Irene LaPapa
Irene LaPapa
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Fine Art teacher- Metea Valley High School
Educational Background:
American Academy of Art in Chicago
The School of the Art Institute of Chicago
St. Xavier's University
Teaching Philosophy:
Emphasizes building strong relationships with students and families. Encourages critical thinking, technical skill refinement, and creating meaningful artwork. Introduces students to a diverse art world, spanning various artists and styles. Recognizes parents as primary educators and adopts a supportive role. Teaching since 2002.
Professional Affiliations:
IAEA- Illinois Art Educators Association
CAI- Catholic Art Institute
Women in Watercolor
Frankfort Plein Air painters
Summer 2026: plein air painting—cloud studies, thumbnail sketch & a full study, all in oils.
Mural and statue restoration: May 2025.
I completed a mural and statue restoration for St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Manhattan, IL. The date of completion was in May 2025. The mural is 16'HX7'W. *The stencil design is from the Daprato Rigali Studios, who renovated the interior church just a few years ago.
The scissor lift was terrifying at first, but I got used to it like a pro!
I had some help from two of my daughters: Bella & Teresa. :)
Fr. Mike McMahon and Deacon Pat Forsythe blessing the mural/statue on the Feast of the Asension.
I attended a 3 day workshop on the north side of Chicago, with professional watercolorist Eudes Correia website here
I attended a 3 day workshop on the north side of Chicago, with professional watercolorist Eudes Correia website here
Painting commission 2024. 14 Stations of the Cross
This was a large painting commission to paint the 14 Stations of the Cross for St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Manhattan, IL. The job took 6 months. There are 88 figures and 2 horses.
Beginning the underpainting on Station 14.
Completed Stations 3 & 4.
Close up.
Install.
Fr. Mike blessed each Station at the dedication before the Ash Wednesday Mass.
Celebrating achievements with students.
Student SS invited me to her Bhaatanatyam performace. I was so honored to be there.
Student R.C. was honored with her Still Life drawing at the Naperville Women's Art League student art competition.
Student T.G. was honored by the Illinois Art Education Association, as her pastel drawing was selected from hundreds of entries to be a part of their annual traveling exhibition.
Honoring & presenting awards for three outstanding seniors at our Black and Gold Award ceremony every spring.
Student teachers :) ❤️
Student teacher AD from North Central College. She's starting her teaching career with a full-time teaching job, right out of student teaching. :)
We had an Art Institute of Chicago day with our student teachers MJ and EP. It was wonderful!
Student teacher KK. I have found having a student teacher is a rewarding experience. It's a great feeling to be able to help mentor future art teachers.
A few paintings—oil and watercolor...
Big Sky
Watercolor on paper
Fresh, green, soft hills
Oil on canvas
Morning sunrise over the fields
Oil on paper
Lemon Yellows,
Oil on board
Indiana Apple Crisp, Oil on board.
Featured in the 2021 Illinois Art Educator Exhibition
Layered Chaos, Mixed Media on board.
Featured in the 2022 Illinois Art Educator Exhibition & selected for an Art Educator Scholorship at MCAD.
Cranberry Clusters,
Watercolor on paper
Cotton Candy Sky,
Oil on paper
After the storm, watercolor on paper.
Featured in the 2023 Sweet Home Chicago (art show page here) Exhibition at the Bridgeport Art Center.
More Metea Valley related stuff :)
Doing a painting demo, teaching the benefits of an underpainting.
Finished demo. Demo days are so fun!
Mrs. Popovich and I at the Naperville Parking Garage where we coordinated with students, a muralist and KidsMatter to create four large murals representing Metea Valley HS L.I.F.E. statement. Live with integrity, Inspire passion for learning, Foster positive relationships, Equity & excellence for all. *See Special Events/Collaborations page.
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