiple awards including the Minnesota State Fair Arts awards. He is the recipient of the Eagle Scout honor. ; Melissa Coons: Coons is a fiber artist and freelance video editor. She excels at bringing films to life through dynamic editing and storytelling. She studied film at Bob Jones University (Greenville, SC) and served on the student newspaper. Coons ran a fiber based Etsy shop for more than a decade. She has volunteered in many capacities, serving on the ISD 191 special education committee, helping Bloomington public schools in various capacities, and volunteering as a film screener for film festivals. She is passionate about storytelling and connecting artists to their communities.; Jennifer Gorman: Gorman founded Give Back Studio, the Night Makers Market, and Pivot + Spark. In all of these endeavors, she brings community and creatives together. Gorman has a master of science in art therapy and counseling from Eastern Virginia Medical School (Norfolk, VA), is the chair of the board of directors of Northern Community Radio, and serves on the Grand Rapids Arts and Culture Commission.; Monique Hernandez: Hernandez is the development and communications director at CAPI USA, where she builds relationships with individual and corporate donors and oversees the marketing and events department. Hernandez has an extensive background in the nonprofit space and values collaboration and diversity. In 2023, she was the recipient of the Minnesota United Football Club L'Etoile du Nord Award. This award is given to a community member who embodies the values of the club: resilience, inclusivity, dedication, passion, teamwork, and respect. Hernandez received her master's in strategic leadership from Bethel University and a bachelor's degree in Spanish from Missouri State University (Springfield, MO).; John Sobieck: Sobieck is an information security, risk, and compliance professional who loves exploring the arts in his free time. He graduated with a BFA in creative and professional writing from Bemidji State University. He previously served as an intern at the Loft Literary Center and Milkweed Editions.