Opening Night of Mamma Mia! #207Now #musicaltheatre @mainewestfab @mainewestdrama

Opening night of Mamma Mia! at Maine West High School was a joyful celebration of student talent, collaboration, and community spirit. From the moment the curtain rose, the audience was transported to a sun-soaked Greek island, where the cast delivered energetic performances, heartfelt storytelling, and the timeless music of ABBA with confidence and charm.

The production showcased the extraordinary dedication of our students on stage and behind the scenes. Vibrant choreography, colorful costumes, and a dynamic pit orchestra brought the show to life, while the technical crew created a seamless theatrical experience that reflected months of careful planning and craftsmanship.

Most inspiring was the sense of connection in the room. Families, alumni, and community members filled the auditorium, cheering on students whose hard work and passion were evident in every scene. Opening night reminded us that the arts are more than performances—they are opportunities for students to grow, take risks, and create something meaningful together.

We are incredibly proud of everyone involved in this production and grateful to the supporters who help make these experiences possible. If opening night is any indication, this run of Mamma Mia! will be one to remember! 

You have three more opportunities to catch the Maine West Fine Arts production of Mamma Mia:

Friday, February 20th at 7:00 p.m.

Saturday, February 21st at 7:00 p.m.

Sunday, February 22nd at 2:00 p.m.

You are encouraged to skip the line by getting your tickets in advance at mwfinearts.ludus.com!

Many more pictures from the production can be found HERE.

A HUGE thank you to all of the parent volunteers with the Maine West Fine Arts Boosters for your help - not just tonight, but throughout the entirety of our rehearsals and performances. You make incredible things happen for our students and community!

2026 Scholastic Art Awards #207Now #excellence @mainewestart @mainewestfab

 

Maia Taraszka - Serendipitous Duck

The Scholastic Art Awards are the longest-running, most prestigious recognition program for creative teens, and

a large source of scholarshipsfor young artists and writers in the United States and Canada. Teens in grades 7-12, 13 years or older, are

eligible to enter their original art and writing work for a chance at recognition, publication, exhibition and more. 

The Alliance for Young Artists & Writers, the non-profit organization that administers the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, partners with more than 100 Affiliate Partners across the country that host the Awards in their community.

The Maine West Fine Arts Department is proud to announce the results of the judging from the 2026 Scholastic Art Awards. HERE is the list of all Chicago-area artists whose works were selected for recognition.

Maine West student artists won a total of 22 awards, including 3 Gold Key Awards, 6 Silver Key Awards, and 13 Honorable Mention Awards.

CLICK HERE to view a portfolio of all Maine West award winning artwork.

The public is invited to attend that Exhibition's Opening Reception on 

Wednesday, April 8, 2026 at 6:00 PM at 

Columbia College Chicago - Student Center (754 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60605).

GOLD KEY AWARDS (3)

Alaina Fracek (12), Shortness of Breath, Mixed Media, AP Studio Art, Maine West High School

Ashley Schreyer-Miller (12), Ichthys, Mixed Media, AP Studio Art, Maine West High School

Maia Taraszka (11), Serendipitous Duck, Photography 1, Maine West High School

SILVER KEY AWARDS (6)

Ariana Arzola (11), Mac Miller, Ceramics & Glass, Adv. Ceramics and Design, Maine West High School

Alaina Fracek (12), You Are What You Eat, Ceramics & Glass, AP Studio Art, Maine West High School

Delaney Kroschel (10), The Season Ends and the Night Begins, Photography 2, Maine West High School

Elisa Murillo (10), Where Love Burns Out, Photography 2, Maine West High School

Abby Gomez Tello Urias (12), Legacy, Digital Painting, Drawing & Collage, AP Digital Art, Maine West High School

Gwyneth Van Huis (12), Infatuated, Digital Painting, Drawing & Collage, AP Digital Art, Maine West High School

HONORABLE MENTION (13)

Oscar Alanis (9), Bittersweet, Photography, Maine West High School

Paola Alvarez (12), So Close, Yet So Far, AP Studio Art, Maine West High School

Makayla Antusas (12), Chicago Architecture Building, Photography, Maine West High School

Nataniel Cajigas (11), Y Al Final Te Sentirás Mejor, Digital Painting, Drawing & Collage, Advanced Digital Art, Maine West High School

Mark David (11), Paper Cutout - Movie Scene, Illustration, Maine West High School

Alaina Fracek (12), Music to Me, Mixed Media, Maine West High School

Alaina Fracek (12), Patty, Mixed Media, Maine West High School

Noriel Garcia (11), Windy City Blues Interior, Photography 2, Maine West High School

Antonia Gomez (12), Daily Semitas, Painting, AP Studio Art, Maine West High School

Alexa Gonzalez (11), Sister Empowerment, Photography 2, Honorable Mention, Maine West High School

Dione Loyola (11), Underwater Dream, Drawing, Art 3, Maine West High School

Melisa Murillo Marquez (10), Red Rosary, Photography 1, Maine West High School

Takhmina Saipova (10), Fourth of July, Photography 2, Maine West High School

Ashley Schreyer-Miller - Ichthys

Gwyneth Van Huis - Infatuated

Elisa Murillo - Where Love Burns Out

Delaney Kroschel - The Season Ends and the Night Begins

Abby Gomez Tello Urias - Legacy

Alaina Fracek - You Are What You Eat

Alaina Fracek - Shortness of Breath

Ariana Arzola - Mac Miller

Orchestra Chamber Music Night Performance #207Now #orchestra @mainewestfab

 

Our Orchestra Chamber Music Night transformed the library into an intimate concert venue filled with focus, artistry, and collaboration. 

Unlike large ensemble concerts, chamber music places every player in the spotlight. Each student carried an essential role—listening closely, leading confidently, and responding in real time. The result was a performance that felt personal, connected, and alive.

The library setting created a unique atmosphere that invited the audience in. Without the distance of a stage, families and friends experienced the music up close, noticing the subtle communication between performers and the expressive details that make chamber music so special.

We are proud of the preparation, independence, and musical maturity these students demonstrated. Experiences like this not only strengthen technical skills but also build leadership, collaboration, and artistic confidence—skills that extend far beyond the orchestra room.

Thank you to everyone who joined us in celebrating these dedicated musicians and the beautiful work they shared!

HERE is a folder full of pictures from the event.

HERE is a link to the digital program.

If you weren't able to make it, please enjoy a video of the performance below!