芝加哥的艺术和摄影学生捕捉创造力

Emily Denholm, Public Information Office
11/11/2025

Students in Iowa Central’s Art and Photography programs recently took their learning beyond the classroom — all the way to the heart of Chicago. The three-day trip, made possible through grant funding, gave students the opportunity to experience art, culture, and architecture in one of the Midwest’s most inspiring cities.

对教师和学生来说，这都是第一次。 “Yes, this was our first trip!” said Rochelle Green, Art Instructor. “Jennifer Dutcher prepared a very comprehensive grant proposal in a short time frame after we learned about this opportunity. Once our submission was selected, the planning began — and Jennifer is truly the best travel planner! She found an amazing hotel in a perfect location that allowed us to walk easily to many destinations.” 学生们参观了芝加哥艺术学院、谢德水族馆、360空中甲板，并在芝加哥河上乘坐日落建筑游轮。 Between group activities, they also discovered the city’s neighborhoods, restaurants, and hidden gems.

“I’ve taken students to many cities across the Midwest, as well as Paris and Amsterdam,” said Jennifer Dutcher, Photography Instructor, “but this was the first time I brought a group to Chicago. I chose it because I used to live there and worked at the Art Institute, so I wanted to give my students the chance to experience its world-class museums and architectural landmarks firsthand.”

两位老师都强调了旅行如何将艺术和教育带入生活。 “Trips like this allow students to apply their skills in real-world contexts, think on their feet, and gain independence,” said Green. “They also foster community and connection — with classmates, instructors, and the world around them. It’s an opportunity to grow both personally and professionally.”

对格林来说，这次旅行也是一个完整的循环时刻。 “When I was a student at Iowa Central, I traveled with the music department to Toronto. That trip opened my eyes to the world beyond what I knew — it showed me how much possibility and creativity exist outside of my everyday environment. Now, getting to help provide the same kind of experience to our students feels incredibly meaningful.”

达彻对此表示同意，并指出亲自观看艺术品会产生更深层次的联系。 “There’s something truly special about standing in front of a work of art that can’t be replicated through slides or textbooks,” she said. “Chicago offers such a diverse range of cultural and artistic experiences that broaden students’ perspectives and inspire creativity in new ways.”

学生们形容这次经历既开阔了眼界，又改变了人生。 Grace Gordon said, “One of the highlights was the architectural cruise along the Chicago River, where we got to take in the city’s stunning skyline at sunset — absolutely breathtaking. I’m beyond grateful for the new friendships and connections I built on this trip. Getting to truly know people I had only seen in the hallway before was such a meaningful part of the experience.”

凯琳·克莱因（Kaylene Klein）反思了这次旅行如何改变了她对艺术和人性的看法。 “Coming from ‘Little Chicago’ and seeing the real Chicago was something I’ll never forget. 我交了新朋友，看到了令人难以置信的风景，甚至遇到了一个名叫布拉德利的人，他正在经历无家可归。 和他的谈话真的让我想起了善待和同情他人是多么重要。 This trip created a significant impression on my heart — art-wise and humanity-wise.”

For Amy Varner, a single mother and student photographer, the trip represented an opportunity she never thought she’d have. “When Rochelle told me I was selected, I about cried,” she shared. “I’ve always wanted to go to Chicago because of my love for baseball — and I finally got to see Wrigley Field in person. 我甚至一个人坐地铁！ This trip let me pause, breathe, and capture moments that I’ll treasure forever. It was a beautiful break from everyday life and a reminder of why I love photography.”

对于许多学生来说，这次旅行增强了他们的艺术激情和个人成长。 “This trip showed me why I love doing what I do,” said Sawyer Lochray. “Exploring the city, walking the streets, and visiting museums gave me so many new ideas for future projects.” Rory Bunda added, “I got to see so many cool art pieces and places that made me want to continue looking at art and learning about it. It was truly one of the greatest experiences I’ve ever had.” 利瓦伊·塔克分享说，这次旅行帮助他克服了对大城市的恐惧。 “Before going, I thought I’d never want to visit a city like Chicago. But after this trip, I can’t wait to go back. Seeing all the art and history made me realize there’s a whole world of possibilities beyond what I’ve known.”

For the instructors, that growth is what it’s all about. “Watching students step off the bus a little nervous, and then seeing them grow in confidence over the course of the trip — that’s my favorite part,” said Green. “They learn to navigate new experiences and see us doing the same. It’s such a meaningful reminder that learning and creativity never stop.”