Luc’s Light Youth Music & Arts Foundation is happy to announce the purchase of its first permanent location in Paw Paw, Michigan at 507 W. Michigan Ave, formerly The Outpouring Café. The space is set to become Luc’s Light Teen Music and Arts Center, a vibrant hub for art instruction, creative expression and meaningful community for teens in 6^th grade through age 20 in Van Buren County and beyond.

Guided by the mission— “Providing teens of Southwest Michigan the tools and training to explore and develop their artistic talents and creative expression in a safe and supportive environment”. “I’m very proud of my family for making beauty from broken, recognizing an issue and working to solve it with a board of dedicated community members who believe in the next generation” said Trino Schincariol, President of Luc’s Light. The organization was founded in 2022 by the family of Luciano “Luc” Schincariol. Luc was a 2021 honors graduate of Paw Paw High School, a talented musician and artist who passed away at the age of 18. His kind and helpful spirit is being carried on through the mission of Luc’s Light. Currently percussion, three levels of guitar and two different art classes are offered at no cost.

Luc’s Light, with community support, has achieved its initial goals, including partnering with area schools through the Van Buren County ISD’s Youth Initiative to support transportation, equipment, supplies and instructors. Luc’s Light has raised enough money in three years to put half towards this building purchase and over 90% of the other funding towards operational costs with an all-volunteer board.

A Light for the Future

The foundation has set new goals to sustain and grow the positive impact for area teens and the community. They include doubling participation through expanded class offerings and days of operation. Strengthening partnerships with area schools and increasing funding through private donations and grant opportunities. “While we are excited to have our own space dedicated to this mission, we also know this comes with increased fundraising needs in order to continue providing classes to teens at no cost” said Paul Schincariol, Treasurer of Luc’s Light.

To sign up for classes, learn more or donate, please visit lucslight.org

Backstory

Founded in January 2022, Luc’s Light was born from a deeply personal mission: to make beauty from broken and honor the life and legacy of Luciano Clayton Schincariol. Luc, a 2021 honors graduate of Paw Paw High School, was a gifted musician, creative writer, and compassionate community member who touched the lives of many. His love for music, particularly the bass guitar, and his passion for helping others inspired the foundation’s mission to provide teens with opportunities to develop their creative passions and thrive in a supportive environment.

Like most 18-year-olds, Luc had pressures and concerns at home, work, friends, and the many new challenges of leaving for college. These struggles were compounded by the collective burden of isolation during two years of pandemic restrictions, which disrupted connections with friends, teachers, and cherished traditions. On the night of June 24, 2021, Luc was alone when he made a choice that resulted in serious self-harm. He suffered third degree burns over his entire body. No one knows exactly what Luc was thinking or feeling that evening. But in his confusion and pain; he was miraculously able to get himself to a phone and call for help. Unfortunately, his injuries were too severe, and he passed away the next day at the hospital surrounded by his family. Luc was not done. He knew there was more to live for. There was more to do. More people to help. More love to share. More light to shine.

Join Us!

Luc’s Light invites individuals, businesses, and organizations to join its mission. Every donation, sponsorship, and volunteer effort contributes to empowering local teens and building a brighter future for Van Buren County and Southwest Michigan.

About Luc’s Light Youth Music & Arts Foundation
Founded in 2022, Luc’s Light Youth Music & Arts Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping teens in Southwest Michigan explore their creativity and develop their artistic talents in a safe and supportive environment. Luc’s Light provides music and art classes to students in 6^th Grade- age 20 at no-cost.

The Schincariol Family (Paul, Leigh, Mary, Ruby, Luc, Trino, Ashley)

Luc's Light Teen Music and Arts Center

A vibrant hub for art instruction, creative expression and meaningful community for teens age 12-20 in Van Buren County and beyond.

Team Members