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Dumbach Scholars and AP Art History Students Explore Sacred Spaces
Throughout November, Dumbach Scholars and AP Art History students visited three religious sites as part of their exploration of sacred spaces. The AP Art History curriculum features religious works of art and architecture from diverse traditions worldwide. To bring classroom discussions to life, students toured Sts. Peter and Paul Greek Orthodox Church in Glenview, Madonna della Strada Chapel at Loyola University, and North Shore Congregation Israel in Glencoe.
By gaining insight into different faith traditions, students deepened their understanding of the design and symbolism of these sacred spaces. This approach shifted their perspective from "this is how it looks" to "this is why it looks that way."
The first visit was to Sts. Peter and Paul Greek Orthodox Church on Tuesday, November 5, where Rev. Fr. Richard Demetrius Andrews provided a guided tour and explained the imagery and significance of icons throughout the space.
"The level of detail and symbolism in the decoration creates a beautiful and holy atmosphere, and I was inspired to learn more about each image depicted," reflected Marina Sentic '27. "Seeing so many saints and holy figures around makes me feel like I’m surrounded by the history and spirit of the religion."
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The first visit was to Sts. Peter and Paul Greek Orthodox Church on Tuesday, November 5, where Rev. Fr. Richard Demetrius Andrews provided a guided tour and explained the imagery and significance of icons throughout the space.
"The level of detail and symbolism in the decoration creates a beautiful and holy atmosphere, and I was inspired to learn more about each image depicted," reflected Marina Sentic '27. "Seeing so many saints and holy figures around makes me feel like I’m surrounded by the history and spirit of the religion."
On Thursday, November 14, the students visited Madonna della Strada Chapel at Loyola University. Assistant Director of Campus Ministry for Sacramental Life Dr. Derrick Witherington led the group through the chapel's exterior, interior, and private basement chapels.
"When I saw this chapel, I was immediately drawn to the similarities to different styles of art we have learned about in class," said Anna Ronai '27. "I really liked the facade that overlooked the lake. It had a window that reminded me of the rose window from the Chartres Cathedral. It was interesting to see the Evangelists' symbols in person after studying them in early Christian artworks."
The final stop was on Monday, November 18, to visit North Shore Congregation Israel in Glencoe. Rabbi Jacob Lietzman guided the group through the main sanctuary, designed by renowned architect Minoru Yamasaki, as well as the smaller sanctuary on the building's south side.
"With the building located on the lake and the grandness of the inside, I felt small. This feeling of being so small in such a large space brought emotions of quietness, respect, and admiration to the larger-than-life space," said Caroline Cunningham '27. "I also felt very intrigued, because being Catholic I had never been in a space like this before, so I was sparked with interest in the Jewish faith and their way of worship."
Applications for the Dumbach Scholars Honors Program are due Tuesday, December 3! This enrichment program enhances the curriculum for Loyola’s most gifted and motivated students through small group Socratic discussions of humanities and arts topics. For more information, click here.
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