Eighteen students studied ancient art in Greece during a 10-day spring break trip along with professors, family and alumni.
The trip was led by Professor Vincent DiMattio, a professor of art and design, who has lead the trip for several years.
The group left Newark International Airport on March 14, traveled to Germany for a layover and then landed in Athens, Greece on March 15. During their stay, the group went to several museums focused on art and history and took day excursions around the city of Athens, parts of the Peloponnese, Delphi, and the island of Aegina.
“The planning takes a lot of effort and is started months in advance,” said DiMattio.
“I start the planning in the summer. [The tour company, Michelangelo Tours, and I] have to start figuring out which places we are going to go to while we are there and how everything is timed,” said DiMattio
A two-credit optional drawing class was offered while on the trip. Which was another factor that DiMattio had to take into account while preparing for the trip. The course this year was a two credit drawing course called Art in Athens in which the students had to create a compilation of drawings that showed their understanding of the artwork observed on the trip.
Whether involved in the course or not, everyone on the trip was encouraged to “dive into the culture,” and find something to take away from it, DiMattio said.
Keleyn Wraga, a senior art education major, has been on several spring break trips with DiMattio over the past two years, making this her third trip abroad with him. She said that though she has been to other locations on previous trips, Greece was by far her favorite and the one where she learned the most.
“The country was beautiful and the amount of information I learned about Greek Mythology and art has inspired me to further investigate the topic. As an art education major, Professor DiMattio’s enthusiasm for culture, art and his students has taught me what a true teacher should be,” said Wraga.
Amber Ross, University alumnus, said that this trip gave her a new perspective on culture and the world as a whole. “I didn’t just fall in love with the ancient ruins and the history and tales behind them, but I also fell in love with the culture, food, people, and the scenery,” said Ross.
Mostly there were students who saw the Greece trip not only as a learning experience but a bonding experience. Olivia DiMattio, the professor’s daughter, has been going on the trips for 12 years and said this year’s group might just be the “tightest knit group” she has ever traveled with.
“DiMattio makes every trip so inspiring…The group of kids are incredibly adventurous, eager to learn, and become lifelong friends even after just 10 days abroad,” Olivia DiMattio said. “We become a family together, and it is such a rare thing for a group of 18 people to do. We learn together, we explore together, we travel together and most importantly we share together. Ten days fly by but the memories and lessons learned last forever.”
Overall, Olivia DiMattio gives credit and appreciation to her father who made the trip possible. “DiMattio gives us such an amazing opportunity. He gives us the appreciation of culture, the broadening love for art, and unique friendships that last longer than just a few days,” she said.
PHOTO COURTESY of Keleyn Wraga
