A Walk Through Art, History and Music in St. James

Mrs. Dennis’ fourth-grade class recently took their very first walking field trip to the Celebrate St. James Center for the Arts on Second Street, where students experienced an engaging blend of history, creativity and performance through the arts.

The visit began with an interactive scavenger hunt through the center’s “Living Things” art exhibit. As they explored the gallery, students searched for hidden images, bold colors, unique textures, mosaics and murals, encouraging them to look closely and think creatively about the artwork around them.

The class then stepped into the world of Vaudeville with a lively theatrical presentation highlighting the rich entertainment history of St. James. Students became part of the performance as they practiced dramatic expression through rhythmic sounds, coordinated movements and animated facial expressions, bringing the spirit of Vaudeville to life.

Continuing their exploration of local artistry, students met Cristian Mirabella of Mirabella Guitars, who introduced them to the intricate craft of guitar making. He explained the differences between flat and arched guitars while demonstrating how craftsmanship combines visual design with acoustic science to create each professional instrument.

To conclude the memorable experience, the students gathered together to sing a spirited St. James Town song before making the walk back to school.