NAHS IN THE CITY

By CLAUDIAN FRANCIS

CLAUDIAN FRANCIS FOR THE WIZARD WEEKLY

On Saturday, October 21st, members of the National Art Honor Society took a trip to Central Park and the Museum of Modern Art.  The members truly enjoyed themselves last weekend because the trip encapsulated everything that makes New York City iconic to both its residents and tourists.  While this was not the first time in the city for many members, the majority agreed that the trip ran smoothly and was very inspiring to these highly talented art students.

The National Art Honor Society is an exclusive society for intellectual students who are interested in the Arts.  The Society was established in the United States in 1978, with the core purpose of “inspiring and recognizing those students who have an outstanding ability in art.”  Members of the society are responsible for creating a wide variety of fundraisers that help fund these types of outings.  This allows members to save towards fashion shows, museum trips, and other exciting art-based festivities for those involved.

While in Central Park, students enjoyed a relaxing lunch by the Conservatory Water with a view of the city skyline and the nearby ice skating rink.  Students also enjoyed the meadows, gardens, lakes, monuments and spectacular architecture of the city.  

Some students spent the time sketching the city skyline or taking pictures with friends.  While walking on the streets of the upper east side of Manhattan, students admired the surplus of high-end shops in the area, such as Barney’s and Alexander Wang, urging students to windowshop the surrounding area.  

Once at the museum, students dispersed into groups of their choice to explore all that  MoMA has to offer.  The exhibits were lively and abundant, but a favorite amongst many NAHS students was the fashion exhibit.  This exhibit, entitled Items: Is Fashion Modern?, explored the past and present 111 items of clothing and accessories that had a strong impact on the world in the 20th and 21st century.  This visual study of influential pieces consisted of items that invoked cultural awareness and historical significance of a variety of social and ethnic groups around the globe.  

Rebecca Flood, WHS senior and NAHS president stated, “The fashion exhibit of the 111 most influential pieces of the last century plus the list of the seventeen goals of the United Nations that were in it was my favorite exhibit.  I honestly can’t pick a favorite part; each experience offered up a new memory and an enjoyable moment.”

The exhibit featured elaborate clothing from around the globe as well as some pieces we see on a day to day basis, such as the classic white tee, headscarf or Little Black Dress.  No matter how small, each item represented a strong cultural significance.  

Ms. Held, the society’s official advisor, exclaimed, “It was a fantastic trip!” and made sure to let all students know to “stay tuned” for upcoming NYC trips that students will surely be excited about.  

Overall, the trip to Central Park and MoMA was an excellent experience for NAHS members.  Students spent the full day in the city, from 9 in the morning to 5 in the evening.  Ultimately, the city skyline, the liveliness of Central Park, the exhibits from the museum, and the warm sunny weather all made the trip truly unforgettable.