COMPAS Teaching Artist Marie Olofsdotter is a poet, storyteller, theater performer, and multimedia artist. In our newest Artist Spotlight, Marie talks about her journey to Minnesota from her native Sweden, her many artistic inspirations, and how she’s adapting to the new, virtual landscape of arts and creativity. Hi Marie, thanks for taking the time out [...]
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Artist Spotlight: Hip-Hop Music Maker MaLLy
Malik Watkins, better known by his stage name MaLLy, is a rapper, writer, and musician based in Minneapolis. He also happens to be a COMPAS teaching artist! In our newest Artist Spotlight, we hear from MaLLy about his artistic inspirations, his new album, and what it’s like to teach with COMPAS. Photo by AC JOHNSON [...]
April 10, 2020
Artist Spotlight: Cast Metal Maker Sara Hanson
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 [...]
March 13, 2020
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
