In the photo: Jory Mages, Mages Group; Julie Fredrickson, WEB Construction; John Kellen, Grand Center for Arts & Culture; Jordyn Keranen, MLC ECLC

The Willkommen Committee would like to welcome the Grand Center for Arts & Culture’s new Executive Director John Kellen. 

John is originally from Minnesota and studied German at Gustavus. After grad school, he had the opportunity to travel to around 60 countries (2 to 3 million miles) before teaching international business in Arizona. He then spent 20 years working in real estate before moving back to Willmar to be with his parents.

John is thrilled to be in New Ulm and working at the Grand, a place he believes is a local and regional treasure.  It has given him the opportunity to dive more into his creative side where he already has experience in photography, writing, and documentary filming.  His favorite part of the job is meeting so many interesting people while learning old style print, linoleum carving, and much more. 

The Grand hosts a variety of programs where anyone can learn fascinating art techniques. They offer free live music nearly every Friday, as well as a host of classes and other events.

If you’d like to learn more about the Grand Center for Arts & Culture, visit their website at thegrandnewulm.org or call 507-359-9222.  They are located at 210 N Minnesota Street in New Ulm.  Congratulations and welcome to John Kellen!