Most art scholars would agree that absorbing the power of the visual arts requires more than just learning from books. To be inspired and to appreciate art, one must see and learn from authentic pieces. For this reason, Choate’s Visual Art Department organized a field trip last Thursday, January 24, to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, known familiarly as The Met. Four arts classes were included on the trip: Jane Gustin’s Mixed Media class, William Cobbett’s Art History class, a Life Drawing class taught by Reginald Bradford, and the Photography sections instructed by Carl Vernlund.
Since its foundation in 1870, The Met, located in New York City, has attracted international attention—and rightfully so. The expansive museum occupies two million square feet of space and is acclaimed for exhibiting some of the most memorable and influential art in history, including pieces dating back to the Lower Paleolithic period around 300,000 BCE. Annually, the Met welcomes more than four million visitors.
The art classes spent about five hours at the museum, each class focusing on different aspects of art. Ms. Gustin’s Mixed Media section and Mr. Bradford’s Life Drawing class sketched marble sculptures located in the new wing that features Greek and Roman art, while Mr. Vernlund’s photography students visited special photography exhibits and subsequently ventured into Central Park to take photographs.
“Studying art in books gives you no sense of the visual power of art,” commented Ms. Gustin, “I know I was shocked when as a sophomore in college I first went to The Met and saw a real Rembrandt. It was so real, so magical!”
Photographer or art history scholar, the variety of the artwork displayed at The Met offers something for everyone. Even for experienced museum-goers, says Ms. Gustin, “There is always some new area of the museum to explore.”
Ms. Gustin has now visited The Met several times. She continues to rave about the museum with great fervor. She said, “The nineteenth-century galleries have recently been re-hung and I enjoyed exploring the paintings, which are old friends but seem different because of their proximity to a greater range of art. The Whistlers have been moved to this gallery and add a new dimension to the term 19th century painting. The portrait of Madame X is now in its proper venue.”
Students who participated in the field trip also seemed to enjoy the change from learning in a classroom to experiencing first-hand the potency of art. Caroline Fitzpatrick ’10, a student enrolled in the Color and Design course, said, “After we sketched sculptures for an hour and a half, we wandered around and were engrossed by the splendor of the artwork surrounding us.” Fitzpatrick, who is most passionate about work of Matisse, was open to a variety of artists and mediums. Fitzpatrick agreed with Ms. Gustin, “The best part was when we saw Greek and Latin sculptures and sketched. It was very peaceful.”
Overall, the trip served its purpose: allowing Choate art students to be submerged in art and its history. Students were given the opportunity to absorb art from disparate time periods and artists. “I think the students have a new understanding of the excitement of art,” said Ms. Gustin. Choate students taking visual arts classes this spring can look forward to taking two field trips, when they too can find inspiration from art.
