Nearly 70 John Carroll students from the National Art Honors Society (NAHS) and the Human Rights class had the opportunity to visit New York City to learn more about their respective topics.

The members of NAHS went to the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Guggenheim Museum on November 16.

The art students viewed the art, such as Egyptian, Asian, Greek, Roman, and American, on each floor of the Met. There were multiple cafes and gift shops as well.

The group then walked to the Guggenheim Museum and were able to explore the exhibits.

Art Teacher Lisa Collins has been going on the trip every year since 2012 with the exception of the COVID years.

“Deciding on the itinerary is the most interesting part. We alternate between the Museum of Modern Art and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Each offers its own perspective on art, so it is beneficial to provide the students with variety,” said Mrs. Collins.

This year they added the Guggenheim Museum which was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. In the past, they have also visited the Frick Gallery, Whitney Museum, and Chelsea Galleries.

“There is nothing like seeing an original work of art — be it a painting, sculpture, or building as in the case of the Guggenheim. I love watching the students get excited about seeing art in real life and being able to explore original pieces in their original size and format,” explained Mrs. Collins.

She hopes to continue the trip for future art students and would recommend other students to visit the museums.

The Human Rights class went to New York City on December 6 where they visited the Jewish Heritage Museum and the 9/11 Memorial. This is the second year that the Human Rights class has gone on this trip. The trip is continued because Human Rights Teacher Louise Geczy believes there are many ways to study the Holocaust, human rights, and genocide.

“It’s equally important to provide students with as many ways to absorb this knowledge as possible. The museum is an excellent way to enhance this learning process,” said Mrs. Geczy.

The Human Rights class went to the Jewish Heritage Museum where they examined the Holocaust and its aftermath through the years. The also watched videos of firsthand accounts.

The class also saw the 9/11 Memorial from the outside where they walked around and looked at the different structures that were there.

They visited the Brookfield Place shopping center for lunch and some shopping. At the end of the trip, the class took a boat ride to see the Statue of Liberty.

Mrs. Geczy considered the trip to be a successful experience and hoped the students felt the same way. She wants to continue the trip for future projects and hopes to include another museum for next year’s trip.

“There is a museum dedicated to Native American history that is within walking distance of the Museum of Jewish Heritage that we might try and include in next year’s trip,” she said.