For Maddie McClure, Macomb High School’s Class of 2024, art is more than just a hobby—it’s an essential part of who she is. Raised in Macomb, she comes from a long line of graduates, making her a third-generation Macomb High alumna-to-be. But while tradition runs deep in her roots, Maddie has spent her years carving out her own path—one filled with paint, perspective, and passion.

Growing up with a professional artist in the family—her great-aunt, Kay Crain, an impressionist oil painter—Maddie was surrounded by creativity from an early age. "She’s my biggest fan," Maddie says. "I’ve taken lessons with her since I was little, and she really helped me develop my eye for art."

Maddie’s art isn’t just about technique—it’s about capturing places that matter, both far from home and right in her own backyard. Her work often focuses on architecture, a subject she’s particularly drawn to.

"I love painting buildings and sketching cityscapes," she says. "I’ve done paintings of places around Macomb, like Sports Corner on the square, and even my high school’s Washington Street Gym."

Her passion for painting has also taken her beyond Illinois. During a sophomore-year exchange trip to Denmark, she was inspired by the colorful waterfront buildings of Copenhagen, a subject she later brought to life on canvas. "That was a special one," she recalls. "We were on a canal tour, and I knew I had to capture it."

Over the years, Maddie’s work has received high praise and multiple awards. She placed first in oil and acrylics at a conference art show during her sophomore year and has also earned top honors at the Macomb Arts Center Show.

But for Maddie, art is more than just accolades. It’s a place of comfort, reflection, and self-expression. "It’s always been something that takes my mind off the world," she says. "It puts me at ease."

However, as much as she loves creating, Maddie has made an important discovery: she doesn’t want to turn art into a career.

"I’ve done commission work, and while I enjoy it, I realized that producing art on demand takes away some of the joy for me," she explains. "I still love making things for people, but I want to do it on my terms, not just to pay the bills."

Maddie’s artistic abilities are only one side of her incredibly well-rounded high school experience. She’s also a varsity athlete, playing middle hitter in volleyball and post in basketball—sports that demand a competitive edge that seems almost opposite to the peaceful nature of her artistic side.

"I’m a pretty versatile person," she says. "On one hand, I’m focused on capturing beauty and perspective in my artwork, but on the other, I love the intensity and competition of sports. It’s a good balance."

And as if that weren’t enough, Maddie is also deeply involved in theater. A member of Macomb High School’s thespian program since freshman year, she’s played multiple roles, both on stage and behind the scenes.

Her most recent casting? Dr. Herman Einstein in the school’s spring production of "Arsenic and Old Lace." "It’s a comedy, and I get to play a quirky German doctor," she laughs. "It’s been a blast."

Beyond acting, Maddie is also one of the scenic designers for the production, helping bring the show’s single-set home to life. "My friend Samantha Johnson and I designed the entire set," she says. "We also worked on Much Ado About Nothing, which we set in the 1970s."

With graduation on the horizon, Maddie is still weighing her next steps. She’s applied to Monmouth College, Iowa State University, and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, keeping her major undeclared for now.

"I’m exploring different areas," she says. "I love languages and linguistics, and I’m interested in learning more about art history. But I want to take my time figuring it out."

One thing is certain: Maddie will continue to create, even if it’s not her primary career path.

"I still love sharing my work," she says. "I might sell prints or make art for people when it feels right. But I know that the moment it stops bringing me joy, that’s when I’ll step back. Art should always be something that inspires, not something that feels like a chore."

With her thoughtfulness, creativity, and drive, Maddie McClure is sure to leave her mark—whether on canvas, on stage, or in whatever exciting path she chooses next.