Board of Directors & Staff

Audrey Lindemann is a poet and songwriter with an original voice. Classically trained as a pianist from a young age, she later wove together influences from folk, punk, and opera to create an eclectic live sound. Her performances have also incorporated elements of puppetry and clowning.

Her poetry has been nominated for a Pushcart Prize, and she presented her chapbook, I Named Her Impulse, at the 2025 Climate Culture Salon in New Orleans. She is a 2026 artist-in-residence at the UW Trout Lake Station Drawing Water Artist Residency.

Contact: audrey@lolaartswi.com

Denise first fell in love with the Land O'Lakes area during her inaugural visit to Black Oak Lake in 1974. After raising her family in Geneva, Illinois, she embraced the opportunity in 2016 to return north and serve the Watersmeet/Land O'Lakes community as the Education and Outreach Coordinator for the ISCCW. Following her retirement from that role, she continued her commitment by volunteering as the organization's President for three years.

She holds an associate degree in Dental Hygiene as well as an Associate of Applied Science in Horticulture, specializing in sustainable landscaping—fields in which she has worked throughout her career.

A dedicated community volunteer, Denise has contributed her time and leadership to numerous boards and committees, including the Land O'Lakes Community Garden, CCROA Board, SISU Ski Fest in Ironwood, The Musky Expo, and the "Before I Die" Project. She is currently leading the newly established Watersmeet Beautification Committee.

Denise believes strongly that giving our time is the most meaningful way to create lasting change and growth. She feels that LOLA enriches the region immeasurably by fostering creativity, connection, and a sense of belonging within the broader arts community.

Diane recently retired from BAE Systems in Phoenix, Arizona where she was a pricing manager for 36 years. She has a bachelor of science degree in Accounting and a master's degree in Business Administration. Diane has vacationed on Black Oak Lake since the 1970's, and became a full-time resident there joining her husband Bill and his blue heeler Shadow in the Fall of 2021. She is the mother of two adult sons, John and Sam.

Diane has enjoyed craft projects since she was young and likes to learn new skills. She also likes dinner parties with friends, games, walking, kayaking, boating, snowmobiling, and has recently taken up snowshoeing. Diane doesn't profess to have any real art talent but is in awe of those who do.

She is impressed with the positive impact and the opportunities for friendly social interaction that LOLA has given the local community, and is excited to be a part of this amazing organization and its future endeavors.

Dori Hazen, a lifelong artist with an interest in working across many creative mediums, joined the LOLA Arts Board of Directors in July 2026 after serving as a Summer Event Intern with LOLA in June and July of 2025.

Born and raised in Watersmeet, Michigan, Dori is a proud member of the Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians. She attended Northern Michigan University, where she studied Art & Design with a focus on Digital Cinema.

Professionally, Dori works as an Event Lead at Northern Waters Casino Resort, where she helps plan and coordinate events. Outside of work, Dori enjoys hiking, beach days, painting, drawing, skiing, swimming, and attending local live music performances. She also organizes independent pop-up music events and is developing a documentary project that will preserve and share the stories, traditions, and life experiences of Tribal Elders and community members for future generations.

Dori was drawn to LOLA because of its commitment to supporting local artists and providing creative opportunities for people of all ages.

Galia has been in Land O' Lakes since 1979. She raised her son Juston in Land O' Lakes, where she was involved with PTO, Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, and the Conover/LOL soccer program, and managed the Tia Juana Supper Club and later Leif's.

She became a snowbird in 1998 but returned to Wisconsin every year for 5+ months. While in Georgia, she volunteered at the Ronald McDonald House, the local community clothes closet, and her church for many years.

Returning to Land O' Lakes in 2025 as a full-time resident, she is once again involved in the community, volunteering at the VFW and LOLA, and serving on the boards of Public Arts and the Black Oak Lake Preservation Foundation.

She enjoys outdoor activities, crafting, reading, gardening, hiking, and traveling.

"I am honored to be working with the creative minds that are LOLA... and hope to be an asset to this wonderful organization."

Land O' Lakes Arts (LOLA) is excited to announce the hiring of our new Program Director, Heather Grimes. With a strong background in the arts, music, theater, and community programming, Heather brings a passion for creativity, community engagement, and the transformative power of the arts. In this role, Heather will be responsible for developing and overseeing LOLA's diverse range of classes, workshops, and events, while working closely with artists, instructors, and the community to continue LOLA's mission of enriching lives through the arts.

