With the gradual return of class field trips, many courses have been able to resume these excursions. This resurgence includes the recent field trip to the National Gallery of Art in Washington D.C., which was attended by the IB Visual Arts class. Being the only IB Art class during this school year, it was a delight to journey with nearly all my classmates. This outing marked my first field trip since eighth grade, so my excitement was palpable. Though D.C. isn’t a new destination for me—having visited multiple times during my elementary school field trips—each visit promises new discoveries.

Like most trips, there was an assignment linked to our visit. Fortunately, it was fairly straightforward. We were tasked with photographing a piece of art that resonated with us, accompanied by a snapshot of its label. This assignment was in preparation for our next art project, where we would create something inspired by another artist. The diverse array of art housed within the museum was captivating, spanning from intricate sculptures to meticulously detailed oil paintings, showcasing a variety of mediums.

This particular field trip deviated from my previous experiences. Ruth, a senior, described it as, “The field trip we went on for IB Art felt more like a trip with friends rather than a strict school field trip. We were free to explore the National Gallery of Art, wander, snap pictures, enjoy lunch together, and more. The teachers encouraged us to seek out different areas and discover artworks of personal interest. It was incredibly enjoyable and engaging.”

Typically, students are accustomed to trailing behind chaperones throughout an entire field trip or adhering to assigned groups. However, this trip offered greater liberty. We had the opportunity to engage with the art at our own pace and select which parts of the exhibit we wanted to explore. This autonomy made our experiences distinct and personalized. In my view, this field trip was an unequivocal success!