Founded in 1905, The High Museum in Atlanta, Georgia has become the most prominent art museum in the Southeast. On Tuesday, October 10, Covenant’s art department took a busload of students (of which I was honored to be a part) on a field trip to Atlanta to visit the museum and see examples of the art they were discussing in class.
The museum holds a wide variety of art, with collections spanning from European and contemporary art to self-taught and folk art. With four floors, there is a lot of art to take in, but we were given nearly four hours to stroll through the various galleries.
Walking up to the main entrance of The High, visitors see large, striped sculptures gracing the courtyard. These are part of an interactive display by Jaime Hayon. The students lounged upon these playful installations, spinning on the movable facets, and posing for photos. (Check their Instagrams. If you know anyone who went, you’ll see what I mean.)
A ramp spirals through the center of the High, leading visitors up and up in an aesthetically pleasing swirl to another gallery. After reaching the top, students peered into mirrors that fragmented our bodies and altered our voices. We examined canvases that seemed large enough to engulf us whole (mentally and physically) and sculptures that seemed to be made of giant toys.
Dr. Weichbrodt gave the students in her Race in American Art class a scavenger hunt to complete as they toured the museum. They were instructed to find works by specific artists or pieces that conveyed a particular meaning. Pieces by Edmonia Lewis or compositions that spoke directly to a conversation on racism were some examples of the works to be found. With the promise of snacks upon completing the scavenger hunt, Weichbrodt’s students wandered around the museum, promptly filling in the blanks as they went.
Professor Morton, commonly known as Morty, strolled through the museum, chatting with students and gazing admiringly at the art. Weichbrodt did much of the same, unintentionally posing as she contemplated the ocean of installations. It was as if they were becoming art themselves.
At the end of the trip, The High’s gift shop swarmed with Covenant art students oohing over the Frida Kahlo soap and Van Gogh socks. Who doesn’t want a soup can pillow a la Andy Warhol?
Waiting in line to board the bus, students were pleasantly surprised by a visit from recent Covenant grad, Victoria Yang. Hearing that Covenant friends were nearby, she made a point to say hello, bringing smiles to all of her friends as she initiated a selfie.
Back on the bus, the students’ minds were filled with art and inspiration for their next great work. Until next year, High, until next year.