Educational Background:

Studied at the American Academy of Art in Chicago, focusing on classical observational drawing and painting. Associates Degree in Painting & Drawing with a minor in Illustration.
Continued studies at The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, specializing in figurative sculpture, including techniques like welding, clay modeling, mold casting, and metal pouring. Bachelors of Fine Art in Sculpture.
St. Xavier's University. Masters Degree in Secondary Art Education.

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.

Professional Affiliations:

IAEA- Illinois Art Educators Association
CAI- Catholic Art Institute
Women in Watercolor

Irene LaPapa

Fine Art teacher- Metea Valley High School

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

www.instagram.com/eudeswatercolor/

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 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.

We had an Art Institute of Chicago day with our student teachers MJ and EP. It was wonderful!

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.

Bridgeport Art Center

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.