Maine West Film Festival & Awards 2026: A Celebration of Student Voice and Vision #207Now @mainewestfab @wmth_west

 

The Maine West Film Festival & Awards night on Monday, April 13th, was a powerful culmination of a year of creativity, collaboration, and storytelling. The event brought together students and families to celebrate the full range of film projects created throughout the year - each one a reflection of student voice, growth, and artistic risk-taking.

From narrative films to documentaries, experimental pieces to collaborative class projects, the festival showcased the depth and diversity of work happening within our media arts program. 

A highlight of the evening was the recognition of student leaders who have helped shape the culture of the program. These students have not only developed their own craft, but have also lifted others - mentoring peers, leading productions, and setting a tone of collaboration and excellence. Their contributions have left a lasting mark on the program and will continue to influence future filmmakers at Maine West.

We also took time to celebrate the senior class, whose body of work represents years of growth, persistence, and passion. Their films tell stories that are personal, thoughtful, and often deeply impactful. More importantly, they leave behind a legacy of creativity and leadership that will continue to raise the bar for years to come.

More pictures from this year's film festival can be found HERE.

Excellence in Action: Mr. Benitez Honored at Scholastic Awards #207Now #excellence #artexhibit @mainewestart @lahartanddesign2 @mainewestfab

 

Maine West is proud to celebrate the outstanding work of first-year art teacher Mr. Chuy Benitez, who was recently recognized at the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards Chicago Regional Ceremony as one of just eight educators honored for having the highest number of individual student award recipients.

In Photography alone, Maine West students earned recognition in an incredibly competitive field. Out of more than 4,000 total art submissions - over 1,000 of which were Photography - only about 15% received any level of award. Among those, nine Maine West students were recognized, an impressive accomplishment that speaks to both student dedication and strong instruction.

Beyond the classroom, Mr. Benitez also served as the lead coordinator for Maine West’s Scholastic Awards submission process. His organization and leadership helped result in the highest number of student participants and award recipients the school has seen in recent years.

This kind of impact in a first year is remarkable. Thank you, Mr. Benitez, for raising the bar and creating meaningful, high-level opportunities for all of our visual art students!

AP Art Exhibit: A Celebration of Voice, Process, and Growth! #207Now #ap @mainewestart @lahartanddesign2 @mainewestfab

 

The AP Art Exhibit is always one of the most powerful moments of the year, and this year’s show was no exception. Walking through the exhibit, it’s immediately clear that this experience is about so much more than finished pieces - it’s also about the journey each student has taken to get there.

Throughout the year, AP artists are challenged to develop a sustained investigation - digging deeply into ideas, experimenting with materials, and refining their voice. The work on display reflects that commitment. Each piece is part of a larger story, showing not only technical skill, but thoughtful risk-taking, problem-solving, and persistence.

What stands out most is the individuality of each collection. From detailed drawings and expressive paintings to innovative mixed media, digital art and ceramics, every student approached their concentration with a unique perspective. 

Beyond the artwork itself, this exhibit represents growth. These students have learned how to think like artists: to revise, to reflect, and to push their work further with intention. That kind of learning extends far beyond the art room and will serve them in whatever path they choose.

Thank you to our AP Art students for the dedication, creativity, and courage you brought to this work, and to our teachers for guiding and supporting them every step of the way. This exhibit is something to be truly proud of - we hope this is just the beginning of where their artistic journeys will go.

Thank you to the Maine West Fine Arts Boosters for your financial support of the reception refreshments.

More photos from the exhibit can be found HERE.

Congratulations to Shane Washington on his State Recognition in Filmmaking! #207Now #excellence @mainewestfab @wmth_west

Maine West continues to shine in the creative arts! We recently learned that student filmmaker Shane Washington has been named a State Finalist in the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Electric 18 Film Competition.

Shane’s film, Injury Diaries, offers a personal look at his experience navigating an injury as a runner. Through thoughtful storytelling and strong visual choices, the film captures both the physical and emotional challenges of being sidelined from something you love.

This recognition highlights not only Shane’s talent and dedication, but also the powerful work our student filmmakers are creating every day. We’re excited to see his work recognized at the state level and look forward to what he creates next!

We invite you to watch Injury Diaries below:

Shane will be recognized by the Maine Township Board of Education Meeting for his state qualification on May 4th (Maine South).

