Executive Director

Patrick Calder-Carriere returned to the Bemidji area and joined the Region 2 Arts Council in July of 2024. He was a Professor of Theater, Creative Writing, and English in the Minnstate system for 2 decades. Patrick’s passion for the arts has led him to perform and study in Greece, Cyprus, China, Japan, Russia, and England. One highlight of his career is the 8 years he worked with the Thunderbird Theater at Haskell Indian Nations University where he witnessed how the arts bring together communities, celebrate culture, and create conversations. Patrick holds a Ph.D. in Dramatic History and Criticism and a Master’s degree in Theater/International Theater from the University of Kansas, a Master’s degree in English Literature/Composition from Minnesota State University – Mankato, and Bachelor’s degrees in Theater and Education from Bemidji State University, and Biology from Carleton College.

Grants Manager

Holly has worked with the Region 2 Arts Council since 2010. She is our data maven, office guru, and tech support. If you need information about your grant, need technical assistance with work samples, are missing a payment or paperwork, she’s the one to contact. Holly worked for a decade as a graphic designer, and as an art teacher for K-12 students in the decade before that. She holds a Masters of Arts In Interdisciplinary Studies – Women Studies, Fine Art and Graphic Design – from Oregon State University and a Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art from Wells College in Aurora, NY. Holly paints lively and colorful figures, draws comics, and occasionally acts in local theater productions.

Bookkeeper/Finance Manager

Michele started with Region 2 Arts Council in 2022 and her passion for the arts and knowledge for accounting made her a great fit. Her love of numbers, eagerness to learn new things, and devotion to helping others find success in their professional lives through organization are great assets.

Michele grew up enjoying music and the arts in the Philippines. She has been living in Minnesota since 2014 and received her accounting degree from Minnesota State Community and Technical College where she also took classes in painting and music history. She is currently learning to play the piano and even working on hitting the drums, as the arts are a centerpiece in her home and family life.

Outreach Coordinator

Ogimaa grew up in the Great Lakes Area, but has been living in Bemidji full-time since 2017. They are a member of the Turtle Mountain band of Ojibwe. Ogimaa has loved the arts since they were a child, spending all their free time filling up sketchbooks one after another. They are a team player that holds value in connecting with other people. They hold a passion for using art as a means to connect with others through storytelling. They hold a Bachelors degree in Fine Arts with an emphasis in illustration, as well as a minor in Indigenous studies; both from Bemidji State University. Currently they are enjoying time in the state parks around the area and hiking with their dog, Fern.