News

Lily Tomlin’s witty one-liner might make you chuckle, but it also reveals something deeper: libraries may not be known for glamour, but they’re bursting with creativity and community spirit. That spirit was on full display recently at the St. Peter Public Library when COMPAS Teaching Artist Shakun Maheshwari led a workshop on henna painting, transforming the library into a vibrant cultural hub.

Art has a unique way of bringing people together.

Whether it’s drawing a sunset, writing poetry, or making music, creative activities can unite communities, families, and people of all ages. At Countryside Elementary School in Edina, one student’s newfound haiku skills sparked an unexpected connection with her bus driver, leading to a delightful exchange of poetry.

Sometimes, a single moment of creativity can leave a mark on a child’s life that resonates for decades, echoing in ways no one could have imagined. One such story of enduring impact begins with a simple email that COMPAS Teaching Artist Charlie Maguire recently received. The message was from Dr. Caitlin Raasch, who remembered Charlie’s [...]

We are deeply honored to receive this Certificate of Recognition from Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan. On behalf of COMPAS, we extend our heartfelt thanks for acknowledging our commitment to fostering creativity across Minnesota. This recognition not only celebrates our 50 years of service but also reinforces our dedication to empowering individuals [...]

In this blog post, COMPAS Teaching Artist Kelley Meister shares some reflections on the lasting impact of educators, inspired by hir family’s teaching legacy. The smoothness of the wooden desks, the starched crisp uniforms, and the smell of chalkboards and school supplies greeted me. My grandfather had brought me to visit my grandmother’s kindergarten class. [...]

Something amazing is happening.  Right now, the world is experiencing something big and historic, and you should be part of it, especially if you want to uplift diversity and help Minnesota become more just and equitable.   We are living in a unique time of rapid and widespread change. Experts say it’s as significant as the [...]

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 [...]