Greetings from Perpich Center for Arts Education!

This month, we welcomed nearly 60 students in grades 6 through 10 to campus for the first week of Perpich Summer Camp. Throughout the week, our studios, rehearsal spaces, and classrooms buzzed with creativity as students explored new artistic skills and discovered the joy of learning alongside other young artists.

Allegra Smisek, Executive Director

Some students arrived curious about what it might be like to attend an arts high school. Others simply wanted the chance to spend a week creating alongside young artists who share their passions. By the end of the week, they had built new skills, new friendships, and, for many, a new sense of confidence in themselves as artists.

Moments like these remind me why summer camps are such an important part of Perpich’s statewide mission. We believe every Minnesota student deserves access to high quality arts learning, and summer camp is one way we can open our doors and share what makes this place so special.

This year, we made an intentional effort to expand access. While camp fees help offset program costs, we also dedicated agency funding to provide scholarships that reduced tuition by 90 percent for students in AVID, Advancement Via Individual Determination. As a former AVID teacher, I know how many incredibly talented young artists simply need an opportunity like this to thrive.

We also introduced a new weeklong dance camp for just $15. Students are learning from Perpich alumnus Davente Gilreath, now a dance instructor at the University of Minnesota, whose professional experience and passion for mentoring young artists make this an extraordinary opportunity.

There is still time for more students to experience Perpich this summer. Our second week of camps runs July 27-31, and space remains in several camps, including dance. If you know a student entering grades 6 through 10 who loves to create, perform, or explore something new, I hope you’ll encourage them to join us. You never know where one inspiring week might lead.

With gratitude,

Allegra Smisek
Executive Director | Perpich Center for Arts Education