Assumption Explores Art & Culture in NYC

Daniel Griffin

Opinion Editor

Assumption University hosted a New York City MoMA trip that all 41 students who attended will never forget. Organized by the Art and Music Department, this day trip to the vast and beautiful Big Apple took place on Sunday, Sept. 28. Open to all students and lovers of art, the trip cost $10 for each student by bus, combined with the educational and experiential elements of the arts in the company of friends.

Supervised by Professor Toby Norris of the Art and Music Department, along with multiple other chaperones and members of Assumption, the departure from campus was early that Sunday morning; however, the experience would be worthwhile.

We left campus at eight in the morning and arrived in New York City at roughly 11:30. On the bus, students were thrilled to see the skyscrapers in the distance. Traveling along the narrow parkways accustomed to areas like the Bronx and Yonkers, passing the George Washington Bridge, and making our way past Central Park, students were able to admire these sights.

When we arrived at the Museum of Modern Art, which is a large and welcoming building, the students felt that everywhere they turned, there was an artistic vision. From the lights dangling from the ceiling to the openness of space, or the lack thereof, and even the modern visualized courtyard to the left of our view, students felt that they were a part of someone else’s artistic vision.

Ascending to the 5th floor and the world-renowned Vincent Van Gogh exhibit, students walked up to the largely crowded piece of art. Surrounded by a significant number of people walking by to pose in front of the piece or take a photo for someone at home, students stood in awe, taking in what they were looking at.

Moving throughout the entire museum and exploring all the five floors, students admired the paintings, sculptures, film, media, and photography. One piece to the next all had a story to tell, and captured or developed each student’s newfound love for art, if not already there. Sophomore Nick Jennings, who attended the trip, said, “I enjoyed the experience going into the city with two of my very close friends. If I could go again I would!”

Once leaving the museum, New York City became the students’ playground for the day, as they were able to explore the city. Students were excited to see all that the city had to offer and had the freedom to do so without an extremely rigid schedule.

Jennings and his friend, sophomore student Joe Hayes, made their way down 5th Avenue, past Times Square, and by Broadway. They checked out multiple stores, like the LEGO store, MLB store, and NBA shops.

Experiencing all it meant to be a New Yorker in one day, from the art to the day-to-day lifestyle. The two students expressed how the trip created many unforgettable memories for them. Hayes said, “It was great hanging out with friends and exploring New York City.”

The fun all the students had shows the great experience Assumption offered. It was enriching and brought a unique group of students together. Students like Hayes and Jennings are thankful for the fun they had that day, seeing a change in scenery and getting a new glimpse at the world around them.