MSUM Nurtures the Next Generation of Artists

The month of January brought hundreds of high school students to MSUM’s campus for tours, preview days, and pre-college events. Many of those students are considering (or have already chosen) MSUM as the place to pursue their higher education. Many others came because they—and their high school teachers—see MSUM as an important source of support and expertise in the arts.

Last Friday, for example, the university hosted a day of arts-related activities for regional high school students and their art teachers, including a juried art show featuring student work. More than 200 high school students and their teachers packed the Hansen Theatre for the awards ceremony, which featured cash prizes for the winning artists.

Throughout the day, students and teachers attended a wide range of workshops offered by MSUM faculty, guest artists, and alumni from MSUM’s School of Media Arts and Design and School of Art.  It was clear the students were inspired by their interactions with award-winning artists who have turned their passion and their talent into meaningful careers. 

And, earlier this week, faculty in the School of Performing Arts hosted music students from Lake Park Audubon (LPA) High School. MSUM’s Director of Choral Activities and music education professor Dr. Michael Johnson worked with the LPA Vocal Pop singers, who are preparing for a concert next week. Meanwhile, professor Tom Strait spent the morning working with the LPA Jazz Ensemble, which is directed by Dragon alumnus Andrew Eklund.

MSUM is proud to serve as a regional hub for art and music education. We’re also inspired and energized by the opportunity to interact with the next generation of regional artists. If their passion and talent are any indication, the future of the arts in our region is in great hands.

Dr. Anne Blackhurst served as Minnesota State University Moorhead’s 11th president from July 1, 2014 to June 30, 2023.