Kate Lin

The Urban Lights Exhibit at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA). Last week, students in art class embarked on the highly anticipated field trip to LACMA, led by art teachers Mr. Spellman and Mr. Robleto.

Last Tuesday, December 5, Ayala’s art classes embarked on a field trip to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA). The journey unfolded into a day filled with inspiration, leaving students with a newfound appreciation for the diverse world of artistic expression. 

Inside the museum, the students were greeted by a plethora of exhibits spanning different genres and periods. The contemporary art section, with its avant-garde pieces, challenged the students to expand their perspectives on what art can be. Vibrant paintings, thought-provoking sculptures, and immersive installations surrounded them, providing endless opportunities for interpretation and discussion.

Maya Kassih (11) shared her unexpected delight, stating, “When I went there, I felt like my perspective of the arts had changed. I thought, ‘Oh, I wasn’t expecting this.'” 

The Middle Eastern designs and Islamic art were pieces that stood out to Kassih, who found the pieces in particular “very comforting.” 

Another student, Kate Lin (11), expressed the educational impact, saying, “I felt so educated. I learned a lot, and it was really fun because I got to spend time with my friends too.”

Despite not having a specific favorite piece, Lin appreciated the tour organization, noting that “all the pieces tied back to each other.”

As they navigated through these captivating exhibits, the provided tour guides skillfully narrated and provided unique insight on each piece, making it all the more immersive. This way, students found themselves not just mere viewers, but active participants within this journey of artistic exploration.

The interactive nature of the museum experience was also emphasized by Lin who shared, “Interacting with [art] at LACMA was much more interactive than just working on your own artwork in a classroom setting.”

The field trip was not only educational, but also inspired artistic approaches. As Lin continued to reflect, she stated, “It definitely helped stop my artist’s block. A lot of pieces were really inspiring and motivated me to search for deeper meaning in my art.”

Moreover, the museum visit wasn’t just about observing art—it was about sparking an even further love for creativity and self-expression within students. Many students found inspiration in the diverse array of artworks, sparking ideas for their own projects and future artistic endeavors.

In the end, the LACMA field trip proved to be a memorable, eye-opening experience, sparking creativity, creating a deeper connection to the world of art for Ayala’s budding artists.