By: Winter Moon Kowalewski, Senior
Field trips are always a bunch of fun and something to look forward to. For Wallkill Valley Regional High School, the annual trip to the Metropolitan Museum of Art was no different. On November 15th, approximately 40 students from Mrs. Marxen’s AP Art History and Pottery 3 classes as well as Mrs. Fairweather’s Visual Art 3 and AP Studio Art classes, visited the famous museum in New York City.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, also known as the Met, is a staple in the art world, making this field trip truly one for the books. The museum is located at two sites in New York City; The Met Fifth Avenue and The Met Cloisters. Established in the 1800s, The Met is one of the world’s largest and finest art museums and has accumulated over 1.5 million pieces over the years. Some of the artwork found in this establishment comes from all around the world dating as far back as 5,000 years ago!
While field trips are a lot of fun, they aren’t just an excuse to miss a day of school. According to Mrs. Marxen, “We went on this trip because it allows students who participate in art classes to have real life experience with artwork; appreciating the ages from pre history to contemporary.” The impact of a school field trip to the Metropolitan Museum of Art can be profound.
Students have the opportunity to see firsthand some of the world's most famous works of art, from ancient Egyptian artifacts to contemporary paintings. They can learn about different cultures, time periods, and artistic techniques, broadening their understanding of the world around them. Field trips can also inspire creativity and critical thinking skills, as students are encouraged to analyze and interpret the art they see.
This trip gave students the chance to experience art and culture in a way that may not be possible in a traditional classroom setting, allowing them to engage with art on a personal level and discover new interests and spark their curiosity. As an attendee, I felt drawn to Greek and Roman art; it was inspiring to see real works from this period in person. It is because of this experience , that I now feel more inclined to incorporate the style of these time periods into my own art. As most school trips go, time is limited and the experience tends to become more fast-paced and overwhelming than intended. With so much to see and experience, most would agree that a personal return visit may be necessary.
While any class trip provides an opportunity for students to get out and see the world, this trip to The Met truly made for an educational experience that will have a lasting impact on all who attended. For those of you who have never been to The Met, I highly recommend taking the time to pull away from your busy schedule. You won’t be disappointed!