Perpich Arts High School in Golden Valley Celebrates 40 Years
Forty years ago, former Gov. Rudy Perpich and his wife, Lola Perpich, launched the Minnesota Center for Arts Education. Today, now named for the couple, the Golden Valley arts education fixture continues to thrive.
The centerpiece of Perpich is its arts high school, which currently enrolls 135 students, 93 of whom live on campus. The tuition-free public school takes in 11th and 12th graders who have shown interest in the arts and seek to develop their skills within those disciplines.
Principal Rebecca Bullen said it’s a “hub” for creative types. That struck her when she walked in the door 15 years ago interviewing for a teaching role.
“When I came in for my interview, I was really impacted by what I saw in the building– and what I heard in the building,” Bullen said.
Eventually, she took up roles in administration.
“It’s equally, if not more exciting, to see that process. To be in there– and to see them taking the risks that it takes to get to that final project,” Bullen said.
Students at Perpich develop skills in the performing and studio arts. For performing, students can focus on dance, theater, musical theater and literary arts. In studio, students learn media and visual arts. Bullen said studio arts are the most popular, which is prevalent in the murals, locker art and artwork that decorate the hallways.
“It gives me hope for the future. Because I’m seeing this community of people who are leading with voice, change, empathy and connection. And that’s really exciting,” Bullen said.
Students at Perpich decorate their lockers to reflect their artistic visions and unique interests. Some favorites are sometimes retired, while others are painted over year after year.
More Than a School
The Perpich Center for Arts Education is more than a high school. It was also created to be a hub for educators and artists across the state. That hub, in particular, was what was founded 40 years ago, four years before the school opened its doors.
Perpich Executive Director Allegra Smisek said Perpich’s professional development and resources program held 300 trainings and events for more than 2,000 teachers and administrators across Minnesota. It also has a statewide resource library, open to anyone over 18 in the state.
“They wanted to ensure that students everywhere, in every school across the state, had a high quality arts education,” Smisek said.
Smisek said the center still is staying true to that mission. Recently, one of the Perpich children donated books to the resource library.
At school, students’ work covers the walls. It’s heard in the hallways, on the stages and outside the building. Smisek came to Perpich last year and said its space was an instant comfort to her. She’s heard similar from students.
“Students come to us from all over Minnesota, and the most common way I’ve heard Perpich described, is as ‘home,'” she said.
Both Smisek and Bullen said they hope students carry those lessons into the world– whether they enter a creative field or not.
“Our students leave Perpich with such an ability to be creative thinkers and problem solvers. So, not only the beauty that enriches all of our lives as Minnesotans, but also leaders in every field,” Smisek said.
A new gallery is being installed at Perpich. Students are responsible for setup and placement of each of their pieces.
Celebrating 40 Years
Perpich is hosting a 40-year celebration from 1-4 p.m. on Saturday, September 13. It’s an open house, and anyone is welcome.
Leaders say there will be tours, performances and refreshments for the community.
More details are available, and you can RSVP, on Perpich’s website.
