Recent News

Perpich Arts High School Graduation 2026

May 22, 2026
The Class of 2026 took the stage at the Ames Center in Burnsville, Minnesota in a heartfelt and deeply personal graduation ceremony on May 22, 2026 that celebrated not only artistic achievement, but also community, resilience, and self-expression at Perpich Arts High…

Perpich Arts High School Studio Arts Department Presents: “My Dog Ate My Exhibition” Curriculum Exhibition

November 13, 2026
Perpich Arts High School Studio Arts students presented the second exhibition of the school, “My Dog Ate My Exhibition,” on Thursday, November 12, 2026. The curriculum exhibition features artwork created in their Media Arts and Visual Arts classes. The experience gave students…
International Spanish Language Academy CAPP Committee Presents Their Plan to the School Board

November 2, 2026
Members of the ISLA arts team present their arts plan at the ISLA school board meeting in October 2026.
On October 26, 2026, the CAPP arts team at International Spanish Language Academy (ISLA) presented their arts plan at the…
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…
Dessa Shares Honest Advice on Being an Artist with Literary Arts Students

October 23, 2026
Writer, performer, and musician Dessa returned to Perpich Arts High School on October 23 to share an honest look at what it means to build a career as an artist. Speaking with Literary Arts students, the Minneapolis-based artist drew on her experiences…
Perpich Students Experience the Power of Music and Culture Through Act One Virtual Reality

October 23, 2026
Perpich students engage with Act One’s innovative VR Arts Immersion™ program
What does it feel like to be in the room with a mariachi band, hearing the music and learning the stories behind the performers? For students in Katie…
Figure Drawing Class Brings Creative Visions to Life

October 15, 2026

In Perpich’s Figure Drawing class, students bring their artistic visions to life through extended poses, creative themes, and the opportunity to work with a professional model.

Visual Arts Instructor Kathryn D’Elia brings in professional model Elle Simmons each year to pose for students….
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…
Jonathan Thunder Encourages Students to Find Their Own Voice Through Art

October 13, 2026
Celebrating Indigenous Peoples’ Day, Perpich students welcomed Ojibwe artist and filmmaker Jonathan Thunder for a day of exploring how personal experiences, cultural identity, and the world around us can shape creative work. Jonathan Thunder spoke with students during Common Ex on Monday,…
Rebecca Bullen Shares How Arts Education Supports Belonging and Well-Being

October 13, 2026
Perpich Arts High School Principal Rebecca Bullen joined a panel of experts at the 26th Annual Twin Cities Jewish Community Mental Health Education Conference to discuss how arts education can support young people’s mental well-being and sense of belonging.
The breakout session, Expanding…