COMPAS teaching artists are constantly innovating to capture and inspire audiences in exciting ways. Recently, content creator Ashley Lauren had the opportunity to sit down with Teaching Artist Charlie Maguire to delve into his latest project. We’re thrilled to give you an exclusive peek into Charlie’s newest work. Introducing “Bartalina: True Stories and Songs of [...]
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Soli Hughes shares the history of rock ‘n roll
Soli Hughes is a world-renowned concert and ensemble guitarist and has been a COMPAS Teaching Artist for 30 years. In this blog post by Ashley Lauren, we’re honored to highlight his background, musical journey, and popular workshop, “The History of Rock ’n Roll,” which was recently offered at Hennepin County Library. Soli grew up in [...]
January 29, 2024
Artist Spotlight: Architect of Sentences Morgan Grayce Willow Artist
Hi Morgan, we appreciate you taking the time out of your day to tell us more you and your artist practice! Let’s start with what is your art form? I identify as a poet, and poetry is what I did my graduate creative writing degree in at Colorado State University. I also write creative nonfiction [...]
September 20, 2021
Artist Spotlight: Kathak Dancer and Choreographer Rita Mustaphi
Kathak dancer and choreographer Rita Mustaphi has travelled far and seen a lot. Throughout her life, she’s overcome personal challenges and barriers, finding every opportunity to learn and grow through dance and eventually founding Minnesota’s first Asian Indian dance company (Katha Dance Theatre). In our latest Artist Spotlight, she shares the story of her incredible [...]
July 30, 2021
Artist Spotlight: Singer/Songwriter Ann Reed
COMPAS stalwart Ann Reed is a singer and songwriter whose influences run the gambit from American folk to polka. Throughout the Coronavirus pandemic, she wowed audiences all over the world with her “Ann Reed Live From Somewhere In Her House” concert series, and in our latest Artist Spotlight, she shares a bit more about the [...]
June 18, 2021
Artist Spotlight: Jennifer Weir of TaikoArts Midwest
As the Executive Director of COMPAS Teaching Ensemble TaikoArts Midwest, Jennifer Weir brings taiko drumming to every corner of the state. In our newest Artist Spotlight interview, she speaks about bringing a unique, Minnesota spin to a traditional Japanese art form and illustrates how taiko is a practice that engages the entire mind, body, and [...]
May 21, 2021
Artist Spotlight: Observant Poet Joyce Sidman
Poet and author Joyce Sidman is a COMPAS veteran, having joined our Teaching Artist roster in 1998! In our latest Artist Spotlight, we hear her thoughts on what’s changed in the last 20+ years, what makes poetry special, and why teaching brings a little excitement to the solitary life of a writer. I hope you’ve [...]
April 16, 2021
Artist Spotlight: 2D Wonder Liv Novotny
Painter, illustrator, and all-around visual arts wizard Liv Novotny joined the COMPAS roster last July, and they’re already making magic. You can see Liv’s striking sign art on storefront windows from Saint Paul to Philadelphia, and in our newest Artist Spotlight, we caught up with them to hear about their experiences over the pandemic and [...]
March 29, 2021
