B-Gallery to host exhibit of visuals created during NYC class

Western Washington University students visited New York City with two practicing artists and WWU faculty members recently as part of the six-credit "Metro Art Access" course.

Students participated in a variety of activities ranging from touring major public museums and institutions, such as The MET, MoMA, and the new Whitney Museum of American Art designed by Renzo Piano, to exclusive visits with artists, curators and gallery owners. Using NYC as the classroom, students learned by experiencing celebrated historic and contemporary art in one of the world’s largest art centers.

Prior to leaving, there were several planning meetings to prepare for each portion of the trip. By conducting advanced research students became acquainted with locations and iconic landmarks, exhibitions, food, events, and performances, which enhanced their learning experience upon their arrival in NYC.  The class stayed at Hostelling International – NYC, a historic Victorian-style building located on the Upper West Side, two blocks away from Central Park.

While in New York City, the class systematically traveled from uptown to downtown moving from museum to gallery to artist studios; starting in Upper West Side, Central Park, Midtown, Chelsea, Greenwich, West, and East Villages, SoHo, Tribeca, China Town, and Little Italy.  The course also included, Queens and Prospect Park in Brooklyn, and a visit to DIA Beacon. The trip was punctuated with visits to commercial galleries, unique site-specific installations, and major institutions. Including, but not limited to: the historical art collections in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Museum of Modern Art, Guggenheim, and The Frick Collection.  The visit also highlighted cutting edge contemporary art venues such as the New Museum, The Museum of Art and Design, and MoMA PS1.

This exhibition is a direct result of student experiences before, during, and after the visit to New York City. The visual work includes a wide variety of mediums; journaling, painting, photography and drawing. The show runs from Oct. 12 to 16 in the B-Gallery, Fine Arts Room 118. A reception will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 13. A handful of photos from the trip are available for viewing online.