Cultivate MN is a non-profit advocacy group dedicated to promoting awareness within early childhood programs, family services organizations, and child welfare programs. We believe sharing stories promotes awareness and cultivates connection.
Episode 1 Podcast Guest: Dana Sikkila, 410 Project
Dana Sikkila received her Master of Arts in Printmaking as well as her Non Profit Leadership Certificate from Minnesota State University, Mankato. At just 34 years old, Sikkila has been named as one of the most well-known creative leaders of Southern Minnesota. As a creative administrator, educator, and public speaker Sikkila is noted for her theory development within creative educational research and her formation of numerous grassroots cultural projects and exhibitions throughout the state.
First known as a visual artist, Sikkila's practice combines printmaking, sculpture, and site specific installations with an impressive sense of scale and playfulness that push new ideas of contemporary art. Her work has been viewed and discussed all over the state in places such as the Minnesota Museum of American Art, Macy's Department Store, Hennipen Theatre Trust, University of Minnesota St. Paul, Minnesota Children's Museum, and the Minneapolis Institute of Art.
Over the past eight years of being Executive Director of the 410 Project Community Art Space Sikkila has introduced numerous art programs and special events for both children and adults to help strike creativity, positive self esteem, and art awareness in all of Southern Minnesota.
Besides these duties Sikkila has received numerous awards including 2017 Women's Center and President's Commission on the Status of Women's “ Women's Courage and Vision Award”, Mankato Free Press 2016 “Outstanding Woman in Business”, 2015-2016 Art Educators of Minnesota "Distinguished Service Outside the Field" Recognition, 2015 Mankato's YWCA Young Woman of Distinction, and featured artist on PBS's Off 90 in 2017, and Post Cards, Pioneer's PBS Art TV Program in 2016.
Podcast edited by: Jordyn Erickson | Meraki Marketing
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