Frank Sentwali, Spoken Word Teaching Artist “This week was magical!” Have you ever heard a kid say something like this in reference to their time at school? We have. It was the result of a partnership between a teacher and a teaching artist, a collaboration capable of producing transformational success for multiple generations of students.  [...]

The family that plays together stays together, or so the saying goes.  The same is true when families engage in creative experiences together. In fact, something almost magical happens. Family members – children, teens, parents, and grandparents – gain new insights about themselves and each other as they collaborate. In the process, their bonds become [...]

Ravi* is a kid who, until recently, had a whole lotta hidden talents. You see, Ravi uses an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) device to communicate. Ravi Performing his original music during his school’s open mic Like so many other students (both those who use AAC and those who don’t), Ravi felt like his peers [...]

BionikCOMPAS Teaching Artist Have you ever heard the expression, “if you dream it, you can do it?” It’s an inspiring reminder that each of us can make a vision a reality. That’s a beautiful concept, but it comes with a  challenge. The process of turning an idea into something real often requires developing new skills [...]

Hi Morgan, we appreciate you taking the time out of your day to tell us more you and your artist practice! Let’s start with what is your art form? I identify as a poet, and poetry is what I did my graduate creative writing degree in at Colorado State University. I also write creative nonfiction [...]

Kathak dancer and choreographer Rita Mustaphi has travelled far and seen a lot. Throughout her life, she’s overcome personal challenges and barriers, finding every opportunity to learn and grow through dance and eventually founding Minnesota’s first Asian Indian dance company (Katha Dance Theatre). In our latest Artist Spotlight, she shares the story of her incredible [...]

COMPAS stalwart Ann Reed is a singer and songwriter whose influences run the gambit from American folk to polka. Throughout the Coronavirus pandemic, she wowed audiences all over the world with her “Ann Reed Live From Somewhere In Her House” concert series, and in our latest Artist Spotlight, she shares a bit more about the [...]