A recent all-school trip to NYC provided wonderful exposure to the arts for our students. Along with a morning in the Guggenheim Museum, students attended a performance of Porgy and Bess on Broadway.
The day started with a visit to the Guggenheim Museum to see the special exhibit, “John Chamberlain: Choices.” Students were fascinated by Chamberlain’s sculptures using car metal as art material and his monumental aluminum totem-like sculptures. Also on view was an exhibit of Francesca Woodman’s photography as well as the Thannhauser Collection of French Impressionist and post-Impressionist paintings.
After the museum, we attended the Broadway production of Porgy and Bess at the Richard Rodgers Theater with Norm Lewis and Audra McDonald in the starring roles. What a magical performance! (On May 1st, the musical received ten Tony nominations, including “Best Musical.”) After the performance we had the opportunity to meet with cast members in a “Talk Back” session, with the actors responding to audience questions about how they prepared for their roles, how they interpreted their characters and how they prepared for a career in performing arts.
Link’s arts staff – Mr. Anderson in music, Mrs. Johnson in performing arts, Mrs. Berutti in fine art and Ms. Dupiton in Creative Writing – prepared students well on what they would experience on the trip. Additionally, before the trip, Mr. Christopher Sanders, an architect and friend of Link, spoke to students about the architecture of the Guggenheim and the life of its architect, Frank Lloyd Wright.
This trip was eye-opening for our students for many had never been to an art museum or a musical performance on Broadway. Some had never even been to New York City! The goal of this trip was to broaden student knowledge of and appreciation for the arts. Link aims to provide opportunities for students to develop both academically and personally. A Day in the Arts in NYC provided students with a great growth experience!
