Artist in Residency
FAIR Pilgrim Lane emphasizes art integration and education by hosting a variety of Artists in Residency, enriching students’ learning experiences. Through these residencies, students engage directly with professional artists, gaining hands-on opportunities to explore various art forms—such as visual arts, music, dance, and theater—in connection with their core subjects. This approach not only builds artistic skills but also strengthens creativity, critical thinking, and cultural awareness. By embedding art into the curriculum, FAIR Pilgrim Lane fosters a dynamic and inclusive learning environment where students appreciate diverse perspectives and learn to express themselves in innovative ways, enhancing their overall educational journey.
A THANK YOU to the Minnesota State Arts Board for funding the 2024 - 2025 Artist in Residency Program. This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.
KINDERGARTEN
Karla Newje, dance performance instructor, is a dedicated educator who brings passion and creativity to her role. Known for her commitment to student success, she incorporates innovative teaching methods that engage and inspire. Her focus on building strong, supportive relationships helps create an inclusive classroom where students feel valued, empowered, and motivated to excel.
Read more about Karla Newje: https://www.compas.org/2020/06/artist-spotlight-mover-and-shaker-karla-nweje/
GRADE 1
Stages Theatre offers an Artist in Residency program focused on musical theater production for our Grade 1 students. This program introduces young learners to performance arts, blending singing, acting, and movement. Through this immersive experience, students build confidence, teamwork skills, and creativity, making learning memorable and fostering a love for the arts.
Students learn how to use their “Actor Toolbox”—body, voice, and imagination – to play, create and tell stories! Theatre Exploration classes incorporate age-appropriate acting exercises, dramatic play, music, storytelling, and theatre making. This residency can be paired with literature or literacy concepts being learned concurrently, or stand on its own! Residency curriculum aligns with Minnesota K-12 Academic Standards in Arts Education, and is designed to fit the needs of your classroom.
GRADE 2
Ms. Anat serves as our Compass Teacher, specializing in creative movement. For years, Grade 2 students have benefited from her expertise through the Artist in Residency Program. Her engaging approach fosters self-expression, coordination, and confidence, allowing students to explore movement in a fun and supportive environment that enhances their overall learning experience.
As an educator, Anat blends an appetite for physical challenge with a love of individual expression. She meets dancers where they are, leading them through a journey to discover more about themselves and empowering them to be active contributors in a collaborative class environment.
GRADE 3
Mychael T Rambo is a talented artist and educator who serves as our Artist in Residency, bringing a wealth of experience in visual arts and creative expression. With a background in fine arts and a passion for engaging young minds, he inspires students through hands-on projects that explore various artistic techniques. Mychael T fosters a supportive environment where students feel empowered to express themselves creatively, enhancing their appreciation for art and developing critical thinking skills. His dynamic approach makes art accessible and enjoyable for all.
"Theater is about reacting, about being present in the moment. I consider “theater” to be a verb that means to be open and available. I approach my work in the classroom and my performance(s) on stage from a position of openness—being open to endless possibilities. As an actor, singer, playwright and director, I’ve shared my talents as a theater professional with the Guthrie, Penumbra, Mixed Blood, Illusion, Minnesota Opera and many other companies. I’ve performed in numerous films, TV programs, and commercials, both radio and television," says Mychael T Rambo.
GRADE 4
Mike Arturi is a Minnesota-based artist known for his engaging Artist in Residency programs. With a focus on visual arts, he inspires students through hands-on creative projects that promote self-expression and collaboration. His dynamic teaching style fosters a love for art, encouraging young learners to explore their artistic potential.
Mike Arturi is a lifelong professional musician and music lover. Mike has toured, performed, and/or recorded with numerous internationally acclaimed artists including Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley, and Del Shannon. A full list is below! Since 1996 Mike has been a full time member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee band, The Lovin’ Spoonful. Mike continues to rock with the band in the present day.
In addition to touring, Mike is passionate about sharing his love for music and the lessons that can be learned on stage and in the practice room. Through live public speaking, recorded interviews, one-on-one educating, personal mentoring, music integration, and live performance, Mike shares his lifetime of experience in order to encourage others in whatever they are taking on in life. Mike endeavors to help others achieve goals and offers tools that support the processes to success.
Mike is an active national artist for the John F. Kennedy Center’s Turnaround Arts, a program which brings the arts to underserved and economically challenged schools in America. Mike provides music programs and drum circles to help improve school and student performance, and studies have shown significant positive impacts. Mike also serves as a teaching artist for the COMPAS organization of Minnesota. Mike is the Executive Director of Universal Music Center, an all-inclusive music school he founded in Red Wing, Minnesota.
GRADE 5
Lisa Arnold is a Minnesota-based artist specializing in glass arts, serving as an Artist in Residency. Through her residency programs, Lisa introduces students to the intricacies of glass art, including techniques like fusing and staining. Her hands-on approach encourages creativity, precision, and self-expression, offering students a unique opportunity to explore this vibrant medium. Lisa’s work not only inspires artistic development but also fosters an appreciation for craftsmanship, providing students with a memorable, immersive artistic experience.
Lisa Arnold believes that art changes people and people change the world. She encourages her students to engage with themselves and the diverse world around them by using their life experiences to create art and art experiences to create their lives. Her main goal is to empower students by honing their visual, technical, and poetic abilities. She gives students tools in art interpretation and creation so they can express themselves in positive, productive, and creative ways, both inside and outside the classroom.
Lisa loves being a teaching artist, creating and leading collaborative art residencies that celebrate community and shared power. While she specializes in mosaic murals, her favorite residencies are multi-disciplinary, combining a mix of social/ environmental justice with mosaics, masks, collage, illustration, poetry, and/or nature art.