Listening, Learning, and Making Connections

After a brief stop to admire Fenway Park and the Big Green Monster, we spent much of our time today at Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts. Once at the museum, we broke into small groups and were guided through Art of the Ancient World. The small groups, led by knowledgeable guides, made for an intimate setting. Questions where asked, and connections where made. Connections like, “How does ancient art depict life at that time?” “How does the art represent what was important to society at that time?” Our guides led us through these discussions. Students were called on to answer questions like, “What is symbolic about the bust of Caesar Augustus?” “How is the bust of Caesar Augustus different from that of the Roman Republic bust Portrait of a Man.” The students eagerly provided answers to the questions asked and made their own intelligent observations.

Other questions heard throughout the day where, “What is significant about the Egyptian burial process and the Funerary Art present during the burial process?” “How is this Funerary Art connected to Egyptian life during that time period?” “How does the early work of Assyria differ from that of the Neo-Babylonian period?” Time and time again our tour guides guided our students through these questions, making connections along the way.

After our time with the guides, the students were split up into even smaller groups and encouraged to explore the museum’s other exhibits; Matisse, Botticelli, American Art, Asian Art, and Modern Art were some of the exhibits explored. Questions continued, and observations where made.

Students where encouraged to seek out and sketch a piece of art which was meaningful to them. More pondering and wondering through this massive museum. A museum filled with beautiful treasurers linking the past to the present day.

After we had seen just about all the Museum of Fine Arts had to offer, we took a short train ride to Trinity Church. Trinity Church is a beautiful Episcopal Church designed by Henry Hobson Richardson. The building of the church took place from 1872 to 1877. At Trinity Church, we worshiped by attending the choral Evensong service, singing hymns and praising God.

Following the service, we stayed for a private tour, primarily focusing on the church’s architecture and amazing organ. Attending a worship service in such an old historical building, one could not help but make connections from the past to the present.

A day of learning surrounded by beautiful art, asking questions, making connections, and worshiping coincides wonderfully with Geneva’s mission of inspiring students to love beauty, to think deeply, and pursue Christ’s calling. Yes, we listened. Yes, we learned. And, yes, we made connections. We are excited for what tomorrow will bring!

by Cheree Foreman, parent blogger