Jon Lurie, Writer at Roseau School
Jon Lurie, Writer in Residence, recently shared his stories and talents with the eighth grade students of English teacher, Sarah Johnson. Students spent a week writing Memoirs with the artist. One student summed the residency up… they stated, “He made me realize my story matters”. Students told their stories, with their thoughts and words. Select students will be published at a later date in the Roseau Times Region. A student from the residency will also be chosen to be published in the annual COMPAS Anthology. Teacher, Sarah Johnson stated,” Jon was such a positive influence on our students! He kept them engaged, encouraged both creativity and vulnerability in their writing, and overall led an impactful class.” Students shared their writings in class.
Jon Lurie joined the COMPAS artists roster in 2008 following a two-decade stint as a print and radio journalist in Native American communities from Texas to Alaska. He also served as editor of The Anchorage Press and Rake Magazine. Lurie has received two Gold Awards for his long form journalism by the Minnesota Newspapers Association and the Minnesota Magazine and Publishers Association. His children’s books have been recognized by the American Librarians Association.
Lurie is a Minneapolis native who received his MFA from the University of Minnesota in 2006. His 2017 memoir, Canoeing with José, tells the story of a 1000-mile canoe trip from Minnesota to the sea. Lurie serves as director of the Mother of Waters Project, a youth outreach program that combines experiential learning with arts education focused on the health of Minnesota’s fresh water resources. He also teaches creative writing and experiential learning at Macalester College and the U of MN.
The residency was arranged with COMPAS. This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Northwest Minnesota Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.
