“I feel fortunate and honored that I am a sort of ambassador for Hip Hop culture and the art of beatmaking and turntablism. I think that it's so essential for young people (and all people) to be up close and engaged with what Hip Hop heads refer to as the back bone of Hip Hop culture - the turntables. When I'm able to bring my turntables and beatmaking instruments into classrooms and see my set up light up or spark curiosities, I know that it's going to be a fun and informative day. “

“I realized that passing on the knowledge that I acquired through my practice is actually more rewarding than just making an art product. It is magical to see someone grow and then take off and fly on their own.”

“Storytelling is a way into the experiences of those unknown to us, allows us to connect to the humanity of others, and increases our capacity for empathy.”

“When I go into learning spaces, I try to really see people, see their gifts and strengths. If I notice a participant whose behavior is typically seen as negative, I try to turn that around and witness what that student has to offer that hasn’t yet been tapped into. I was one of those young people who couldn’t stop talking, couldn’t sit still and sometimes couldn’t follow directions. It’s no surprise that my dance teacher saw my behavior and thought I would be a good teacher. She watched how I related to others, and took what had gotten me in trouble at school and gave me a productive outlet to express. It changed my life.”

“Minnesota has done so much to shape my own artistic voice and vision, I want to give back and contribute to the rich fabric of the arts that exists here. There are also many under-served communities here that I believe will benefit from exposure to “non-conventional” paths and careers in the arts. Art is the foundation of a healthy society.”

“The most important thing that writing and performing poetry and spoken word can teach is compassion. When we learn to be empathetic towards each other and towards the world in general we begin to create the world we all dream about, a world of peace and opportunity where we work together to build a really civilized culture where we can all live up to our potential.”

“The most valuable thing creating can do is open a door for personal connection. The sharing, listening and exchanging of ideas is where great learning takes place.”

“Animation has a wide range of applications— while it can be very slow and “tedious”, it can also be fast and loose and fun! Both approaches offer opportunities for students to practice focus, spontaneity, planning, and imagination.”

“The thing I love most about both comedy and theater is that it gives students tools to say what’s in their hearts and minds in ways that are appealing to an audience and that can make a very complex thought or emotion more clear.”

“Breaking is about creating something from nothing. It’s about making the most of what you have and feeling confident in yourself. All you need is your body and the music.”

“I wanted to experiment with tools that would embolden my students to interact with new people in public spaces.  Over time this evolved into the Guerilla Haiku Movement.  People share their stories in 17-syllables, but they also connect more deeply with themselves, the people around them and the places that they live.  It is my belief that these small moments of sharing and connection is how empathy is built, how to renew a sense of commitment to our public spaces, and how, eventually, bottom-up community development occurs.”

“We wish for our participants to cross over these bridges of cultural understanding and take an active role in creating a more just and peaceful world in which to live.”

"Through COMPAS, we’ve been able to bring Bharatanatyam—and with it, the arts and culture of India, and our own perspectives as first- and second-generation Indian-American artists—to hundreds of classrooms throughout Minnesota."

"Some of the best artists is the world are living and creating here.  The work that is created here is on par with art you would see in New York and L.A., though the rest of the world may be unaware of it."

"Teaching is so incredible because the students have so much to give the teacher. I hope the participants of the programs I am involved in learn that they are enough. That they are worthwhile, and deserve to do well."

"In almost everything I do, except maybe laundry, I practice creativity. It only activates more creativity."

"I believe in sharing my knowledge and skill-sets as part of my art practice. To share the knowledge I have and see what my students do with that knowledge is deeply rewarding and I always learn something from every group I work with."

 "Being a part of COMPAS makes me feel like I'm a part of a larger arts educator community, even if I'm not in touch with everyone on the artist roster. I feel like I'm part of a larger legacy of expanding arts in our state, and I'm proud of that."

"Art is such a great vehicle to put people at ease, engage their full senses, and set the stage for new community connections."

I didn't have any artistic background and I was not interested in art when I was younger. SAORI changed my LIFE! SAORI weaving focuses on self-expression rather than perfection. It is so freeing and great to express myself with colors and textures.