SAA Takes NYC! The Annual Fine Arts Trip

The annual Upper School Fine Arts trip to NYC was a smashing success! The trip, which began 19 years ago, is designed to share a true arts immersion experience with our Upper School girls in our Art, Theatre and Music programs.

“From Broadway to Wall Street and MoMA to SoHo, it is thrilling for me as an educator to see the excitement in our students’ eyes as they walk through an art museum, watch a Broadway show, or even just while walking through Times Square,” said Upper School Art Teacher Ginny Crittendon who chaperoned the group.

“The Fine Arts trip to New York City offers students real-life experiences and exposure to subjects as diverse as art, finance, fashion, theater, dance and music.  The energy is electric! Our students often return home with a desire to pursue a career in theater, finance, fashion, journalism or the visual arts,” Mrs. Crittendon added.

This year, the group had the privilege of attending performances of Broadway shows The Outsiders, Gypsy, and The Great Gatsby. The Outsiders proved to be a trip highlight for the students.  “I loved getting to see the book I have adored since middle school on stage,” Olivia Turner (’25) explained.

In addition to seeing multiple shows, the girls had the opportunity to participate in a musical theatre workshop.

“Learning a dance combination from The Great Gatsby at the workshop pushed me out of my comfort zone and was hard, but also fun, because we were all going through it together,” said SAA senior Hayley Weeden.  “It was very inspiring to hear our instructor’s life story of how she got where she is today, and she shared helpful advice on pursuing our dreams.”

Olivia was also moved by their instructor, who was particularly relatable for the girls and shared some life lessons that reached far beyond the theatre.  “I enjoyed getting to know Moriah and listening to her encouraging words on how to work for what you want to do in life even if it is hard the first couple times around.”

The group toured landmarks including Central Park, Radio City Music Hall, Top of the Rock, Chinatown, and Little Italy. They experienced both the Museum of Modern Art and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

“While I was walking through the Metropolitan Museum, I saw all my favorite artists- Monet, Degas, Andy Warhol, and so many others. I loved getting to see each of their wonderful works of art that we have discussed throughout my art classes at St. Agnes Academy,” Olivia said.

Hayley added, “I could connect the MET and MOMA to my AP Art portfolio because there were so many pieces of artwork that inspired me. I am excited to get back and incorporate new ideas into my artwork. One of my favorite artists at the MET was William Merritt Chase, an American Impressionist artist, and I really liked his loose style of painted figures.”   

On Sunday (scheduled to be the last day of the trip), the girls attended Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral and visited the 9/11 Memorial. But, due to weather and cancelled flights, this year’s four-day trip suddenly turned into six-affording them a chance to enjoy more dining, shopping, and a cruise on the Staten Island Ferry.

They got home just in time to deal with the crazy Memphis weather and a snow day. We are glad they finally made it back safely, and we know that their trip was an unforgettable experience!