Laurie Kess | Another Opening, Another Show

The first time I got involved with the Northern Lakes Arts Association was in its very first musical production, Working. From that moment, I was hooked. I knew I wanted to be part of this team of creating, moving, singing, storytelling people. The energy, the laughter, the purpose. It filled a space in my life that only the arts can.

One of my favorite memories is of Bernie Hutar opening Kiss Me Kate with the song “Another Opening, Another Show.” That song has stayed with me ever since, because it captures the excitement and community that form around every production. No matter what show we are doing, the bond built through creating together is what makes it special.

NLAA is a local organization that brings high-quality arts experiences to Northern Minnesota. Its gifts to Ely go far beyond entertainment. It adds to our quality of life, gives us challenging content to think about, brings joy, creates opportunities for artistic expression, and contributes to our local economy.

What fills me with the most pride is seeing young people get involved in the arts. When I see kids performing, painting, or discovering their creative spark, I light up. Having NLAA here gave my own arts-loving son, Brian, a wonderful childhood growing up in Ely. I believe that experiences like those help shape confident, curious, and compassionate people.

Ely has everything that makes living here fantastic, safety, good schools, outdoor life, sports, and art in all its forms. Those are the things that make me proud to call this place home. The arts are not just an addition; they are part of what makes this community complete.

When I am involved with NLAA, I get to “do” artistic things. That fills a need in me. I see people grow, find friendships, and become part of a team. There is a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose that is rare and deeply fulfilling.

Every gift, large or small, helps NLAA continue this good work. Your support keeps performances on stage, opportunities open for artists of all ages, and creativity alive in Ely.

During Give to the Max, your donation is matched through NLAA’s $20,000 fund, so every dollar goes twice as far in keeping the arts strong and accessible.

Together, we can make sure there will always be another opening, another show, and another opportunity to bring people together through the power of art.