Willowbrook senior combines passion for art and music through new school mural

Willowbrook senior Norah (North) Luedtke is pictured with the mural she created for the school's Music Department.

When Willowbrook senior Norah (North) Luedtke was presented with the opportunity to combine her love for art and music through designing and painting a mural for the school’s Music Department, she was beyond thrilled and quickly got to work. Luedtke has played the NEED INSTRUMENT for NEED NUMBER OF YEARS, has been involved with Willowbrook Theatre throughout her high school career and has had a passion for art “since birth.”

Luedtke spent about 50 hours during summer break creating the mural, which she painted freehand after sketching it digitally with an app called Procreate. The wall art spans NEED SQUARE FEET and ascends up one of the staircases. The layout features musical notes, a variety of instruments and images representing theatre. Each item is strategically placed, with theatre near the stage, and orchestra, band and choir appearing in the order in which the classrooms are located in the music wing. And be sure to check out the ceiling while walking up the stairs – you won’t want to miss a large gold star around the light fixture.

Luedtke thanks Art Department Head John Epple, Music Department Head Jan Bobek, Principal Dr. Daniel Krause and Assistant Principal Dr. Jamie Gourley for their continuous encouragement. Epple gave students in his AP Studio Art class the chance to coordinate murals as part of the course.

“I really enjoy telling a story through art and the expression it allows,” Luedtke said. “People turn to the arts for comfort, and that’s very inspiring.”

Luedtke said she hopes her piece helps others find their creativity and brightens their day. She added it was a team effort, as staff and students offered input throughout the process. While Luedtke is pleased with her work, she has plans to expand and perfect the design. She also is excited to make another mural later this school year for the Music Department’s “Wall of Fame.”

Luedtke looks to major in illustration, and her top choices include Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design and Savannah College of Art and Design. Her goal is to pursue a career as a children’s book illustrator and a freelance artist.

“This is my first mural, and it’s so special and emotional to be able to leave my mark at Willowbrook,” Luedtke said. “I can’t express how much I appreciate the support Willowbrook provides for the performing arts.”