Behind The Murals: Getting To Know Muralist Chuck Berrett
For the Stevenson Fine Arts Department, the murals project in the rotundas — the grand finale to last week’s Odyssey Fine Arts Week — was understandably a journey.
It took months to plan the project, to secure the artists and then to facilitate the execution of the actual painting process.
But what might be slightly unexpected in this story is the role that the mural project played in the personal journey of muralist Chuck Berrett. He and partner Nicole Salgar, who are based in Miami and own NS/CB Studios, were contracted to paint the murals and Berrett says that every time he works in a school setting, he gets particularly inspired.
He remembers being a teenager himself, and being unsure, as many teenagers are, of where his path would lead. Especially with art. Heck, he was unsure about that less than 10 years ago.
In 2013, Berrett and Salgar started their art studio. Before that, Berrett was just dabbling in art.
“I had like three paintings in my house that I had done and when Nicole first saw them she told me that I should show them. I thought she was crazy,” Berrett (pictured above right and above center with Salgar) said last Friday at the unveiling of the murals. “But she kept encouraging me. She also had this really big passion to open a gallery and studio, and a couple years later, we went into business together.
“I owe a lot to her. I don’t think I would have sought this out. I probably would have always painted, just not on a professional level.”
When Berrett works in a school setting, he loves telling young artists his “don’t-underestimate-yourself” story. To read more about Berrett, and for comments from Fine Arts Department Director Jon Grice (pictured speaking, below left), please click here.
Mock Trial Team Wins Invitational!
Stevenson’s varsity Mock Trial team competed at the North Suburban Bar Association Invitational earlier this month and took home first place as a team out of 36 teams competing.
The varsity team consists of seniors Aditi Ambravan, Mia Korsunsky, Abby Kogan, and junior Larry Han. Ambravan and Han tied for best overall attorney at the tournament. Han also won the top award for best witness.
Mock Trial (and Law Club) is an interactive club that is perfect for any student interested in law and justice. Many lawyers and judges come in as guest speakers throughout the year to share their experiences working in the legal field. During other meetings, club members learn about and discuss current legal issues.
Come Feel The Love At “Love, Thespians” Cabaret Tomorrow Night
Looking for some music, drama, entertainment, and fun? If so, check out tomorrow night’s production of “Love, Thespians <3” Cabaret, sponsored by StageCrafters Technical Theatre Club. The event will benefit Arts for Illinois Relief Fund.
The fund provides financial relief to workers and organizations in the creative industries impacted by COVID-19, which includes all artists and artisans, stage and production members and part-time cultural workers from large to small arts organizations in all disciplines.
Inducted thespians in Troupe 1583 will be performing acts ranging from singing, to improv, to slam poetry, and more. All are welcome at 7 p.m. in the West Auditorium for a night full of love!
The event is free but donations for Arts for Illinois Relief Fund will be collected at the door. In conjunction with the event, there is also a fundraiser tomorrow at the Culver’s locations in Lincolnshire and Buffalo Grove.
Statesman Captured Images From Friday’s Mask Protest; Publishing Stories As Well
The staff of the Statesman was on hand last Friday to cover the mask protest on Stevenson’s campus and has published a 9-photo gallery on its website titled: “Scenes From ‘Unmask The Kids’ Protest.” There is also a news story chronicling the events.
The Statesman is also working on other stories about the protest that will include an opinion piece as well as features with quotes from the administration, members of the protest (adults and students) as well as students who disagreed with the protest. Those stories are slated to be published by the end of the week.
Spring Biliteracy Exam Coming Up In March; Register Now
Juniors and Seniors: If you are interested in the Spring Biliteracy Exam, please mark your calendars. Stevenson offers students (juniors and seniors only for the spring exam) the opportunity for recognition through the state’s Seal of Biliteracy program by demonstrating a high level of proficiency in English and a second language. The Spring 2022 Biliteracy exam is scheduled from 8 a.m. to Noon on Saturday, March 12, and check-in is from 7:15 a.m. to 7:50 a.m. at the Point Entrance, Upper Forum (Door 1, Lot B). Seating is limited due to proctor availability and restricted testing areas. The deadline to register is Friday, March 4, at Noon. Visit Stevenson’s Biliteracy page for a list of updated languages offered, registration, and payment information. The assessments offered are: AAPPL, ALIRA, STAMP 4S Polish, and ALTA.
Know An Exceptional Patriot? Submit Your Nomination For Winter Sports Now
Attention all coaches, students, and parents! Don’t FORGET – You still have time to nominate a team or individual for the “Exceptional Stevenson Patriot Pride Award” (ESPPA’s) for winter sports. Winter sports awards are coming up at 7 p.m. on March 8. We need your nominations to decide the winners. Please take a look at the nomination form and recommend your favorite event/individual for each award. The deadline to nominate is Feb. 25.
Athletic Results
Boys Ice Hockey: Stevenson was eliminated from the SHL Conference Tournament after losing 4-3 in overtime to Glenbrook South. The Patriots took an early lead with a goal in the first scored by Brandon Shultz and assisted by Ethan O’Gradney and Cam Schneider. GBS would tie it up in the first and added two goals in the second to go up 3-1. James Medleson closed the gap to 3-2 with a short-handed goal assisted by Schneider and Nolan Jones. Early in the third, Spencer Harman tied the game with a goal assisted by Andrew Lermer and Zach Meyers. The game was tied 3-3 after regulation and just 26 seconds into overtime, GBS found the game-winner to advance to the SHL Conference Semifinals. Stevenson’s season will continue with the State Tournament starting on Saturday, Feb. 26 at 4:25 p.m. at Bensenville West. The Patriots are seeded third and will await their opponent after receiving a bye for early round play.
Stevenson Graduate Megan Bozek To Play For Olympic Gold In Hockey
Megan Bozek, a 2009 Stevenson graduate is a member of the U.S. Women’s Olympic Hockey Team, which will be playing Canada for the gold medal at the Winter Games! The game will be aired tonight at 10:10 p.m. on NBC.
Can A New Online Learning Platform Improve Employment For Those With Visual Impairment?
Despite being capable of working a variety of jobs, people who are blind or visually impaired tend to have low job placement rates, low salaries and an unusually high underemployment rate. But some advocates say that more-accessible tech platforms could be a key to changing that. College education and skills training—specifically the use of a white cane and braille—are associated with greater employment outcomes.
The Week Ahead
Mark your calendars for these events and see the Stevenson Calendar for details on these and future programs.
Feb. 16-28: Black History Month
Feb. 16: PPA Bake Sale
Feb. 16: Sports Booster Meeting
Feb. 17: Patriot Theatre Company Fundraiser
Feb. 17: Love, Thespians Fundraiser
Feb. 17-19: IHSA Boys Wrestling State Finals
Feb. 18: Non-Attendance Day
Feb. 18-19: IHSA Girls Gymnastics State Finals
Feb. 21: No School: President’s Day
Feb. 22-26: Winterfest
Stevenson Daily Digest 
