Kaddatz Galleries is proud to announce that Executive Director Nancy X. Valentine has been named one of 14 Rural Innovators across the nation by the Biden-Harris Administration. This prestigious recognition celebrates individuals who are making significant positive impacts in their rural communities.

Valentine was honored at a special White House ceremony alongside fellow Rural Innovators from across America. The event was led by White House Domestic Policy Advisor Neera Tanden, White House Office of Public Engagement Director Stephen Benjamin, and Agriculture Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small, highlighting the administration’s commitment to investing in rural communities.

“This recognition reflects not just my work, but the collective efforts of rural artists and everyone at Kaddatz Galleries,” said Valentine. “We’re committed to making art accessible and meaningful in rural Minnesota, and this honor reinforces the importance of individual artists and cultural institutions in building vibrant rural communities.”

Valentine was selected from a nationwide pool of nominees who were identified for their contributions to ensuring their communities thrive for generations to come. The Rural Innovators recognition program is part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s broader initiative to strengthen rural communities across America. For more information about the Rural Innovators program and its recipients, visit Rural.gov.

The Kaddatz Galleries is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to fostering visual arts education and appreciation. Located in downtown Fergus Falls, the gallery celebrates the work of area artists and honors the legacy of Charles Beck. The Kaddatz presents focused exhibitions and a rotating selection of regional artists’ work. Studio K, its secondary gallery and community meeting space, features smaller or more experimental bodies of work by established and emerging artists. Admission to the galleries is always free.