Recently, Mrs. Zacher’s Sculpture and Ceramics class embarked on an exciting field trip to the Buffalo Albright-Knox Gallery. The students had the unique opportunity to view various art pieces, with a special focus on the innovative works of Marisol Escobar. This field trip not only served as a moment of artistic exploration but also as a source of inspiration for students’ future projects. In addition to their time at the gallery, the students also had a memorable encounter with New York State Governor Kathy Hochul. Let’s take a closer look at this experience and its lasting impact on Alden High School’s young artists.

The day kicked off with a guided tour of the museum, where students were introduced to the intricacies of different art forms. Once the tour concluded, the students were encouraged to roam the galleries independently with a mission: find a piece that resonated with them and take a photo to use for their upcoming class project.

We caught up with Chloe Green, a student from the class, to ask about her favorite Marisol piece.

“I definitely really liked her Wooden Sculptures of the Cats, but I also really loved The Party. Both pieces were amazing,” Chloe shared enthusiastically. When asked if she planned to incorporate any of Marisol’s techniques into her future work, Chloe responded, “Definitely. Her view on sculpture is really unique, and I want to bring that into my own art pieces.”

As the students gathered near the entrance of the museum after their self-guided exploration, they noticed a large crowd. Much to their surprise, Governor Kathy Hochul was visiting the gallery at the same time. After explaining their field trip to her staff, the students were granted permission for a brief interview with the Governor.

Governor Hochul was visiting the Albright-Knox to view an exhibit commemorating the tragic events of May 14, 2022, when 10 innocent New Yorkers lost their lives in a senseless act of violence at a Buffalo grocery store. Reflecting on the exhibit, Hochul said, “I’m here to make sure we never forget, but also to talk about where our community is headed next and the healing that must occur. It’s important for me to nourish my soul as I return to my hometown of Buffalo and see how resilient the community is.”

When asked about the highlight of the field trip, Mrs. Zacher shared, “Watching my sculpture and ceramics students walk around and absorb the art was incredible. They were deeply engaged and inspired by everything they saw.”

Back in the classroom, the inspiration continues. In collaboration with Mrs. Sobol, the students are now analyzing a selected piece through a visual and biographical lens. They’re currently working on creating mugs inspired by the artist they chose during their visit, translating the lessons they learned into their own unique creations.

This field trip to the Albright-Knox Gallery has left a lasting impact on Mrs. Zacher’s students, sparking new creative ideas and deepening their appreciation for art. The combination of Marisol’s innovative sculptures and the unexpected encounter with Governor Hochul made the day unforgettable, and the students are already bringing their experiences back into the classroom for their next projects.