COMPAS Teaching Artist Sara Hanson gives new meaning to the phrase “hands-on!” As a sculptor and visual artist, she works with materials like metal, clay, and wood, often travelling around with her own mobile sculpture foundry. This week, we’re excited to hear more about Sara’s story and artistic vision! Hi Sara, thanks so much for [...]
Artist Spotlight – The Multi-talented Aimee Bryant
COMPAS teaching artist Aimee Bryant is a theatre performer, dancer, songwriter, and musician who also features as a member of Give Get Sistet. In this week’s blog post, we’re taking a look back at an Artist Spotlight feature that was originally published in 2018 to re-visit Aimee’s thoughts regarding her artistic practice, her teaching philosophy, [...]
February 14, 2020
Artist Spotlight – Ambassador for Hip Hop Culture – DJ Kool Akiem
DJ Kool Akiem! Thanks so much for taking the time to tell us a little about your work as an artist. Can you tell us a little about your background and what your art form is? I am a DJ and music producer. I’ve lived in a lot of different places but mostly grew up [...]
January 10, 2020
Artist Spotlight with Manga Master Dennis Lo
Meet Teaching Artist Dennis Lo! Learn all about the art form of Manga and why Dennis was apprehensive at first to teach but learned that “it is magical to see someone grow and then take off and fly on their own.” Dennis also recently finished illustrating COMPAS’ 40th edition of student writing, “The World in [...]
November 15, 2019
Artist Spotlight: SAORI Weaver Chiaki O’Brien
”I hope for people to be proud of what they created and feel the JOY while they weave.” Teaching Artist Chiaki O’Brien talks about weaving creators young and old in her Artist Spotlight! Hi Chiaki, thank you for taking a break from teaching your Artful Aging™™ programs to chat with COMPAS. Can you tell us [...]
March 15, 2019
Artist Spotlight – Susana de Leon of Kalpulli Ketzal Coatlicue
Take a look back at our conversation with Susana de Leon of Kalpulli Ketzal Coatlicue! The Kalpulli Ketzal Coatlicue (“Precious Mother Earth”) is a Kalpulli (“learning community”) of Indigenous people joined by the desire to learn, share and live the tradition of Aztec dance. Read all about how the group was formed and what Susana [...]
January 17, 2019
Artist Spotlight – Comedy Connector Levi Weinhagen
20 years of comedy gold mixed with a passion for teaching and an knack for improv and you’ve got Teaching Artist Levi Weinhagen! Check out his artist spotlight from this summer as he discusses his comedic inspirations, his theater company, Comedy Suitcase, and how comedy can get us through the joy and the pain. Hey [...]
November 16, 2018
Artist Spotlight – Breaker MN Joe Tran
This summer we chatted with breaker, mover and shaker, MN Joe Tran about his life as a break-dancing Teaching Artist and crew member of BRKFST, as well as some of his influences and how to “break” into the scene. Pun intended. Read all about it in this Artist Spotlight and make sure to see him [...]
October 5, 2018
