The chirpy children of Ms. Islam’s first grade class immerse themselves in a world of portraiture while on field trip to the Whitney Museum of American Art early Wednesday morning.
Dwarfed by the high ceilings and wide chambers of the seventh floor gallery, the students resemble a school of brightly colored fish swimming from room to room alongside tour guide Hollie Ecker, with parents and onlookers trailing closely behind.
This trip is one of many for the little city slickers as “last year they went on about 100 field trips, with five to the Whitney” says Sumayya Ali, Broadway Actress and mother of a 6 year old gifted student at P.S. 33 or Chelsea Prep.
“They’re [Chelsea Prep] always finding ways to integrate real life experiences and take kids outside the classroom” she adds.
Less than fifteen minutes walking, Chelsea Prep is located on 26th Street and 9th Avenue.
As part of the Whitney Museum’s commitment to diversity and accessibility in the art world, they have partnered up with school’s around the neighborhood to provide tours and studio time for students from pre-kindergarten to 12th grade.
While exploring the exhibition Human Interest: Portraits from the Whitney’s Collection the class asked and responded to questions from Hollie Ecker, drew their own renditions of the art, and learned to celebrate their differences.
“What is something that is different about this painting from the one we just saw?” asked Ms. Ecker. “It’s ok if you like this one more” she adds.
First grade students of Chelsea Prep observe and draw Georgia O’keefe’s Summer Days. Photos by Seth Cerrate
Georgia O’keefe’s Summer Days
Ms. Ecker uses subtle language to ease students into thinking critically about their identity and how they are different from each other.
“Think about something that’s the same from when you’re a baby until now and tell it to your neighbor” she requests as students look at Moira Dryer’s Portrait of a Fingerprint.
Chatter from the excited first graders suddenly inundated the quiet gallery.
To guide the class back into speaking about the painting, Ms. Ecker put her hands on her head until the children and the room fell silent. They’re little heads turned ever so slightly as she pointed to her fingertips.
“Ohhhhhh!” some exclaimed, nodding their heads as they got the message.
“We all have fingerprints, right?” she asked.
More head nodding.
“All our fingerprints are really different from each other, and that’s ok.” she said.
“We try to celebrate all those differences at every opportunity” says 25 year old Charmaine Amey, a teacher’s aid. Her message aligns with P.S. 33’s mission to provide a well-rounded education for its diverse set of students.
As a Title 1 school, P.S. 33 receives funding to bridge the gap in education between low-income students and others.
More Images From the Tour
