Welcoming. Supportive. Honest. Compassionate. Eccentric. These are all words students have used to paint a picture of Mrs. Carol-Lynn Comparetto, who has turned the art world into more than just a classroom; it’s a place where students feel seen, encouraged, and free to create.
Comparetto has been teaching at Central for eleven years, a role she enjoys because it allows her to work with a wide range of students in different classes while helping them explore their creativity. Over the years, she has also come to appreciate the sense of community at Central and how the school values art.
Comparetto said, “Art is essential to humanity, and I feel like everyone should have an opportunity to express themselves.”
Comparetto’s compassion for art is clear, and she provides sincere feedback to help her students grow.
Freshman Yashvi Patel, a former student of Comparetto, commented, “She’s the type of person who seems like she has her life together. She won’t hesitate to tell you your art is bad if she thinks so. I love how she is honest and consistently helps you if wanted.”
In the art world, Comparetto admires two renowned artists: Frida Kahlo and Georgia O’Keeffe.
She expressed, “I like how Frida Kahlo centered her art around herself instead of focusing on her husband who was another artist. Back then, women weren’t taken seriously, and it was harder for women to get places in galleries, get their art to sell, and be respected for their pieces.”
While Comparetto draws inspiration from many artists, one artwork in particular stands out to her because of its strong emotional appeal. “Portrait of Ross in L.A” by Felix Gonzalez-Torres.
This conceptual sculpture consists of a pile of candy representing the ideal body weight of the artist’s partner, who died of AIDS. Visitors are invited to take a piece, gradually sinking the pile, symbolizing the slow death caused by the disease.
Art student Jason Khuri-Reed has taken several art classes over his years at Central High School. When asked about Comparetto’s teaching methods, he expressed, “Mrs. Comparetto is pretty hands-off. She tells you what to do and lets you figure it out for yourself. She respects you and lets you have independence.”
While Comparetto spends a considerable amount of time in the classroom, she focuses on making her own art in her free time.
Comparetto noted, “Every year all the art teachers in Champaign have an art show together, which helps me to keep my practice as an artist. I also am participating in the Boneyard Art Festival, which will feature some paintings I have created”.
Through her inspirations, her favorite works, and the passion she brings into the classroom, it’s clear that Comparetto’s love for art extends beyond teaching. As her students have shared, the dedication makes her not only a good artist, but an inspiring person who leaves a lasting impression.
