Outline:
A Unique Journey in Art and Woodworking
For over three decades, Lamont Bibbie has been a dedicated woodworking teacher at Thornton Township High School. His passion for crafting and painting benches has become a signature part of his career. This journey began during his high school years when he would dumpster dive for construction materials. “From that point, I connected with the art teacher and she was like, ‘I think this is going to be your journey,’” Bibbie recalls. Although the art teacher has since passed away, her influence played a crucial role in guiding him towards art and woodworking.
Bibbie, originally from Dixmoor, Illinois, faced academic challenges throughout his schooling, often transferring between high schools before finally graduating from Thornton. Today, he teaches students who share his interest in woodworking, continuing the legacy he started long ago.
A Vision for Pope Leo XIV
Last year, when Bibbie learned that Robert Prevost, who grew up in Dolton, had become the new pope, he was inspired by a vision to create a bench honoring Pope Leo XIV. “What this man has done for Dolton — he has literally put them on the map,” Bibbie said. With the support of students and teachers from Thornton Township District 205, he transformed this vision into reality.
Two benches were donated to Dolton and recently moved inside Prevost’s childhood home at 212 E. 141st Place. “That’s almost like a miracle,” Bibbie remarked. “If you really want a stamp of approval, that’s it.”
The benches were crafted from recycled wood, and design assistance came from Amoz Wright’s graphic communications class. The first bench features both Pope Leo XIV and his childhood home, with three-dimensional elements highlighting its significance in the pope’s story. The background includes an array of dots representing the 1.4 billion Catholics under the pope’s leadership, with red dots symbolizing Catholic leaders worldwide.
Collaborative Efforts and Student Involvement
Bibbie encouraged his students to research Pope Leo XIV, helping them understand the global impact of his role. As a spiritual leader at his church, Bibbie drew inspiration from visiting Prevost’s childhood home and the nearby, now-closed church his family attended.
Wright, in his second year teaching at Thornton, was excited to involve his graphic communications class in the project. As a District 205 alumnus and professional artist, he creates murals that often reflect his religious faith. “For me, it was an opportunity to take a closer look at Dolton and see some of the positivity coming out of there,” Wright said. “Not only being aware of the pope and how grand that title is, but allowing the students to see that something so big could come from a place we know.”
The bench project also served as a valuable experience for students to collaborate across classes. “This project gave the students the opportunity to work with a client,” Wright explained. “For them to prepare a piece of work for someone other than just myself, the teacher. If they take on this pathway as a career, moments like these give them an edge in the working world.”
Artistic Details and Personal Reflections
Wright’s class took the lead on painting a bench that realistically depicts the pope in the bullseye of a blue-and-white backdrop, colors representing Dolton. Eighteen-year-old Jamari Brumfield, one of Wright’s students, expressed pride in painting details on the bench’s seat and legs and working with classmates to choose standout colors. “It’s about getting to know different artists and learning that art isn’t just one person,” Brumfield said. “Many people come together to make art, to inspire others.”
Wright painted the realistic depiction of Prevost’s face, which was important for him to “document a moment in time.” This approach was influenced by his mother, who emphasized the importance of being a historian as an artist. “I think this moment for me was an opportunity to reflect on becoming a historian,” Wright added.