Meet the Nemeth Team

Nicolle LaFleur
Executive Director
Nicolle has joined the NAC after working in various non-profits and humanitarian organizations in the US and abroad over the past 25 years. She hopes to strengthen the NAC's role as a center for community engagement and learning.
​Barry Simonson
chair
Barry joined the board in 2013 after being ambassador to the "Woven Welcome" project. He studied art at MSU Moorhead with an emphases in print making, In 2000 he participated in an Artist residence at the Plains Art Museum and started homesteading in the lakes region.  In 2002 he relocate his family with the attitude of "Art can be experienced anywhere". 
Michele Thieman
SECRETARY
Michele has been a part of the Board for nearly 2 years. She is a Family Medicine Physician at Essentia Health. She enjoys working with people engaged in a world so different from her own. She loves all forms of art, even cooking (which is one of her better ways of expressing herself). She enjoys hiking and biking with her son and husband, and also time in a canoe.
​Jeremy Simonson
Treasurer
Jeremy is an event planner for 3M Wonewok, photographer and artist.  Moved to the area in 2012 from Minneapolis and joined the NAC board in 2015. Jeremy received his theater arts degree from MSU Moorhead and masters in acting from Purdue. He is excited to be a part of the Nemeth’s development, making the region an exciting arts and cultural destination.
Linda Van Bruggen
Board of Directors
Linda joined the Board in 2018. After a career in science in the Twin Cities, she moved to Wadena with her husband and kids where she served on the Arts Council and was involved in the restoration of the Historic Depot and establishment of the Back Stage Cafe. Having relocated to Park Rapids, Linda has found her new connection to the arts at the Nemeth and is thrilled to help organize volunteer activities. 
Esther Simon
Board of Directors
Aaron Spangler
Vice Chair
​Aaron is a visual artist whose work has been featured in New York, Berlin, Minneapolis, North Carolina, and the Netherlands. His work has been reviewed by The New York Times, The New Yorker, Artforum, etc. Graduate of MCAD, he joined the Nemeth in 2008. His relations have been valuable in shaping the museum’s mission.
Laura Grisamore
Board of Directors
Laura, a native Iowan, has made Park Rapids her home since 2013. She is a photographer, artist and business owner of Lauralee Photography Studio. In the winter months she enjoys substitute teaching in the Nevis School District. She has served on the NAC board for 5 years, currently chair of Region 2 Arts Council and also serves on The Park Rapids Arts and Culture Advisory Commission. 
David Welle
Board of Directors
David is a producer, designer, and writer for corporate events. Born and raised in Park Rapids, he has toured extensively throughout the United States and Europe producing shows for a variety of American theater and dance companies.