Perpich News

Library

  • A Note from our Executive Director, Allegra Smisek – October 26, 2026

    October 26, 2026

    Greetings from Perpich Center for Arts Education!
    Last month, I wrote about belonging at Perpich. This month, as Arts High School applications open for next school year, I’m thinking about the students who haven’t found us yet. Somewhere in Minnesota, a young person…

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  • Fall Reads from Perpich Library

    October 14, 2026

    With the weather turning cooler and more blustery, it’s the start of “curl up with a good book and a hot beverage” weather. Fall is the perfect time for both spooky and cozy reads, so that is what the Perpich Library is…

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  • A Note from our Executive Director, Allegra Smisek – September 28, 2026

    September 28, 2026

    Greetings from Perpich Center for Arts Education!
    September is a month of beginnings at Perpich. Students are finding their people, trying new things, and discovering what becomes possible when their ideas are taken seriously. Last week, at the opening of Rumination, our Studio…

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  • Hopeful Books about Mental Health from Perpich Library

    September 22, 2026

    September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, a time dedicated to sharing resources, raising awareness, and encouraging open conversations about mental health and suicide prevention.

    According to the JED Foundation, 65% of LGBTQ+ and 31% of cisgender and heterosexual high school students reported…

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  • Board Member Shannon Finnegan Says Farewell

    September 17, 2026

    Perpich Board Member Shannon Finnegan is concluding her service on the Perpich Board of Directors after serving since February 2025. Appointed by Gov. Tim Walz and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, Finnegan brought more than 15 years of experience in education, student-centered learning,…

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  • A Note from our Executive Director, Allegra Smisek – August 31, 2026

    August 31, 2026

    Greetings from Perpich Center for Arts Education!
    Perpich is both a place people come to and a resource we bring to communities across Minnesota.

    Allegra Smisek, Executive Director

    This August offered a wonderful reminder of both sides of that mission. Perpich…

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  • New Visual Arts Books from Perpich Library

    August 17, 2026

    The Perpich Library has an extensive collection of visual arts books to be utilized for teaching, creating, and learning. Here are a few of the amazing books we added to the collection this summer.

    All items on this list are available at the…

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  • Jeff Baenen Creates Housing Scholarship for Perpich Student

    August 12, 2026

    For Jeff Baenen, a lifelong love of the arts has taken many forms: journalism, theater, music, comedy, and even playing the voice of God.

    Now, that passion is helping make a Perpich education more accessible to a student living on campus.

    Baenen, a retired…

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  • Perpich Hosts BIPOC Authors and Illustrators Book Fair

    August 11, 2026

    On August 10, Perpich Center hosted the 2nd Annual Book Fair: Celebrating BIPOC Authors and Illustrators. The afternoon event featured guest speakers MN State Senator Mary K. Kunesh and author/spoken word artist/program administrator Bao Phi. Several book sellers such as Black Garnet…

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