2026 Northern Woods Exhibition Judges

Andrea Specht:  Andrea has served as executive director of the American Craft Council since 2022, leading the 83-year-old organization through a period of rapid evolution. Recently announced growth initiatives include a shift to digital-only publishing, a redesigned ACC membership program, more than $100,000 in grants for early career craftspeople, and new virtual and in-person events.

Andrea’s diverse career includes 25+ years in executive and board roles advancing nonprofit and public sector organizations in arts and culture, youth development, civic engagement, and higher education. A licensed attorney, she has also worked as a judicial clerk for the Minnesota Supreme Court and as an associate in public finance at Dorsey & Whitney.

In addition to her JD from the University of St. Thomas, Andrea holds a BA in Studio Art from Macalester College, where she focused on drawing and printmaking. She is an avid appreciator of fine art and craft with a particular interest in collecting work by living artists in MN and WI. Andrea has served on grant selection panels and as a juror for the Minnesota State Arts Board, Metropolitan Regional Arts Council, Rasmuson Foundation (Anchorage, AK), and other organizations.

Kevin Southwick: Stewardship of antique furniture is a passion of mine that has turned into a 30-year long career, so far. Repairing uncounted tables, chairs, museum quality objects, and the occasional historic train car has given me the opportunity to notice the evidence of what holds up over time. I have gained a tremendous respect for traditional techniques and materials, both fancy and basic. I find it rewarding to work on “heirloom” quality furniture to allow for it to continue serving generations yet to come.

Helping others learn to achieve the best finish is also an important aspect of my work. This includes teaching group classes on a variety of topics and offering customized problem solving, skill building, and consulting services for woodworking professionals or private individuals.

Thomas Oliphant: Thomas designs and makes contemporary furnishings in a variety of materials. He combines strong technical skills with an interest in how things have been made in the past. He collaborates closely with clients and fabricators, and his pieces appear in institutional, corporate, and private settings.

He teaches as Professor-in-Practice in the College of Design at the University of Minnesota and in the graduate program at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design.

He holds degrees from the Cranbrook Academy of Art and the University of Minnesota Institute of Technology. Earlier in life, he earned BSA and Red Cross National Camp School certifications and license as a professional architect.
(MN #24191, ret.) www.thomasoliphant.com