Lew Hubbard taught art at William Fremd High School in Palatine, Illinois. He was undoubtedly influential to all of his students, but one in particular -- Maddy Lopez -- was inspired to create great art through his guidance.
Lopez was helping her sister move into her dorm room when she received a text from a friend alerting her that Mr. Hubbard -- known affectionately by students as "Hubbs" -- passed away from a sudden heart attack. He was 58.
Lopez wrote in a video tribute to Mr. Hubbard,
Hubbs taught me how to paint. He taught me to create art. Without him, I wouldn't have been able to get 1st place in the Harper Art Show in 2013...
He stayed after school until 5 pm and would up his Saturdays, if necessary, to give his students more time to work...
He went to at least one event for all his student athletes too. He came to my Lacrosse games and always yelled "Go Maddy!" when I ran past him.
Lopez and Mr. Hubbard started working on a "speed painting" performance for the upcoming variety show. They decided to table the conversation until after the summer. Lopez had a hard time coming up with the perfect subject matter for her painting.
It was at the funeral that Lopez decided to paint Mr. Hubbard for her performance in the variety show.