Saint Paul -- Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced the appointment of John Davis, Scott Halgrim, Kathryn Knudson, and Mary Frances Skala to the Board of the Perpich Center for Arts Education.

John Davis, of Lanesboro, is Executive Director of the Kids Philosophy Slam, a national philosophy program for K-12 students. He founded the Great American Think Off, a national philosophy competition for adults. He also founded the New York Mills Arts Retreat and Regional Cultural Center. Davis received a B.F.A. degree from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design. He is appointed to a four-year term ending January 1, 2007, as the board member from the 1st Congressional District. He replaces Lani Kawamura on the board.

Scott Halgrim, of St. Louis Park, is a computer programmer at CNT in Plymouth. He also serves as Vice President of the Perpich Center for Art Education Foundation. He is a 1993 graduate of the Arts High School at the Perpich Center. Halgrim received a B.S. in Computer Science from Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. He is appointed to a partial term ending January 2, 2006, as an at-large board member. He replaces Mark French.

Kathryn Knudson, of Minneapolis, is Marketing Director at Utne Magazine in Minneapolis. She also serves on the board of the Perpich Center for Art Education Foundation. She is a 1992 graduate of the Arts High School at the Perpich Center. Knudson received a B.A. in English and Classics from Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio. She is appointed to a four-year term ending January 1, 2007, as an at-large board member. She replaces Alex Boies.

Mary Frances Skala, of Duluth, is an attorney at Fryberger, Buchanan, Smith & Frederick, P.A. in Duluth. She previously served on the boards of the Duluth Art Institute, the St. Louis County Heritage and Art Center, and the Southern Theatre Foundation. Skala received a B.A. in Chemistry and Mathematics from the College of St. Scholastica in Duluth. She received her J.D. degree from Hamline University School of Law in St. Paul. She is reappointed to a four-year term ending January 1, 2007, as the board member from the 8th Congressional District. This is her second term on the board.

The Perpich Center for Arts Education is located in Golden Valley. The Perpich Center includes the Arts High School, which is a tuition-free public high school for 310 students in grades 11 and 12. The Arts High School includes students from every congressional district, and graduated its first class in 1990. The Perpich Center also conducts research into arts education and acts as a resource for schools, teachers, students, and artists. The Perpich Center is governed by a board of 15 members appointed by the Governor.