It’s that time again — Artzapalooza time. But this year, it’s here a couple months earlier than usual. Artzapalooza is an event that showcases all the arts of the school. It caters to all different forms of art: fashion, culinary, painting,  and theater, as well as many others. It’s a time for all sorts of artists in the school to show off their talents and skill.

This event unites all the different arts, and acts as a debut for the whole year for the entire fine and applied arts department. Artzapalooza will be held this Thursday, Sept. 26 at 6:30 p.m. here at Niles West. There will be a variety of activities at this event, including chalk art outside the school, ceramics, and food.

Artzapalooza is something huge for many students and is an exciting event that they feel is a great way to show off their hard work to others.

“I am excited for all the choir groups to come together and perform the song ‘My Shot,’ because what we want to do for it has a really powerful meaning,” sophomore Ninway Brikha said.

“Normally, Artzapalooza is at the end of May, but we are trying something new because the time of May is ridiculously busy,” auditorium manager Mackay Dufour said. “We decided to move it to the beginning of the year to have it as a sort of kick off for the department of fine and applied arts.”

Despite Artzapalooza being earlier than usual, many believe that it will still be a successful event and that being earlier in the year is better, when they struggle to get everything done.

“Despite Artzapalooza being earlier than usual, I still think we will do great in our dance because we’ve been practicing since the summer,” junior Jasmine Pumanes said. “But we’re still a little nervous, which is usual. Our dance is very clean and I hope it turns out great. Hopefully it shows all the time and dedication we put into it.” 

Ceramics teacher Barabara Wismer believes that hosting the event earlier in the year can make it a bit difficult to fill the show with many pieces.

“It’s a little difficult because we don’t have as much art work ready to go for the art gallery, but we are going to do our best to put a display together,” Wismer said. “My ceramics students, however, already made plates and little cups that the food will be served on, it’s just the painting and the drawing that takes more time, but luckily we already have some done.”

The chefs of the event — the culinary students — are some who will also be showing off their skills. They will be the ones making the food for the event this Thursday.

“Even though there is a lot of work and prepartion we must put in, the outcome will be worth it when our pastries are going out there and everyone is smiling while they’re eating our food,” senior Michael Youkhana said. “This event is a good experience to show my skills as a chef to everyone who comes to the event and eats our food.”