Congratulations to West Visual Artists on Their Selection to the CSL Art Exhibit! #207Now #artexhibit #excellence @mainewestart @lahartanddesign2 @mainewestfab

 

A number of Maine West visual art students have been selected for exhibition at this year's Central Suburban League (CSL) Art Exhibit! 

Please join us for a public reception at The Art Center of Highland Park (1957 Sheridan Road, Highland Park, IL) on April 16th from 5:30-7:30 p.m.!

Congratulations to the following students!

JAIME OROZCO	Maine West	Color Pencil
AISHA MUSIC	Maine West	Mixed Media
VANESSA KOPEC	Maine West	Graphite Drawing
ANTONIA GOMEZ	Maine West	Acyrlic Painting
LUIZA SZERSZENOWICZ	Maine West	Graphite Drawing
DIONE LOYOLA	Maine West	Mixed Media
VICTORIA KAMBOUROV	Maine West	Mixed Media
HENRY HRYHORCHUK	Maine West	Color Pencil
ABIGAIL SCOTT	Maine West	Acyrlic Painting
SALINA MITHANI	Maine West	Mixed Media
BLAKE PREIKSAITIS	Maine West	Color Pencil
HENRY HRYHORCHUK	Maine West	Marker
BELLA DUREC	Maine West	Digital Art
SABEEN SALEH	Maine West	Digital Art
ABBY GOMEZ TELLO URIAS	Maine West	Digital Art
DANIELLE ESCOBAR	Maine West	Digital Art
ADELINA ORTEGA	Maine West	Digital Art
ISABELA HENRIKSON	Maine West	Digital Art
GWEN VAN HUIS	Maine West	Digital Art
RAY COPELAND	Maine West	Digital Art
MARK DAVID	Maine West	Digital Art
AISHA MUSIC	Maine West	Digital Art
ALEXANDRA RIVERA	Maine West	Digital Art
ANELYA ASANKULOVA	Maine West	Pastel
PENELOPE SALINAS	Maine West	Photography
RUTH GONZALEZ	Maine West	Photography
ANDREY CATALAN	Maine West	Photography
NATHAN SUCIU	Maine West	Photography
BELLA DUREC	Maine West	Photography
LIANA ZAJCZENKO	Maine West	Photography
MAIA TARASZKA	Maine West	Photography
LEAH BRATANCH	Maine West	Photography
KATELYN YZQUIERDO	Maine West	Photography
ALONA DANIEL	Maine West	Photography
ALEXIS FAJARDO	Maine West	Photography
ELISA MURILLO	Maine West	Photography
SABRINA FOY	Maine West	Printmaking
NATALIE PABON	Maine West	Fiber mixed media

Improv Warriors Spring Show! #207Now #improv @mainewestfab @mainewestdrama

 

Maine West's very own improv troupe, The Improv Warriors, took the stage and delivered a night that was completely unscripted, unpredictable, and full of energy!

From the very first game, students jumped in with confidence - building scenes on the spot, embracing unexpected twists, and fully committing to every moment. What made the performance especially memorable was their willingness to take risks. In improv, not every idea lands perfectly, but the strength of this group was in how they supported one another, adapted quickly, and kept the momentum going.

Audience suggestions fueled the entire show, turning everyday ideas into creative, often hilarious scenes. Whether it was a quick-thinking wordplay challenge or a longer-form scene that evolved in surprising ways, the Improv Warriors showed just how powerful collaboration and creativity can be.

Beyond the laughter, this performance highlighted important skills our students are developing: listening, teamwork, confidence, and the ability to think on their feet. These are skills that extend far beyond the stage and into every aspect of their learning and growth.

This was a joyful, high-energy performance that reflected the dedication and growth of these students. Bravo to each and every Improv Warrior and to their director, Mr. David Harmon!

More pictures can be found HERE.

Congratulations to all of the students inducted this morning into the Tri-M Music Honor Society! #207Now #honors @mainewestfab

 

This morning's Tri-M Music Honor Society Induction Ceremony was a meaningful celebration of both achievement and commitment to music. Students were recognized not only for their musical excellence, but for their leadership, service, and dedication to growing our music community.

Throughout the ceremony, inductees reflected on what music has taught them—discipline, collaboration, and the courage to perform and create. These students represent the very best of what our Fine Arts programs strive to cultivate.

We’re proud of the way they continue to raise the bar, support one another, and contribute to a culture where music matters every day.