HIGH POINT, N.C., June 7, 2016 – The Roman Colosseum is magnificent in photos, but a group of High Point University students recently discovered that it is even more striking in person. They studied the Colosseum and other renowned attractions through HPU’s “Grand Tour of Italy,” a class that immersed the students in Italian art history.
This art course, offered through HPU’s “Maymester” program, toured various Italian cities, highlighting some of Italy’s most famous historical sites and giving
students the opportunity to study the country’s art and architecture on a personal level. The 21 students, led by art professor Mark Brown, traveled May 7-22.
The excursion followed the traditional route of 17th and 18th century grand tours, moving through cities like Rome, Florence and Venice. While traveling, students responded to their surroundings through their own drawing, photography and writing.
They immersed themselves in the history and culture of the places they visited, using sketchbooks to record their experiences. They followed in the footsteps of the architects of Ancient Rome, sketching the crumbling pillars of the Roman Forum and the massive structure of the Pantheon. In the Accademia Gallery of Florence, the students studied the work of Michelangelo as they viewed his statue “David,” one of the world’s most famous masterpieces, in person.
Many students felt that the personal experience helped them improve their craft. Rising junior Emily Judson could tell that seeing the cities and works for herself enriched her knowledge of Italian art and helped her grow as an artist.
“I’ve really enjoyed seeing how my drawings have developed throughout this course,” said Judson, “Especially looking at the drawings I did during the semester of Michelangelo’s David next to the ones we worked on in front of the statue itself. I was able to really see and appreciate how this opportunity has helped develop me as a student, person and especially an artist.”
The group also used the experience to learn about culture, spending ample time in each place they visited. They experienced everything from touring the ancient ruins of Pompeii to sitting and drawing in the maze-like alleyways of Venice.
“Being a part of the Grand Tour really gave me the opportunity to grow as an artist,” Wolf said. “I developed a whole new appreciation for art and had the opportunity to be inspired by many of the great artists that came before us.”
HPU offers a variety of “Maymester” courses as part of its Global Experience program. These short-term study abroad trips led by HPU faculty help students learn more about the world around them by providing opportunities to travel in the U.S. and abroad, connecting learning with real-world experience. This year, students and faculty traveled to four continents, including locations such as Australia, Costa Rica, Germany, Japan, Spain and the United Kingdom.