Robbie Brokken. Photo credit: Lanesboro Arts
Lanesboro, Minn. – The Lanesboro Arts Board of Directors announces that long-time Gallery Director Robbie Brokken will be retiring from the organization at the end of June 2021. The Board and Leadership express much gratitude for her 17 years with the organization, during which the Gallery has grown into a thriving space for regional artists and their work.
Since starting with Lanesboro Arts, Brokken has expanded the Gallery from 20 artists to over 90 regional artists across a variety of art forms. Supporting artists has always been the focus of Brokken’s work and at the heart of the organization’s mission. Brokken launched the Lanesboro Arts Emerging Artist Exhibition program, supporting the work of over 15 emerging artists in their first art exhibition. With her curation, the Gallery currently offers high quality work ranging from emerging artists to established artists at a variety of price points, all with the focus of connecting artists to the community while supporting their artwork.
Through a variety of Gallery programs throughout the year, Brokken provided opportunities for connection and exchange with art as the vehicle. One of many exhibition highlights from Brokken’s career at Lanesboro Arts was a partnership with the Iraqi and American Reconciliation Project (IARP) that included an exhibition of Iraqi art and a reception for 14 Iraqi delegates. Other partnerships forged during Brokken’s time at the Gallery include Commonweal Theatre, Textile Center of Minnesota, the Smithsonian, and many more.
Under Brokken’s leadership, the Lanesboro Arts Gallery has provided meaningful opportunities for young students and artists to find their passion and artistic outlet. Brokken created the annual regional high school art exhibition featuring work from students from Lanesboro, Chatfield, Mable, Fillmore Central, and Rushford-Peterson schools. Many students from area schools also visited the Gallery for educational visits over the years. Since starting the Gallery internship program, Brokken has mentored over 14 aspiring artists throughout their internship, preparing them for a future career in the arts.
As Brokken says, “All of these things have provided me with tremendous edification. I feel pride and gratitude for closing out my life long career in the arts at Lanesboro Arts.”
Lanesboro Arts board chair Mike Augustin expressed thanks for Brokken’s tenure at Lanesboro Arts, saying, “The Lanesboro Arts Board of Directors is incredibly grateful for Robbie’s long-standing leadership in supporting regional artists and bringing high quality art to our community. Her lasting impact is measured through deep relationships with artists, clientele, and organizations — as well as through her special focus on youth education and opportunities. We wish her well in her retirement!”
Brokken’s last day will be Wednesday, June 30th, 2021. The Board and Leadership are currently hiring for a Gallery and Communications Manager and look forward to a smooth transition. After Brokken’s retirement, she plans to continue with her own artwork, spend more time with family, and travel.
Lanesboro Arts Board and Leadership will host a virtual Retirement Party in honor of Brokken on Friday, June 25th at 6:30 p.m. This celebratory event will be a virtual gathering at the request of Brokken and is open to the public. To register for free, please visit lanesboroarts.org/calendar/robbie-retirement.
(Lanesboro Arts)
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