In the heart of artistic expression, four UNC Pembroke art students and their faculty mentors embarked on a journey to explore some of the world’s most celebrated works of art. From the towering masterpieces at the Metropolitan Museum of Art to the vivid storytelling of renowned artist Marc Chagall’s stained-glass windows at Union Church, the group delved into the world of art, gaining a firsthand look at the interplay of history, technique and inspiration that fuels their creative pursuits.
- Metropolis Museum of Art
- Newe Galerie
- Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
- Lincoln Center
These institutions provided the students with an opportunity to witness the evolution of art and gain insight into the creative process of some of the world’s most celebrated artists. The trip not only deepened their understanding of art but also fostered connections between the students, their mentors and the artworks they encountered. At the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the group was immersed in the grandeur of masterpieces such as Vincent van Gogh’s The Starry Night and contemporary works by Jackson Pollack. The experience was further enriched by the opportunity to view Chagall’s breathtaking murals at Lincoln Center, offering a unique perspective on the interplay of history, technique and inspiration.
- Sketching Light: Chagall’s Windows for Union Church
- The Starry Night by Vincent van Gogh
- Contemporary works by Jackson Pollack
One of the highlights of the trip was the chance for students to explore Chagall’s creative process through the exhibit Sketching Light: Chagall’s Windows for Union Church. This rare opportunity allowed the students to gain insight into the artist’s sketching process and make connections between his sketches and the stained-glass windows. “Seeing the artwork up close, you notice the intricate details, the brush strokes and certain textures you can’t see on a computer screen or in a book,” said Keely Oxendine, a junior art education major. “Studying a piece of artwork and seeing it in person, it shifts your perspective and makes you rethink everything you learned about that artist and that artwork.”
The trip was not only an educational experience but also a transformative one. The students were able to witness the raw emotion and creative energy that fuels artistic expression. As art professor Carla Rokes said, “Walking around with them and seeing their expression was priceless. It was a great experience for them to connect what they are learning in the classroom to something tangible.”
The experience was made possible by Vivian R. Jacobson, a Chagall historian, lecturer and author, who arranged the trip. Jacobson recently established the Vivian R. and Ralph Jacobson Art Travel Endowment, which is being used to support art-related travel for students and faculty.
“People rarely put much effort into art students,” said Sadie Outen, a senior art studio major. “It was a surreal experience to know that someone cared enough to afford us the money but also wanted to hear about it afterward and be excited for us. It was exciting to be a part of it. If I get to that point in my life, I can only dream I can do the same thing.”
The students have been forever changed by their experience, and the trip has left a lasting impact on their artistic pursuits. As Naomi Lifschitz-Grant, another art professor, said, “They were not just looking at art through a slide. It was in-person and in an active space. The trip also showed what rich conversations that art can ignite.”
| Faculty | Professor Carla Rokes | Professor Naomi Lifschitz-Grant |
| Students | Keely Oxendine, Sadie Outen, Danielle Sneed, Cheryse Edwards |
The trip to New York City was a testament to the power of art to transform and inspire. As the students returned to UNC Pembroke, they brought with them a newfound appreciation for the world of art and a deeper understanding of the creative process that fuels their artistic pursuits.