Despite temps in the single digits, one hundred of Ms. Hefty's World Geography and World History students took a field trip to the Minneapolis Institute of Arts on February 20, 2008. Mr. William's classes also attended on a different day. Each student was given a picture of an artifact they needed to find in one of the Institute's numerous galleries. For some, it was easy. Others had to search longer. In the process, students often discovered unexpected treasures. Many were surprised at the size of the building and the number of items in the collections. Ryan K's comment was "this would be a great place to have a paintball fight!"

Here are some other comments and thoughts from students who attended the field trip:

Erica Mason's experience was exciting and fun. It helped because it gave her the opportunity to experience new things and see different cultures. She also learned about Koranic scripture. Her favorite sculpture was a mummy from Egypt. If she could go back again, she will see more of the sculptures. (She says she stayed at McDonald's too long.)

Becca Reed's experience was exciting because she got to see different artifacts from many time periods. She thought it was awesome to see what they looked like today compared to when they were made. Her favorite sculpture was the statue of the man in the rotunda. He was from the Roman era (made between the years 120-50 B.C.). She learned a lot about the different cultures and their art. She said she will definitely go again because she didn't get to see everything. She'd love to see the rest of the artifacts at the Institute of Arts.

Leo Serakos had a good experience also. He saw a variety of art forms, including sculpture, paintings, and other artifacts. The best thing he saw was the 1948 classic Honda car. Old cars interest him and seeing that car was truly the highlight of the field trip. If he was given the chance to go again, he will go just to see that car!

Diamond Quaye described his experience as "amazing" because he got the chance to experience something new. He saw many sculptures he liked--especially the one that was a man on horseback fighting another person. For good luck, he also threw pennies into the falling water. There was another exhibit that encouraged you to take your shoes off and walk across a vanishing point. It scared him when the bomb (on screen) went off! He said that he would go again to see more sculptures. Next time he'd eat with the group instead of going to McDonald's.

Mike Mwirigi had this to say about the trip to the museum: It was exciting because I learned about different cultures, explored historical events, and had the opportunity to see art works from various ethnic groups and nations. One thing that stood out was the Chinese gallery. I was able to learn about the religion and beliefs of the Chinese people. I think the trip was fantastic because it was a chance to be with friends.

"In the museum there was so much to see and so little time", says Laquita Davis. She loved the fact that the museum was free to enter--thereby creating fun for anyone (rich or poor). Her favorite piece in the museum had to be the portrait of Marilyn Monroe. Laquita picked this as a favorite because it contained vivid shading even though it was printed in black and white. She also enjoyed many of the walk-in rooms, because they told a story. Although she had much to say about the museum, she wasn't the only one who had an enjoyable experience.
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Ashley Nelson had this to say about her time at the museum--"It was a fun way to escape from school and actually learn something but also enjoy it." She didn't have a favorite piece of art, but said that she loved all the Greek sculptures. "Seeing the Greek sculptures really brought to life what we have been studying in class-- although it was a little odd that they all were naked." I agree with her because the sculptures were so real. It was like each one told a specific story about their activities at the moment they were sculpted.

Paris Haymer said, "It's hard to explain what my favorite piece at the museum was because I enjoyed a lot of the art. The things that stood out the most were the 18th century guns. They were artistically beautiful and fashionable yet they were used to kill and wound. Next to the guns, there was woundproof clothing which didn't look very durable. I loved the fact that they corrdinated the museum so well. It felt as if you were walking through Korea or Africa. It was like taking a trip through those foreign places."

In conclusion, the Mpls. Institute of Arts was a very interesting place, and a great way to escape life while mentally traveling to other part of the world. My classmates and I are happy we got the chance to go to this amazing place. Just remember, if you go, bring plenty of money because museum food is expensive!

This trip would not have been as successful as it was without the following parent volunteers: Thank you for taking the day to attend this field trip with our students!

Thank you to Paris Haymer, Diamond Quaye, Becca Reed, Mike Mwirigi for gathering our student's thoughts.