Fine Arts
The primary goal of the Fine Arts department is to inspire students to broaden their learning horizons, explore new passions, and reach their creative potential artistically, musically and linguistically. The department encourages students to embrace their creative ideas and individuality.
Art students work in art forms in a variety of ways - tempura, acrylic, water color - and materials, learn photography and gain knowledge about perspective drawing. The goal for art courses is to give students the basic tools necessary to create art and allow them to develop their skills. Departmental offerings also include Mixed Media, Ceramics and Advanced Ceramics, Sculpture and Independent Study in 3D Art. Art Club meets twice a month. Art department students are involved in two competitions.
Emily Lowman is a member of the Fine Arts department with 7 years of teaching experience, 6 of those being at East Peoria. She primarily teaches the 3-D Art courses at EPCHS, including Introduction to 2-D and 3-D Art, Ceramics, Sculpture, and Advanced Ceramics and Sculpture. She is also the Head Coach of the JV Scholastic Bowl team and an advisor of the Art Club. Originally from Pekin, Illinois, she attended Pekin High School before earning her Bachelor of Arts degree in K-12 Education from Illinois State University. Emily shares that she loves the pride students take in their artwork and their sense of accomplishment when they succeed in making their artistic visions come to life. Her favorite artist is Jeff Koons, and outside of work she enjoys ceramics, stained glass, and video games.
Theresa Weis is a member of the Fine Arts department with 10 years of teaching experience, 1 of those being at East Peoria. She primarily teaches the 2-D Art courses at EPCHS and is also an advisor of the Art Club. Originally from Pekin, Illinois, she attended Pekin High School before earning her Bachelor's degree in Secondary English Education from Eureka College and her Master's in Art Education from Illinois State University. Her biggest joy is teaching and creating art, and despite being new to the district after 9 years elsewhere, she feels that the care for staff and student-centered mindset makes EPCHS feel like home. Outside of work Theresa is an oil painter, and enjoys reading and writing poetry, baking, DIY projects, and spending time with her three rescue dogs. She married her high school sweetheart and the two own a wedding/photo business together!