Author: Cheree Foreman

New Perspectives

Day three of our adventure in Boston was another fascinating day. It was a day spent gaining new perspectives. We began our day visiting the Boston Public Library. Normally, when one thinks of a library, one may think of a building that holds and lends books and other materials. The Boston Public Library is not a normal library. It was the first library in the United States to lend books for free. Secondly, one would not think of a library to be filled with art. The Boston Library is filled with magnificent murals painted by John Singer Sargent. Beautiful sculpture and magnificent marble adorn the halls, walls, and stairways of this library. We spent the morning on a guided tour learning about these murals and mosaics. Our minds expanded — a library can be much more than a place to go and check out a book, study for an exam, or complete research. A library can be so much more!

Our afternoon was spent in the lovely Isabelle Stewart Gardner Museum. After spending the prior day at the Museum of Fine Art, one may think The Isabelle Stewart Gardner Museum would be similar. The Gardner Museum is a completely new perspective. First, the entire collection is located in Ms. Gardner’s one-time residence, built to emulate a 15th century Venetian Palace. There is a homey feel to the museum. Also, one may think that since this entire museum is filled with works of art donated from a private collection, it may be a small collection. But the collection is wonderfully large! It spans four floors of the one-time residence. Room after room filled with art from Renaissance masters and contemporary artists. Each room is staged precisely how Ms. Gardner had arranged them. In fact, one of the conditions of her donation of this amazing collection was stipulated upon her death: no art could be added or sold to the collection. Additionally, each exhibit had to remain precisely as she had arranged them. Nothing could be changed or the entire collection would be sold. We spent the afternoon exploring this quirky and eclectic museum, gaining a new prospective that a museum could be more than a large building. An art museum could be intimate, homey and a bit quirky and still maintain its integrity. Again a new perspective was gained.

Finally, we ended our day at the Boston Pops. What a way to end a day! Now, when you think of an orchestra or the Boston Pops, you might think of a more sterile, proper environment. One where the musicians play and the audience listens intently. Well, that was not the case! The Boston Pops celebrated the works of its former conductor, John Williams. Besides being the former conductor, Williams is famous for the numerous scores he has composed for motion pictures: Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Jurassic Park, and Jaws to name a few. After a brief intermission, Queen Latifah was the featured performer. Her performance in this historic building with the amazing Boston Pops Orchestra had the audience clapping, cheering, and singing along. The building was alive with music and energy. It sounded lovely to hear a contemporary artist — a rapper at that — singing with one of the best orchestras in a 135-year-old symphony hall. The crowd was excited and on their feet. The Geneva students where engaged. As her performance came to an end, our students and the audience erupted into a thunderous round of applause!

Now this was completely new perspective!

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

Planes, Trains, Buses, Ferries, and Tired Feet

The day started early as we met in the Orlando Airport center lobby at 6:15 am. Forty-one Geneva school 8th graders and their chaperones all ready to take on Boston — to see the sights, sounds, and history. For some, this would be their first airplane flight. For some, it would be their first time riding public transportation in a major city. Excitement was high. Smiles evident on faces. We were ready. A prayer started our journey, and we where on our way!

As soon as we landed in Boston, the adventure began. Mr. Moon briefed us on the transportation options we would be taking during our visit. First a bus to the T (Boston’s name for the subway). We rode the T (changing trains along the way) into the city. We noticed that while riding with a large group, trains get very crowed quickly. When we emerged from the underground we also noticed it was much colder in Boston than Florida. Jackets, hats, and gloves were pulled from suitcases. A quick stop at the hostel (another first for many of us) to drop off our luggage, and we started exploring Boston.

First stop was the Boston Commons and the Freedom Trail. History was all around. Paul Revere, Samuel Adams, and John Hancock are some of the names Dr. Brodrecht spoke about as we walked as a group for several miles exploring The Commons, Cranary Burial Gardens, The Kings Chapel, and Fanuiel Hall.

Next we boarded a ferry to cross the harbor and visit “Old Ironside,” the oldest commissioned sailing vessel still afloat. Its actual name is The USS Constitution. We listened intently as the sailors told us about the history of this magnificent ship, its humble beginnings, its battles and victories, and what life as a sailor on board this ship would be like during the 1800’s. We explored its lower decks, each deck having a specific purpose, noticing as we went lower into the ship that the ceiling heights shrank dramatically. Mind Your Head — we now know the origin of that phrase!

After our sailing ship visit, it was another walk around the harbor to dinner. Dinner was a delicious family style Italian meal in Boston’s North end. After dinner another walk to the T. Two trains later, we emerged from the subway close to our hostel. Another short walk.

By now it was late, we were tired. It had been a long day starting early, ending late exploring Boston. But we are still excited to see what tomorrow has to offer!

by Cheree Foreman, parent blogger