Heather was most recently the Special Events Coordinator for the Bonifas Arts Center in Escanaba, MI, where she gained experience in events management, arts administration, and community outreach. Heather has had a lifelong passion for the stage – she has been in over 50 productions. Besides acting, singing, and dancing, Heather has in-depth knowledge in all things theater – from hair and makeup to sound design and light board operation. Heather has led teams as both a backstage manager and a production stage manager, and she directed her first show in 2007.

Heather spends her free time enjoying the outdoors fishing and playing disc golf. She also loves singing in a band with her father.

Contact: heather.lolaarts@gmail.com

Ken retired in 2018 from a 35 year music teaching career in the Kenosha School District. In his new career after retirement, he is having fun as a professional nature photographer.

Ken's two photography books–Joy Cake and Musings–featured poetry written by Ken's late mother Margaurite.

Ken currently serves on the board of the Emberlight Festival as Director of Photography and as board president of the Artistree Gallery.

Most recently, Ken's photography is serving as a visual companion to recording artist Julie Chapman's extraordinary solo piano performances on YouTube. Julie's videos paired with Ken's images have reached over 2 million views.

Ken also recently collaborated with author Cindy Pesek on Just in Case Faith and Stories of Grace - a beautiful work of spiritual stories and poetry featuring Ken's floral photography.

Ken's portfolio has recently been featured in photography exhibits at The Creative Space in Kenosha, Wisconsin, the Alexander House Gallery in Port Edwards, Wisconsin, the ArtStart Gallery in Rhinelander, Wisconsin and at the Emberlight Festival in Ironwood, Michigan.

Ken's work can be found in the Artistree Gallery in Land O' Lakes, at the Downtown Art Place in Ironwood, Michigan and on his website at KenWielePhotography.com.

Having grown up vacationing every year with her family in the Northwoods, Jan is now living her dream – retired and settled full-time in Land O' Lakes with her husband. Since making this beloved vacation spot her permanent home, she's discovered a community even more vibrant and welcoming than she ever imagined – and LOLA has been a big part of that. As a Board member, Jan is proud to support LOLA's mission of expanding access to the arts in the community she now gratefully calls home.

Jan grew up in the Quad-Cities and moved in the 80's to the Chicagoland area for a new job opportunity in construction. Over four decades, she rose through leadership positions, eventually becoming Vice President at STV, a national engineering firm, and led the company's Midwest construction and program management initiatives. Known for her supportive leadership and inclusive values, she mentored colleagues and empowered smaller firms through collaboration and partnership pursuits.

A graduate of Western Illinois, Jan also is a Certified Construction Manager and LEED Accredited Professional. She was active in various professional organizations including serving as local chapter president. She also served on the National Boards of the Construction Management Association of America and One Hope United, a nonprofit, providing child and family services.

Jan embraces retirement as a chance not only to enjoy a new pace of life but also to give back. She also currently serves on the Public Art Committee of Land O Lakes, the Northwoods Girls Golf, and the Christmas Belle Education Award committee that provides support to eligible students pursuing post-secondary education. Jan hopes to bring her experience, commitment and dedication to help LOLA continue to be a cornerstone of the community – sparking creativity, fostering connection and enriching lives.

Kay Schroeder has been part of the Land O' Lakes community since 2016, when she and her husband purchased land and built a cottage here. In 2022 they moved to their property full-time, embracing everything the Northwoods has to offer. Their love for Vilas County began more than 20 years ago after a spontaneous Labor Day weekend trip to a small cottage in St. Germain with their two young children and two golden retrievers.

Kay brings over 30 years of experience in human service–related fields. In 2006, she and her husband founded a corporate guardianship agency, which they have grown over the past two decades to serve nearly 600 people throughout Wisconsin with the support of an exceptional team of 25 professionals.

Since making Land O' Lakes their full-time home, Kay has become an active community member, joining the Christmas Belles, the Christmas Belles Education Award Committee, and the Community Garden. She is enthusiastic about the opportunity to serve on the LOLA Board and contribute to the inspiring work being done to nurture the arts in the area. She feels a deep connection to the creativity and spiritual expression of local artists and is grateful for the chance to support and be part of that effort.

Originally from Colorado, Michael moved to the area full time in 2024. A former literature professor, Michael now spends his time as a critical, creative, and technical writer. He also spent brief stints as a research coordinator, nonprofit organizer, international peace worker, kindergarten aide, and child CASA (court appointed special advocate), among other things.

In addition to his interest in drawing, film, and music, Michael also enjoys spending time on the hundreds of miles of area trails; running, hiking, or falling down on cross-country skis. An advocate of the arts—and community engagement in general—Michael is excited to be a part of LOLA and help sustain its open, engaging, and creatively collaborative spirit.