Briarcliff Students Tour Westport's Art Center Virtually

From Briarcliff HS: Briarcliff High School students recently toured the Westport Art Center’s “More Than Words: As We Are” exhibition, guided by education manager Noah Steinman, all without leaving the classroom.

The interdisciplinary virtual field trip allowed students in Melissa Carnahan’s and Dr. Jean Linville’s classes to explore both social studies and art themes through a video chat platform. In addition to viewing the artwork, they asked questions, analyzed the pieces’ meanings and tied the works to current and historical events.

“This show is really about any kind of marginalization,” said Steinman. Before the virtual trip, students filled in a word in the phrase “I am more than…” to prepare for the gallery installation’s themes of identity, stereotypes and the power of words.

“This all happened because [Carnahan] and I went to see the show and were so excited about it,” said Dr. Linville. “It seemed like it was such a great fit for the high school.” Pieces students viewed included a framed 2014 photograph of Auschwitz titled “I Believe I Can Fly” and “Shame on You,” a mixed media installation that required viewers to use blacklights to reveal hidden phrases. At first glance, installation artist Theaster Gates’ “Suite” appeared to be an old fire hose, but students learned it has been used during the race riots of the Civil Rights Movement.

Following the tour, students reflected on the art pieces’ meanings and how they were affected by them.

Image Courtesy Of Briarcliff HS