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-Connected Panel Earns Top Convention Award for Leadership on Federal Education Policy

April 20, 2026

A panel discussion featuring leaders connected to Perpich Center for Arts Education has received regional recognition for its timely exploration of federal education policy.

The session, titled “Navigating Recent Changes to Federal Education Policy”, was originally presented at the Communication and Theater Association of…
Guest Artist Tumelo Khupe Sets Choreography on Dance Students for Spring Show

April 16, 2026

Guest artist, Tumelo Khupe, visited Perpich in April to set choreography on the dance students. Her work will be included in the spring show in May.

Tumelo Khupe, known artistically as Melo, is a dynamic dance and movement artist and choreographer whose journey bridges continents…
Student Voices Take Center Stage During Governor’s Office Visit

April 16, 2026

Perpich Center for Arts Education welcomed representatives from the Governor’s office to campus on April 16, 2026, for a visit that highlighted the agency’s mission, student leadership, and community engagement.
Student leaders Ajay Nicholas (Visual Arts 2026), Jalena Gumban (Literary Arts 2026), and…
Dance Books from Perpich Library

April 16, 2026

“Dancing is the poetry of the foot” – John Dryden

Dance has often been described as poetry in motion, so in honor of April’s National Poetry Month, the library is recommending books all about dance! In addition to these fantastic dance books, we…
Students Amplify the Power of Local Journalism at State Capitol Rally

April 15, 2026

On April 7, Perpich students Anais Froberg-Martinez (Literary Arts 2027) and Carlo Sucero (Media Arts 2027) stepped into Minnesota’s political spotlight at the True North News Alliance rally at the Minnesota State Capitol, joining journalists and advocates calling for greater investment in…
From Rural Minnesota to Global Dance Scholar: Dr. Shantel Ehrenberg (Dance 1992)

April 8, 2026

For Dr. Shantel Ehrenberg (Dance 1992), a simple flyer handed out in a small-town classroom sparked a life-changing decision.

“I just remember thinking, could I really do this?” she said, recalling her time at (the now closed) Appleton High School in west-central Minnesota….
Speech and Theater Educator Rebecca Meyer-Larson to be Inducted into MSHSL Hall of Fame

April 7, 2026

Speech and theater educator Rebecca Meyer-Larson from Moorhead High School will be inducted into the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) Hall of Fame on April 19, 2026.

Rebecca Meyer-Larson from Moorhead High School will be inducted into the…
A Note from our Executive Director, Allegra Smisek – March 27, 2026

March 27, 2026

Greetings from Perpich Center for Arts Education!
March has been an active month at the Capitol, with several opportunities to share the work of the Perpich Center for Arts Education and strengthen relationships with legislative partners.
Allegra Smisek, Executive Director
Earlier…
Literary Arts Students Present Poetry Showcase and Short Works Reading at Magers & Quinn Booksellers

March 26, 2026

The Literary Arts Department of Perpich Arts High School presented their work at Magers & Quinn Booksellers on March 25, 2026. The Poetry Showcase and Short Works Reading featured new and selected works from our emerging writers.

The audience…