Perpich News

Professional Development

  • Walz, Flanagan Announce Appointments to Perpich Board

    February 23, 2026
    Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan announced two new appointments and one reappointment to the Perpich Center for Arts Education Board of Directors. Joining the Board are: Jeimmy Yusty-Rojas and Elizabeth Winslow. Reappointed to the Board is: Paul Hustoles.
    The Board…

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  • A Note from our Executive Director, Allegra Smisek – February 20, 2026

    February 20, 2026

    Greetings from Perpich Center for Arts Education!
    February is always an important month for advocacy at Perpich, and this year is no exception. As the Minnesota Legislature begins its capital investment discussions, we are actively engaging with lawmakers to ensure our campus remains…

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  • Picture Books by Black Authors and Illustrators from Perpich Library

    February 19, 2026

    It’s Black History Month and now, more than ever, it’s important that we learn about the past so that our present world can be put into its proper context. Because picture books are an excellent way to teach and learn about history…

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  • Perpich-Sponsored Sessions at the Virtual MMEA Convention Well Attended

    February 17, 2026

    The 2026 Minnesota Music Educators Association (MMEA) Convention on February 12-14 pivoted from its usual in-person gathering at the Minneapolis Convention Center to a virtual setting. Almost half of the music educators registered for the virtual conference attended one or more of…

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  • K-12 Educators in Rushford-Peterson Schools Learn with Perpich Center Specialist

    February 11, 2026

    In early February, Jeremy Holien, Perpich Center’s Visual and Media Arts Education Specialist, facilitated professional development for the faculty of Rushford-Peterson Schools. In this session, the K-12 educators discussed opportunities to include contributions of Minnesota tribes and communities in their content areas,…

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  • CAPP Co-Chairs Add Detail to Their Strategic Plans

    February 4, 2026

    Co-chairs from the nine school districts/charter schools in the 2025-2027 Comprehensive Arts Planning Program (CAPP) cohort met at Perpich Center on February 2, 2026 to continue working on plans for improving their local Arts programming. They left with a framework for their…

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  • Eleven Arts Educators are Among the Candidates for 2026 Minnesota Teacher of the Year

    February 2, 2026

    Perpich Center for Arts Education is excited to celebrate the 11 dance, music, and visual arts educators who are among the candidates for 2026 Minnesota Teacher of the Year! We recognize and honor their work as representative of Minnesota’s thousands of excellent…

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  • MSBA Leadership Conference Provides Great Opportunities for Perpich to Connect

    January 26, 2026

    Perpich Center for Arts Education had a strong presence at the Minnesota School Boards Association (MSBA) Leadership Conference January 15-16 at the Minneapolis Convention Center, engaging with school board members and education leaders from across Minnesota.

    Dr. Wendy Barden…

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  • A Note from our Executive Director, Allegra Smisek – January 23, 2026

    January 23, 2026

    Greetings from Perpich Center for Arts Education!
    The past weeks have been heavy for Minnesota and for many of the communities we serve. The fatal shootings in Minneapolis involving federal agents have shaken our region and raised deep concerns about the safety and…

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