On the evening of May 19, Loyola’s Fine & Performing Arts Department presented the 2025 Music and Art Show in the Berendo Building. Every student enrolled in a visual arts or music class was represented at the show. The event served as not only an opportunity to enjoy the best that Loyola has to offer in fine arts and musical compositions, but also to ready our minds for the final exams that lie ahead.
Department Chair of Fine and Performing Arts Christina Muraczewski stated, “The arts have the power to heal. There is study after study that proves experiencing art and music in person offers profound benefits for mental health and brain stimulation. Engaging with live music and art doesn’t just evoke emotions; it also promotes neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to adapt and form new connections.”
The evening started with an art exhibition and awards presentation, which was followed by instrumental performances. For the first time, the show highlighted ceramics and 3D design through the introduction of more permanent display cases.
This year’s show also included an interactive element where students could play video games that had been coded and developed by Mathematics & Computer Science Luis Artiz ‘95 and his computer programming class.
The show’s success was highlighted by KTLA’s School Spirit Spotlight. During the spotlight segment, two students spoke on air about their specific pieces and stressed the importance of the arts in education.
Approximately 10% of the students received “Best in Show” or “Honorable Mention” awards for their artwork. Andrew Goldman ’27, Giacomo Giordano ’26 and Ian Hong ’25 received extra special recognition for their work by winning the esteemed President’s Award, Principal’s Award and Department Award, respectively.
Additionally, several students were honored for their achievements in the arts outside of Loyola, including distinctions received at the Scholastic Arts and Writing competition, the National Art Honor Society Juried Exhibition, the CAEA Youth Art Month and the Getty Museum’s PST ART: A Celebration of Student Artistic Excellence – Community Showcase.
The students who received awards consistently emphasized the need to persist despite early setbacks. Lucas Canley ’27 won the Best Overall Drawing award for his chameleon drawing that used scratch art technique, where a dark-colored surface is scratched away to reveal a light layer underneath.
Canley mentioned, “Initially, scratch art wasn’t my thing, and it took me a while to get used to drawing that way. The chameleon was my third or fourth attempt at making a piece I was happy with, so having that struggle and learning curve is what makes the drawing even more special for me.”
Despite the success of this year’s show, changes are in store for next year, as Muraczewski is always looking for ways to add more varied content and work collaboratively with other departments. For example, next year’s show is expected to feature short scenes acted out by Acting Workshop students in the Black Box theater. The show may even include the opportunity to view short films created by students from the new Cinematic Arts class.