Rusty White | One Act at a Time

When I first moved to Ely, I didn’t yet understand how deeply the arts are woven into this community. I began attending Northern Lakes Arts Association performances and was amazed by the dedication, talent, and sheer heart that went into every production. Each show revealed a group of people working together to create something bigger than themselves.

My wife became involved with NLAA, and soon after, Karl invited me to join the board. It didn’t take long for me to see how much energy, passion, and care this organization brings to our region. NLAA isn’t just about putting on plays—it’s about connecting neighbors, sparking curiosity, and giving people of all ages the chance to express themselves through art.

One performance that stands out to me is The Last Five Years. It was a tour de force of acting and singing, a demanding musical that proved what local artists are capable of when given the opportunity. Experiences like that remind me why community arts organizations matter so much. They make it possible for people to gather, reflect, and feel something together.

As a retired artist, I know how meaningful it is to have a space where creativity can thrive. Being new to Ely, I don’t have decades of local history, but I’ve quickly come to appreciate how essential NLAA is to this town’s cultural life. Without it, there would be fewer opportunities to learn, to perform, and to experience the joy that comes from live art.

What I find most inspiring is the community’s investment. The audience reactions, the volunteers who show up to build sets or sell tickets, the kids in workshops discovering their voices—all of it shows that Ely believes in what NLAA stands for. That kind of “buy-in” is rare and precious, and it’s something worth protecting.

My motivation for serving and giving is simple: I want to help sustain this creative heartbeat. I don’t need recognition or reward. It’s enough to know that my time and effort support something that makes our community stronger and healthier. Art invites us to see the world a little differently, to be moved, to connect—and those are things every town needs.

During this year’s Give to the Max campaign, NLAA has a $20,000 matching fund, meaning every dollar you give is doubled. That match helps us bring more performances to the stage, offer affordable youth programs, and ensure that everyone in Ely has access to art, regardless of income or background.

When you give to NLAA, you’re not just supporting a theatre—you’re investing in community well-being, in young artists finding their footing, and in the belief that creativity belongs to everyone.

Your gift helps make sure the lights stay bright, the stories keep unfolding, and the next generation of artists and audiences can continue to gather, laugh, and be inspired right here in Ely.

Thank you for helping keep the arts alive. Together, we can build a future worth believing in.