Creative Arts

At La Lumiere School, we believe that the arts have intrinsic human value and are an essential aspect of a complete high school education. Our Creative Arts Department offers a program accessible to all skill levels, with an emphasis on creativity and personal expression. We prioritize an interdisciplinary approach to the arts, forging connections between various artistic mediums such as drawing, painting, mixed media, video, while encouraging students to engage with their individual passions.

Our program encourages students to pursue, explore, and develop their artistic talents in a supportive environment. Through hands-on projects and interactive learning, students not only gain technical skills but also learn to think critically and creatively. This aligns with La Lumiere’s mission to cultivate scholarship and develop character, providing students with the opportunity to express themselves authentically and contribute to the school community in meaningful ways. The Creative Arts Department at La Lumiere is dedicated to fostering a passion for the arts that will last a lifetime.

Course Path

Students follow their own path upon where they enter La Lumiere determined by a student’s choice in both course and level.

American Popular Music

Concert Choir

Contemporary Music Ensemble

Speech

Studio Art

Art Lab

Advanced Projects in Art

Course Spotlight

Advanced Projects in Art

Advanced Projects in Art is a self-directed mentorship for the student wishing to pursue concentrated studies in specific media in order to prepare a portfolio for college. Each student will meet with the instructor individually culminating in a rigorous course of self-driven projects meant to enhance the student’s art experience and goals.

Co-curricular Spotlight

The La Lu Players

The La Lu Players are home to La Lumiere’s educational theatre program teaching students all aspects of theatre from costume and set design, lighting and stage productions, to performing on stage. The La Lu Players perform fall and winter drama productions and a spring musical review.

Faculty

Matthew Benedict, English & Drama

Contact: mbenedict@lalumiere.org

Matt Benedict holds a B.A. in English from the University of Massachusetts/Amherst and an M.A. in English and an M.F.A. in Creative Writing {fiction} from the University of Notre Dame. At La Lumiere, he teaches upper-level English Electives, including the year-long AP English Seminar. He also directs La Lumiere’s Theatre Program, The La Lu Players. A working short story writer and playwright, he has published numerous short stories and several original plays have been produced at venues across the USA. When not at La Lumiere, he enjoys assemblage sculpture, digital art, traveling, and organic vegetable gardening.

Michael Fallon, Music Department

Contact: mfallon@lalumiere.org

Michael’s career in music education spans several decades. From 1992 to 2019, he served as the Director of Choral Music at Alan B. Shepard High School in Palos Heights, IL. In this role, Michael not only oversaw the choral programs and served as a sponsor for both the Musical Theatre Production and the Technical Theatre Club. Michael has produced and directed over 35 stage productions.

Michael holds a Master of Music Education with an emphasis on Choral Conducting from Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan and he pursued Post Graduate Studies in Choral Conducting, Vocal Jazz, and Opera/Theatre at the University of Miami.

With Michael’s experience and educational background, we believe he will be an invaluable asset to our community and bring fresh insights and expertise to our arts department.

Katie Wall, Art

Contact: kwall@lalumiere.org

Katie Wall earned her MFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and has taught art at La Lumiere for the past six years. When studying art in Rome as an undergraduate at Loyola Rome Center, she was often found sitting on the steps of the fountain in front of the Pantheon drawing. Her favorite location at La Lumiere is the art room.

Graduation Requirements

Students must complete one (1) credit of Creative Arts in order to graduate.