On Friday, April 12, Mrs. Gail Altomare and Mrs. Cara Conklin-Wingfield traveled with the Parrish Collaborative Club students to New York City. "Students spent a thrilling day in the city," says Mrs. Altomare.
Their day included walking to Grand Central Station to take a subway to Springs Station and touring The Abrons Art Center and The New Museum in the Bowery.
The Abrons Art Center is the performing and visual arts program of the Henry Street Settlement. The Abrons AIRspace program offers time-based residencies to emerging and mid-career artists and cross-disciplinary curators, providing free workspace and opportunities to present/exhibit works-in-progress, curate exhibits, and performances in the Abrons' galleries and theaters, and teach in school-based education programs.
Students had the opportunity to speak to three different artists: Hugh Hayden, Adam Parker Smith, and Anna Plesset. Their work was an exploration of different materials for a personal historical mixed medium project. "All very unique and fascinating! This was the highlight of our day! The talks were especially pertinent to the importance of the arts and for the directions that one can take in finding employment in this field," says Mrs. Altomare.
Founded in 1977, The New Museum is a leading destination for new art and new ideas. It is Manhattan's only dedicated contemporary art museum and is respected internationally for its programs and exhibitions. The New Museum building, designed by Tokyo-based architects Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa/SANAA, is a seven-story, eight-level structure located at 235 Bowery. "This museum is an architectural masterpiece, a must-see for anyone traveling into the city," says Mrs. Altomare. The building is intended to be a home for contemporary art and an incubator for new ideas, as well as an architectural contribution to New York's urban landscape.
The work the students saw on display was based on the late 80's and 90's and included works by Felix Gonzalez-Torres, Pepon Osorio, and Cindy Sherman. Many of the pieces highlighted the AIDS Epidemic, Female Rights, Gun Control, and the Role of the Family. "Many of the students had never really thought of the repercussions and impact that the AIDS epidemic had on communities, especially in New York City. After seeing this show, students began to understand the historical uncertainty and fear of the times. A very disturbing and eye-opening show for everyone," says Mrs. Altomare.
Mrs. Altomare adds, "Students must see art to understand the history of the times; it is the role of the educator to do this! I want to personally thank our school that supports the arts and makes these trips possible for our students."
