The Art Appreciation students at Revere High School learned many new skills and material as they prepared for their field trip to the Cleveland Art Museum.

Jennifer Seegert, art teacher, discussed why she chose to visit the Cleveland Art Museum with her classes.

“The Cleveland Museum of Art makes a great field trip because it’s so big and full of world-renowned works. When students walk through the museum they’re able to see the real paintings and sculptures that we’ve been discussing in class. It’s really exciting to see something in person that you’ve only seen pictures of before. Also, the group guides are very knowledgeable and give really interesting information about works and artists represented in the museum,” Seegert said.

Seegert also explained how she prepares her students for the field trip.

“When we request a guided tour, we are able to choose from some topics that the museum offers. I usually try to gear it toward what the Art Appreciation classes have been studying. This year, if our request is met, we will be taking a tour of Modern Art. Before the trip, we will be doing projects relating to Modern Art in various styles and also studying a little bit about the lives of some Modern Artists. We will also talk about museum etiquette and what to look for on our tour,” Seegert said.

Carmen Solitt, a senior Art Appreciation student, spoke about why students should take the Art Appreciation class, and described what they could expect to learn and do in the class.

“It is kind of in the name of the class itself, you learn to appreciate art because you experience making art similar to the artists and know what it’s like for that artist. . . . Students could expect to learn about different artists and their styles of art and then create their own art using the artists’ styles,” Solitt said.

Claire Duda, a sophomore Art Appreciation student, gave her perspective on why she thought people should take this class.

“Students should take this class because it can help them learn about different styles of art throughout history, as well as how to make artwork that is inspired from famous pieces. It can help them value the work that is put into a drawing or painting, and further their appreciation of the meaning behind artwork,” Duda said.

Seegert explained why she personally thinks students should take this class.

“I think this class is good for both art and non-art students. The projects are fun and you will leave understanding a little bit more about art in general. I also hope students leave willing to give some credit to some of the art they didn’t like before the class,” Seegert said.

Seegert also discussed what students do in the class.

“The main goal of Art Appreciation is to get students who may not normally be very interested in art to open their minds to it a bit more. We also want to make students more aware of the art that surrounds them every day as well as why artists make their art. In Art Appreciation, we don’t only learn about artists and art periods, we also make art in the style of that which we study. It’s a real hands-on, low pressure class designed to raise the comfort level and understanding of students,” Seegert said.

Art Appreciation students are able to go on the field trip along with painting students and advanced art students. Seegert is still finalizing the date, but she hopes to go during the third week in April.