2003 Year in Review

MHS Art Field Trip

Group photo of students on the MHS Art Field Trip

Chaperones for the Art Field Trip Left to Right: Nick Bonneur, Nancy Riggen, Martie McCann, Pam Jones, Julie Bunt, Amanda Rumfelt, Renee Adolph, and Ned Nesti.

Monet, Picasso, O’Keeffe, Pop Art, Contemporary Art, and the Chicago Skyline were all on the lips of a small group of MHS students Saturday, December 6. Students and chaperones from the Morrison school traveled by coach to Chicago with Ned Nesti, Junior High Art Teacher. Nesti has been taking students to Chicago for many years to expose them to some of the finest art in the world and also to introduce them to Chicago architecture, shopping, and culture.

The trip starts before dawn to arrive in Garfield Park Conservatory as it opens for the day. Currently the Conservatory is getting ready for a dinosaur exhibit among the trees, palms, and the beautiful collection of poinsettias now in bloom.

The second stop of the day is the Museum of Contemporary Art. This museum is always changing and has some of the best contemporary collections on display. Most of the art would be unrecognizable to the average person but is always thought-provoking and cutting edge.

The Art Institute of Chicago is a “not to be missed” museum for anyone who enjoys art. The collection includes: Asian, European, African, and American Art as well as more contemporary and modern exhibits including Grant Wood, Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol, and Georgia O’Keeffe. The 35 students, 9 chaperones, and 2 former students separated into small groups to tour their favorite parts of the museum and have lunch.

After the Art Institute, Nesti tours students through the alley and around downtown Chicago. The alley he brings them through shows some of the original granite bricks from the old streets. After a brisk walk through the downtown, students arrive at the L (elevated train) for a trip north to Belmont.

Belmont Triangle is an eclectic group of shops that appeal especially to young people. Used clothing and music stores attract most of the students. As evening falls the charter bus picks up the students to shuttle them to Wishbones for dinner. Nesti has arranged a full meal of traditional American food.

The trip ran early all day so there was time for one last trip down Michigan Avenue to view the lights and a stop for the students and chaperones to see the large downtown Christmas tree before getting back on the interstate to Morrison. Students enjoyed the Chicago trip and look forward to next year.

To see Photos of the trip visit our Photo Album.

by Barb Benson, theCity1.com
December 9, 2003