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Center for the Arts

We believe the arts are a language, not an accessory.

In a world reshaped by technology, the human capacity to imagine is more vital than ever.

The new LFC Center for the Arts gives students the tools and freedom to take creative risks, express their true selves, and become the compassionate citizens our world needs.

A Space for Every Artist

Whether students are curious about a creative career or simply love expressing themselves through art, music, or performance, the LFC Center for the Arts gives them the freedom & tools to make their ideas real.

Located right around the corner from main campus, this vibrant hub enables students to experiment and take creative risks. Students can move seamlessly from initial sketches to finished masterpieces in our:

  • two expansive visual arts studios,
  • a dedicated music classroom,
  • 3D art studio features a ceramics lab with a professional kiln, and
  • a flexible performance and exhibition hall.

Whether our students are painting, composing, designing or performing, they will join a supportive community that celebrates innovation and the joy of discovery.

Rental Inquries

When not in use by the LFC, we rent to external groups who would like to use the space consistent with the school’s mission and philosophy. Visit Facilities & Rentals to learn more.

Facilities & Rentals

Namita H., LFC Student

I like how creative [art] is, and how you can make up your own meaning. So, you can take the assignment and make it personal to you.
—Namita H., LFC Student

Elysia Sheehan, LFC Art Teacher

Every student has a creative voice. Our job is to help them find it—and have the courage to share it.
—Elysia Sheehan, LFC Art Teacher

Eric Veteau, Head of School

We built this space for more than just art. It is a place for our students to explore, to stumble, to try again, and to find the courage to express who they truly are.
—Eric Veteau, Head of School

Meaghan Benjamin, LFC Parent

Art, like a second language, allows you to see things, experience things, connect dots, think creatively.
—Meaghan Benjamin, LFC Parent

Arts News

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Preschool poses on the runway in their fashion show.
Learning French in Style: The Pre-K Fashion Show

In maternelle, language acquisition is an ongoing adventure. At the Lycée Français de Chicago, learning French doesn't just happen at a desk—it comes to life through exciting, hands-on projects. Our pre-K fashion show is the perfect example. It shows how much fun kids can have while building the confidence and skills they need to succeed.

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A collage of photos of AIR projects over the years
Bringing the Art World to Our Doorstep: Celebrating Three Decades of the LFC Artist-in-Residence Program

As the Lycée Français de Chicago celebrates its 30th anniversary, we look back on our origins, our amazing students, committed families and unique programs. Since the very beginning, the arts have been more than an extracurricular activity at LFC; they have been a vital language of expression, a bridge between cultures, and a core component of our educational philosophy. Nowhere is this more evident than in our cherished Artist-in-Residence (AIR) program.

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Four group photos from the 2024-25 artist in residence program
“No Place I'd Rather Be”: Sharing our School Community Through Song

Whether it’s capturing our school community through photography or recreating Homer’s “The Odyssey” on film, the LFC’s Artist-in-Residence program remains a cornerstone of its arts education—welcoming a new creator every other year to share their discipline with the school. Visiting from France, Senegal, Germany, and beyond, each artist brings a unique opportunity for students to immerse themselves in the arts and spark their creativity.

This year, the spotlight was on music, with the goal of creating an anthem that encompasses an LFC education and unites students from pre-K to Grade 12. Who better to lead them on this journey than Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Justin Roberts!

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Five photos from the LFC production of Mary Poppins
An Unforgettable Journey: Mary Poppins Takes Center Stage at the Athenaeum

On Saturday, March 29, the curtains rose on the Historic Main Stage of the Athenaeum Center, unveiling a magical and moving production of Mary Poppins, performed by a cast of 25 Lycée students. Supported by a stage crew of their peers and a talented team of volunteers, technicians, and directors, they welcomed over 600 attendees for two stellar performances—spotlighting months of dedication, growth, and discovery.

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Students posting with their Artist-in-Residence creations.
Checking in with the 2022-2023 Artist in Residence Program

If you peeked into LFC’s art rooms these days, you would see them filled with a whale, snail, jellyfish, cave, cyclops eye, boat and plenty of fish. As part of the 2022-2023 Artists in Residence program, students of all ages have helped create the set for their upcoming silent film, which will focus on the famous passage from Homer’s Odyssey detailing Odysseus’ journey to the island of the Cyclops.

Four people pose with puppet Cyclops, fish, and sailboat. To the right, a woman poses.
LFC’s Artist-in-Residence Program Welcomes the Lookingglass Theatre Company

This year’s residency, a beloved biennial LFC program, will tackle Homer’s Odyssey and, more specifically, the story of the Cyclops. The visiting artists will work with students to create a silent film, inspired by the work of French director Georges Melies, as well as a documentary about the making of the film.

2019 Artist-in-Residence exhibition.
A Beautiful Exhibition to Celebrate Joël Degbo's Residency

On Tuesday, April 9, the LFC community was thrilled to explore the work that Joël Degbo, our 2019 artist in residence, has done in collaboration with our students and teachers. His exhibition, entitled "Various Lights," highlighted our students' relationship to their urban environment in a vibrant showcase that featured voices, videos and pinhole photographs.