Mrs. Rybicki, an AP Art and Jewelry and Metalsmithing teacher, had made a profound impact on Cathedral Catholic High School’s visual and performing arts program. Mrs. Rybcki helps work behind the scenes to organize the art shows that so many people enjoy on campus, and so much more. Let’s hear more about her story!

“I was always interested in art as a kid,” says Mrs. Rybicki. “My favorite thing to receive as a Christmas gift was new art supplies like a fresh new set of gorgeous colored pencils. My parents always gave us arts and craft supplies and I could be occupied for hours drawing, painting, and crafting all sorts of things.” As Mrs. Rybicki took art classes all throughout her schooling and became increasingly enamoured by it, she quickly came to the realization that art was going to be a constant in her life. She says, “I remember college courses that taught me to be a discerning observer which made me even better at drawing and color theory. This fascinated me and the better I got, the more self-confidence I had to keep improving.” Mrs. Rybicki went on to earn her Bachelor of Science in Visual Art Education and Master of Fine Arts degrees.

When it comes to art, Mrs. Rybicki is not only skilled in drawing and painting. Mrs. Rybicki is the founder of the Jewelry and metalsmithing class here at CCHS, one that I, and many others, are fortunate enough to partake in. “While drawing and painting were my first loves, I discovered metalsmithing in college and I was hooked on this media from the start,” says Mrs. Rybicki. Lucy Hetherington, class of 2026, is one of Mrs. Rybicki’s jewelry students. One thing Lucy appreciates most about Mrs. Rybicki in jewelry class is that she “allows me to use my creativity to use something I feel connected to while also leading me to the point of each project.”

“The best part of teaching is helping students work through problems and come up with their own unique results. Seeing students pour their energy, heart, and persistence into a piece of art that challenges them, and knowing that when they complete it they are going to feel such a sense of accomplishment, and that they have literally grown their brain cells in the process, is the best!” exclaims Mrs. Rybicki. Watching her students succeed and make things special to them inspires Mrs. Rybicki and blows her away. “Mrs. Rybicki has helped me go past my comfort zone and explore mediums I would have never used before,” says AP art student, Daniella Flores ‘26.

Mrs. Rybicki says that when she first got moved to CCHS due to district school closures, it was tough. But through the support of other VAPA teachers, such as Mrs. Wilson, Mrs. Swift, and Mrs. Barber, she was warmly welcomed into the department. “They shared my philosophy that the Arts are not merely enriching but essential to education. I was excited to not be the only visual art teacher, which is common in some schools, and was one of 4,” explains Mrs. Rybicki.

Mrs. Rybicki is very skilled in her department and is motivated to share her knowledge with the school. Her classes are highly informative, fun, and enriching. To anyone, art student by nature or not, who is looking for an art class to take, Mrs. Rybicki’s classes are a huge hit!