Construction on LHS Fine Arts’ department art gallery began on Monday, February 8.
The art gallery will be located directly across from the auditorium in the fine arts wing. The project is expected to be finished soon after Spring Break.
Demolition began in the first week of February. The construction of glass walls, a doorway to the adjacent hallway, installation of lights, and duct work launched recently.
It took about four years for the gallery to be approved by the school district and the District 128 school board despite the fact that both organizations were supportive of the project from the start.
“It was necessary to raise money and find an architect that was approved by the district,” Libertyville Wildcats Fine Arts Foundation (LWFAF) former president B.J. Jones said.
Jones spearheaded the proposal as the committee’s chairperson. She helped raise money for the project by hosting silent auctions and soliciting donations from alum. In fact, fundraising for the project is still going on in order to fulfill LWFAF’s promise of $50,000 to the district. As of right now, the committee is seeking corporate sponsorship for the project.
Ray Gossel and Julie Johnson, art teachers at LHS, have numerous ideas for types of exhibits the art gallery could host.
“We’re definitely considering an AP show to open the gallery, because those kids are the best. We’re also considering an alumni show or hosting any visiting artists. There are so many possibilities,” Gossel said.
About a third of LHS students participate in the art program throughout their tenure at the high school.
“The main reasons we wanted to build an art gallery were to show support for the kids and provide them their first experience of being displayed in an actual gallery,” Gossel said.
The gallery will be equipped to display all types of art, including 3D art, as walls will provide blank canvases for hanging artwork and pedestals are being installed for sculptural work.
LHS is the only high school in the area that will have such an extensive gallery. Barrington High School has a gallery about half the planned size of the one being constructed in the Fine Arts wing.
photos by Melissa Ryder