Art Institute of Chicago Experience Inspired LFHS Students

“The experience I had downtown was fantastic! I’ve never had such an amazing opportunity to explore art and work with such talented professionals. I would go back in a heartbeat!” said Molly Bennett, when sharing her experience at the Art Institute of Chicago last summer with classmates at Lake Forest High School. She was one of five students sponsored by the Lake Forest Lake-Lake Bluff Community Associates of the Art Institute of Chicago who were given the opportunity to take a class at the Art Institute of Chicago last summer. One of the Associates primary acts of service over the past years is to provide scholarships to students at Lake Forest H.S. and North Chicago H.S. to attend a class at the Art Institute each summer. Members enjoy viewing the art shows put together by the respective schools showcasing the student art throughout the year.

After the experience at the Art Institute, many of the students were energized and recommitted to studying art. Lavell S. Wynn Jr., from North Chicago H.S., said, "My week at SAIC was amazing. I learned so many new techniques that will improve my future art pieces. Also I learned I have some skill in other media and styles of drawing that I never tried before. It helped build confidence in my artistic abilities. The scholarship inspired me to become a better artist and pursue my passion in art further."

Claudia Rogel, also from North Chicago H.S. said, "Painting with actual models in front us was challenging. The experience will be something I’ll never forget. Seeing the end piece and results were amazing. It was the first time I have ever painted with oil paint and thinner. My favorite part was the big projects and seeing the end result. I was surprised and learned a lot of things."

"The experience I got when going to the Art Institute of Chicago was something good for me because they taught us how to paint and draw," said Martin Arizmendi, another student from North Chicago H.S. I liked going because there were paintings there to get ideas from. I’d like to go to learn more about art because I liked how they taught. I want a career in art and the Art Institution of Chicago would help me with that."

"The art institute was great!" said Natalie Murawski, a junior at LFH. "It was an awesome experience, and I loved every minute of it. I took the oil painting class and I liked how there was more freedom in our assignments so it was easy to express myself and paint things I wanted to. I learned so much in a short period of time, which made it fun to challenge myself.  I had a blast and would love to take another class at the Art Institute!"

The Associates also invited the students to their “Young Artist Celebration” lunch and lecture at The Knollwood Country Club where they are given the opportunity to again display their pieces. This is one way they raise funds for the scholarships they give each year. The topic is always interesting and ranges from forensic art to women in art throughout the ages.

This year’s luncheon is to be held on Wednesday January 19, 2011. The lecture will be featured by Francesca Casadio, Senior conservation scientist of the Art Institute called CSI at AIC.

Please contact Diana McBee, our Young Artist Luncheon Chairman for more information (847)234-4611. Members, Guests and Friends are welcome.