Northern Lakes Arts Association (NLAA) has welcomed Lily Stanley as its new director of outreach and education. Stanley will work with community members, teaching artists, volunteers, and partners to shape art education and outreach in Ely.
Stanley moved to Ely in 2023 after years of seasonal work in Alaska and Wisconsin. Drawn to the outdoors, she began participating in NLAA productions and other local arts events.
The experience meant a great deal to someone who grew up in a small farming community in Illinois, where opportunities in the arts were limited.
“I know what it’s like to feel like you’re missing out on things you love just because of where you live,” Stanley said. “I jumped at the chance to work with NLAA in creating programming that builds those opportunities for our community.”
Her interest in musical theater began at home. Stanley describes her father as “a human jukebox” who sang songs from classic musicals.
As a child, she borrowed movie musicals from the library and dreamed of becoming the next Julie Andrews or Judy Garland.
In her new role, Stanley wants to make room for people who are curious about the arts but may not know where to begin.
She is especially interested in reaching residents who do not consider themselves “arts people,” including those who may feel more at home on a trail than in a theater or studio.
“Arts education is about creating opportunities: to learn something new, to grow a skillset, to cultivate something that you enjoy doing just for the joy itself,” Stanley said.
Stanley hopes to expand opportunities for adults to study acting, singing, dancing, and music, including instruments. She also wants NLAA’s programs to reflect what community members actually want and to support the local artists who teach them.
“Everyone’s lives are so busy,” Stanley said. “I want to build programming that values people and the time they are spending with us.”
Stanley’s first priority is to listen to the people who live, teach, create, volunteer, and participate in Ely. Their ideas will help guide the programs she develops with NLAA.
