Field Trip, Bangor High School

AP art classes

The following information was provided by Kal Elmore, Bangor High School art teacher.

Every year a special field trip experience is planned for the Advanced Placement Art classes at Bangor High School. This year’s field trip was stellar!

The day began with a stop at Jim Linehan’s studio in Bangor. We arrived at Jim’s studio bright and early (8:20 AM in fact). Jim graciously allowed us to see the studio space and his work – current work as well as some work from years past. Linehan is preparing for a big exhibit this summer and is working purposefully toward this goal. The artist discussed his process, where he gets his ideas and motivation, and other topics of interest to the students.

The next stop was Lord Hall at the University of Maine. After viewing the installation by Dudley Zopp, Department Chair Michael Grillo led a discussion of the work. Grillo also talked about the programs offered at UM and gave students a tour of the art classrooms in Lord Hall. The group also toured the Sculpture building before having lunch at the Union.

After lunch, Susan Groce gave a tour of the studio spaces in the new Wyeth Center – drawing, painting, and printmaking studios are large and well lit.

This is when the classes were split – Kal Elmore’s AP Studio Art class went to the printmaking studio to do a mono-printing workshop. Susan Groce showed examples, described the process, explained how the space would be used, etc. The ten students quickly got to work and each created three mono-prints using the different techniques described.

The AP 2-D class learned about the history and photographic styles of Pin Hole and Holga photography with Michael Grillo, including a photo shoot around the University of Maine campus with pin hole lenses and Holga cameras. After the photo shoot these students toured the New Media facilities with Owen Smith​ and got an opportunity to see 3D printers, laser cutters, digital sewing machines, and vaccuum forming machines with Sean Taylor.

This was a great opportunity to partner with the UM Art Department. The day was informative and interesting. All students had the opportunity to learn about art and post secondary options.

As a follow-up Kal has a colleague who is a Geospatial Educator that joined them on the trip. She created this presentation that I think you will find interesting http://bit.ly/1wlbyO7.