Jake Keeler

Jake Keeler with fish

Jake Keeler is an artist, fly angler and conservationist living in the Twin Cities. He’s worked in the beer industry for the last 20 years for Minnesota-based companies like Northern Brewer and Rahr Corporation, and has served on the board of directors for the Brewers Association.

Jake has a particular passion for the Mississippi River, as he grew up in St. Cloud and spent countless days and nights fishing the banks and wading the rocky rapids up and down from Beaver Islands to Sauk Rapids. His art focuses on fish and experiences from exploring their ecosystems and waterways; his work is appreciated around the world, as are the several film projects he has collaborated on.

Education: BA, Macalester College (studio arts major); MFA, University of Wisconsin-Madison (painting & drawing)

Interests or hobbies: fly angling, art, filmmaking, soccer

Community engagement: Former board member of the Brewers Association, Governing Committee Chair of the American Homebrewers Association

FMR involvement: Prior to joining the board in 2024, Jake donated artwork and fly-fishing guiding services to our fundraising efforts

Favorite metro Mississippi River location: The water around Stone Arch Bridge

Why Jake serve on the FMR board: "The Mississippi River, the land that surrounds it, and the communities that are intertwined with it are part of my soul. The river has given me so much; it has been one of my greatest teachers. I feel an obligation and purpose to give back and do what I can to protect, support and improve for the generations to come."

Favorite quote: "No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it's not the same river and he's not the same man." —Heraclitus

Upcoming Events

November 1 - 21, 2024
Online
Thursday, November 21, 2024 - 10:00am
Virtual
Wednesday, December 11, 2024 - 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Friends of the Mississippi River office in St. Paul

Our River Campaign:
It all starts here

At the heart of this new campaign is the vision of a healthy Mississippi River.