Editors’ Note: This is the third in a series of  features highlighting little-known locations at Niles West.

“Color” in writing terms, means any sensory description, sight, sound, taste, touch, and feel, all of  which are easily found in a secluded area of Niles West. The art room. Last semester my journalism teacher, Evelyn Lauer, took the class to Niles West’s art room in order to learn about adding “color” to an article. Being a long-time art student at West, I was already familiar with the explosion of inspiring images and objects that greet you as you enter.

A 40-foot line of props–including naked baby dolls, old suitcases, and an empty gumball machine–sits above the cabinets. A plethora of artist postcards cover the material cabinets. Student-designed nametags hang above the recycling bins, which are filled with black posterboard and scraps of neon pink painted paper.

Art student and junior Barbara Magiera finds comfort and inspiration in the vibrant space.

“It’s organized to an extent, but it’s messy so you feel comfortable here. Like your own room. There are so many different objects. You can draw inspiration from pretty much anything,” Magiera said.

The art room hasn’t always been so decorated though. When art teacher John Zilewicz arrived in 2005, the room was unimpressive and the art program was losing speed. It became his mission to revamp art classes at Niles West, including the student’s work environment.

Since he began teaching at West, Zilewicz has collected countless items for the art room from various sources.

“Whenever I go [to art shows] I pick up all the postcards there. Most of the still life artifacts are garbage picked, from the flee market, garage sales, or they’re donated from students’ parents. One man’s junk is another man’s treasure,” he said.

When you walk into the art room, you not only see a multitude of intriguing objects, but you can feel the energy of students as they take inspiration from their peers and environment. Classes are filled with the buzz of shared ideas, sprawled supplies, and impressive student artwork.

The  art department has transformed from an unknown corner of the school to a treasure trove of creativity, color, and kindness for all students and staff to enjoy. The decorated room is home to a cherished aspect of our school.