Embarking on a trip to learn about art history and styles of art, Diamond Bar High School’s AP Art History Class went on a field trip to the Getty Museum this month. AP Art History typically schedules at least one field trip every school year. However, the location can change, with the class going to places such as the Huntington Library in previous years.
“With the Getty Museum, they have an original Van Gogh piece called Irises, and students study Impressionism, post-Impressionism, Abstraction and Cubism,” AP Art History Teacher Rhoda Dizon said. “So a lot of the styles that we study right now are at the Getty Museum.”
As a part of the field trip, the students were instructed to complete an assignment that was given by Dizon. After an hour-long tour of the museum, students were allowed to explore the museum to find an art piece for them to present. Dizon hoped that by seeing actual artworks, the students could learn more than they would in a classroom.
“I think that they learned a lot,” Dizon said. “It’s different from seeing art in the classroom than in person–you can see all the details. And I think they learn to work together, keep in contact with one another, and create really great memories by going on a field trip and just become better friends”
Many of the AP Art History students enjoyed admiring the various artworks displayed at the museum. Being able to hang out with their friends was also enjoyable for many of them.
“It is pretty enjoyable because I had a good time with my friends,” sophomore Camellia Mo said. “We took a lot of pictures and overall, the scenes and the buildings there were pretty good.”
Creating a presentation about one of the artworks at the Getty Museum was a part of the assignment. Therefore, many students took an interest in specific pieces.
“There’s one specific art piece that I’m interested in,” Mo said. “It is called the Fountain of Love. It is by Francis Belecher, and it is Rococo art style, so I love the symbolism of it.”
As the year nears the halfway point, the field trip to the Getty Museum will be a memorable one for the AP Art History students. As for future field trips, Dizon hopes to take her future classes on a field trip that will leave a lasting impression on young minds.