COMPAS is excited to welcome new staff member Brittany Keefe! To help introduce Brittany to everyone, we asked her to share a little bit about herself, her experience in the arts, and a lot more!

(Saint Paul, MN) – COMPAS (compas.org), a nonprofit that teaches through creative experiences, has announced details of the 4th annual juried art show, gallery exhibition, and awards ceremony for its Emerging Young Artists – Saint Paul (EYA – Saint Paul) program. EYA celebrates and supports young visual artists in the Saint Paul metro area while continuing the legacy of the Les Farrington Best 100 Juried Art Show, previously administered by JCI Saint Paul, also known as the Saint Paul Jaycees. 

COMPAS is excited to welcome new staff member Amanda Hestwood! To help introduce Amanda to everyone, we asked her to share a little bit about herself, her experience in the arts, and, of course, what role she would have if COMPAS were a musical!

When everything seems to be unraveling, when the world is noisy, divided, and uncertain, creativity pulls us back together.

We’ve seen it over and over again. In times of crisis, art sparks connection. It comforts. It helps us make sense of what’s happening and imagine what’s possible. It gives people a voice when they feel unheard. It builds bridges when everything else feels like it’s falling apart.

Did you know creativity can bring joy, purpose, and connection to older adults? When they get the chance to create, whether it’s through painting, music, dance, or storytelling, it’s more than just a fun activity. It’s a way to feel valued, to connect with others, and to rediscover the joy of making something meaningful.

Every year, COMPAS publishes an anthology of student writing. You can check out our latest, Move Hands Down to Heart, here. It’s the 45th anthology of student work we’ve had the honor of publishing.

The 11/26/24 article, “Businesses helped make Minnesota’s arts scene. Will shrinking support break it?” highlights a growing crisis: the decline in funding for the arts across our state. This isn’t just a financial challenge for arts organizations; it’s a profound loss for our communities, particularly for children who are being deprived of access to creativity—something that has the power to change lives.