Inside the COMPAS Studio with Va Lor

This week, join us in welcoming COMPAS’ newest staff member Va Lor! Va (she/her) joins us as Arts Program and Content Manager and will be assisting the programs and marketing team with day-to-day operations. Va will also be managing the new Emerging Young Artists program that launched this fall.

Welcome to COMPAS Va! What would you like to share about yourself?

I have a lot of things to share about myself. But, of course, I will share only a snippet. I am Hmong and grew up in the Eastside Saint Paul area. I can converse in a few other languages. I also love to eat.  

You have a background in art and education, this seems like a perfect fit for COMPAS! Tell us about your experiences and what you’re excited about doing here with those great skills!

I went to college for Art Education. However, after graduating I decided to volunteer with AmeriCorps assisting long-term English learners in one of Minneapolis’ public middle schools. From there, I moved forward having my Art classroom, teaching in Saint Paul’s public elementary school. Eventually, the opportunity to serve the international community led me to become a Peace Corps education volunteer in the Philippines where I took on the role of mentoring elementary students with their reading and speaking achievements. 

I look forward to reconnecting with school communities and students, to bring forward art opportunities that they can have access to. 

You are managing the exciting new program Emerging Young Artists, tell us about what you have planned for that program?

In all honesty, I am still growing and learning. However, I plan for schools to take the opportunity to request artists in residency. I envision students taking a chance and highlighting their art pieces in the EYA (Emerging Young Artists) Juried Exhibition. It is not all about skills, but development, exposure, and experience.  

What drew you to art as you were growing up? Do you have a preferred art form or medium that you like to work in?

I have always been drawn to drawing with inspiration from one of my older siblings. With my ethnic background and interest in the Chinese language, I also enjoy dancing as a hobby.  

Limited access to resources was one of the reasons I have always been hesitant about making strides in the Arts. However, I learned from some of the best professors that I have potential and there are people out there that can help guide me to where I want to go.  

Art is where you make discoveries. In which, I finally discovered that printmaking is the right medium for me to pour out my ideas and feelings.  

Tell us about some of your other interests.

Some non-art-related activities that I like are going on walks and practicing longboarding (it has been 2 years; I am still not good at it). 

OK! Now for something silly and fun.

What’s your favorite food?

My ultimate favorite food is fried rice; currently I also really like to eat pan-fried baozi (包子, it is a delicious stuffed bun).  

Would you rather explore outer space or the bottom of the ocean?

I would rather explore the ocean because growing up being nearsighted (I recently got Lasik), when I wore swim goggles underwater, I was able to see clearly without my glasses.  

Do you have a favorite artist?

Right now, one of my favorite artists is Anthony TungNing Huang. He is a printmaker, illustrator, and ballroom dancer. His art pieces are so delicate and full of details.  

Thanks Va! We are thrilled to have you at COMPAS and look forward to all the great projects your are working on!

If you are interested in learning more about the Emerging Young Artist program, check it out here!