Carly Wogen | Finding Belonging Through the Arts

Theater has always been where I find belonging. When I moved to Ely, I was looking for a way to reconnect with the arts and find my place in the community. The Northern Lakes Arts Association became that home for me.

The first summer the professional actors came to town, I remember feeling amazed that this unbelievable level of talent had found its way to our small, remote town for an entire season. It felt like such a gift. Even now, years later, I sometimes have to remind myself how lucky we are to have Broadway-level artistry right here in Ely.

What I love about NLAA is that it creates space for everyone to be involved, whether you are an actor, artist, dancer, or someone who simply loves the arts. NLAA connects those of us who are drawn to more “indoor” creative pursuits, and it keeps Ely connected to the broader artistic world. It ensures that, even way up here, we have access to meaningful, high-quality arts programming.

One of my favorite events each year is Broadway in the Boundary Waters. The theatre geek in me absolutely loves seeing professionals and community members share the stage together. To be able to see three or four Broadway-caliber productions every summer in our little town is something I never could have imagined when I first moved here.

I also love seeing how NLAA has helped people grow into artists over time. Watching Jesse Olson go from taking dance classes with Reflections to performing his first musical role, and then becoming a lead in Matilda and absolutely bringing down the house with a hilarious performance—it has been such a joy to witness. That’s what NLAA does: it helps people see themselves in the work, and then eventually become part of it.

The arts are bringing new energy to Ely beyond the stage, too. Events like the Arts Market, Arts in the Park, and the City Band have transformed the Ely Farmers Market from a quick stop into a vibrant evening destination. You can meet friends, grab dinner, listen to music, and see art all in one place. The creative community has made that possible, and NLAA has been at the heart of it.

Living in a remote place can make it easy to forget just how far away we are from major arts centers. NLAA bridges that distance. It keeps us connected to culture, creativity, and one another. I believe deeply in having something like this here—it reminds us that art belongs everywhere, not just in big cities.

Give to the Max Day is one of the best days of the year to give to NLAA, because your gift goes further. Every donation is matched through our $20,000 fund, doubling your impact. Your contribution helps bring another season of creativity to life, from the sound booth to center stage.

When you give, you help make sure the lights stay bright, the curtains keep rising, and the next generation of Ely artists continues to grow right here at home. Together, we can keep this creative community thriving.