On December 9th, 2024, AP Art Studio, Fine Arts, and College Pottery students went on the trip to the Metropolitan Museum of Art (MET). What makes the MET stand out compared to museums like MOMA (Museum of Modern Art) is that it is the largest art museum in the Americas and the fourth largest in the world right in the heart of NYC. The MET holds paintings from famous artists such as Picasso, Van Gogh, and Claude Monet. Their long standing history makes it a unique tourist attraction even for New York City natives. 

New York City is famous for its decorative spirit during the Christmas season. The MET is no exception to that. Near the Medieval Art area, a large Christmas tree can be seen. It is decorated with intricate ceramic sculptures of the Christian history of Christmas. 

The classes that went on the trip visited various areas. Some AP Art Studio and Fine Art students visited the America Wing with Ms. Young, where an infamous painting known as “Madame X” by John Singer Sargent is exhibited. Some College Pottery students visited the Modern and Contemporary Art exhibit with Ms. Cardo. 

Abby Chappell said, “the trip was so fun and one of the best trips I’ve ever been on.”

Many famous artists and fashion designers including Claude Monet, Edgar Degas, Christian Dior and Vivienne Westwood were displayed throughout the museum. Personally, I enjoy Edgar Degas’ works, especially “The Ballet Class.”

His unique application of pastels to portray ballet dancers in the Impressionist art style stands out to me. Another artist I found interesting during this visit is the American artist Robert Henri. He’s another impressionist artist that opened my eyes to the appreciation of using blue as a cool/gray color.