Over the recent intercession break, ten KyCAD students traveled to St. Louis for an immersive art experience led by Professor Cristina Carbone.

On the first day, the group paused just outside the city to visit Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, the largest pre-contact city in North America. They climbed the impressive Monk’s Mound, enjoying a panoramic view of the city and the St. Louis Arch.

The next stop was The Gateway Arch, designed by Eero Saarinen. Standing beneath the towering 630-foot stainless steel structure, the students listened as Assistant Professor of Art History Cristina Carbone shared insights about its significance.

That momentous day wrapped up with a brief drive along Mural Mile and a stroll through Laumeier Sculpture Park, a park with over 70 sculptures and 105 acres.

The Saint Louis Art Museum, a favorite among the group, was the first stop on day two. The Saint Louis Art Museum gathers, showcases, interprets, and preserves exceptional artworks from various times and cultures. It aims to educate, inspire curiosity, and uplift the human spirit, while safeguarding a legacy of artistic excellence for the people of St. Louis and beyond. The museum also actively engages with, includes, and represents the diverse community of St. Louis that supports it.

Next, the students climbed to new heights as they weaved their way through the interactive elements of the City Museum. Located in a repurposed shoe factory in Downtown St. Louis, City Museum is a dynamic, artist-created playground filled with uniquely captivating spaces to discover and enjoy.

To conclude the trip, the final day was dedicated to exploring the Pulitzer Arts Foundation and the Contemporary Art Museum. The Pulitzer Arts Foundation is an art museum dedicated to showcasing contemporary art alongside historical works within a global framework. The Contemporary Art Museum features pieces that mirror our surroundings and engage with the most pressing issues of our time.

The immersive educational tour of site-specific artworks came to an end after a jam-packed three day trip.

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