The Northern Lakes Arts Association

 

NLAA is a 37 year old arts non-profit organization located in Ely. The Association’s mission is to support and develop the visual, performing, and literary arts to enrich the quality of life in Ely and the surrounding area.

 

Ian grew up in Ely and graduated from Ely Memorial High School in 2012. He then graduated from Minnesota State University Mankato with a B.F.A. in Acting was awarded the Ted Paul Scholar, the program’s top scholar.  Following graduation, he had the opportunity to dance with Danial Stark’s company at the Kennedy Center before moving to Memphis, where he was an associate company member at Playhouse on the Square. While there, he was a cast member in several Ostrander Nominated productions. He then worked as a company member at Thingamajig Theater Company, Crane River Theatre Company, The Barn Theatre School for Advanced Theatre Training, the Springer Opera House, and the Legacy Theater. He received two nominations for Broadway World Best Leading Actor, and Best Supporting Actor during this time. Ian and his husband Vladimir have recently relocated back to Ely and begun renovating their home.

 

Lah says, “With an NLAA, I intend not only to produce high-quality events, but also to produce events that engage and excite the community.” Lah believes “investing in the arts only creates a more vibrant community.”  Through the arts, there is untapped potential in the area, and he intends to tap into that potential to help the art scene in Ely blossom.

 

What is most important to Lah, is ensuring the arts remain, vibrant and strong in this community. If it wasn’t for his parents, taking him to the NLAA production’s, the Greenstone arts camps, Prairie Fire Children’s Theatre, and the Concert Series, he would not have had the success and opportunity that he’s enjoyed.  Ian’s goal is to uplift Northern Lakes Arts Association so that others are afforded these opportunities as well.