For many students, “the arts” can feel like a distant world of abstract masterpieces meant to be viewed and appreciated by the chosen few. But nothing could be further from the truth – the arts aren’t dead, nor are they reserved for the sophisticated elite. They are a living, breathing experience woven into everyday life, waiting to be discovered.
Organized every other year at Schaumburg High School, the 2025 Arts Alive week featured a variety of performances from both professional artists and student groups that celebrated and promoted the arts through live performances. The event was designed to expose students to various forms of artistic expression beyond what students might typically encounter in class.
“Our goal is to create vibrant, interactive art experiences where students can encounter, engage with, and create art in meaningful ways,” shared Mrs. Micheletto, the Arts Alive sponsor. “We hope students walk away with a newfound appreciation for the arts, an awareness of different artistic careers, and perhaps even a spark of inspiration to explore their own artistic talents”
This year’s event moved towards a more interactive “visual fest” format in ArtPop, which offered attendees the opportunity to participate in hands-on creative activities. Students created a dress out of candy wrappers, mixed music, threw clay on the pottery wheel, and even contributed to our Schaumburg High School community mural.
“There was a tangible energy in the room– students were creating, experimenting, and sharing their artistic expressions with each other,” commented Micheletto.
A unique aspect of Arts Alive is its Hidden Talents segment, where students audition to present their personal artistic abilities to their peers. This encourages creativity and gives students an opportunity to share their passions in front of an audience.
Rachel Vega, a senior musician, has been playing instruments since she was in 5th grade and the Arts Alive showcase allowed her to share her talents on a whole new level. She played bass in “Concerto for Lute” during the music department showcase and she was looking forward to playing with her band during the Hidden Talents. Vega shared that performing in front of a live audience is a unique experience that gave her a lot of fun seeing others enjoying the music she played and sharing a fun moment with them.
“No one has to be the best artist, writer, or musician in order to find satisfaction in sharing their passions. I am very grateful to be able to play with and alongside multiple groups of talented musicians. Hearing other acts is so inspiring, and working with other musicians just motivates me to do my best,” Rachel Vega reflected.
Also performing were students from SHS South Asian Student Association (SASA), along with various musical and vocal groups. SHS teachers Mr. Peterson Mrs. Means also performed.
Professional groups Shadowfields, a local band, Ayodele, West African troupe Drum and Dance troupe, LOL improv, Axiom Brass rounded out the festivities.
Behind the scenes, the organization of the event required months of hard work, including scheduling and coordinating with multiple professional artists through community connections to strive for a diverse lineup while seeking student and staff input, and ensuring all students could participate.
Despite logistical challenges, such as reimagining the space and setting up stations that encouraged movement and participation, the event was successful in achieving its goal. Performers showed students their own creative potential. Arts Alive exists to spark curiosity and confidence in living arts every day.