The inaugural "Art Express" bus trip to a Degas exhibition in Rochester this past weekend can best be defined as a journey of food, friends, and French Impressionism, mingled with a bit of sleet and snow. Thirty members of the Hamilton community -- including faculty, staff, students and Clinton residents -- traveled to the University of Rochester's Memorial Art Gallery to view "Edgar Degas: Figures in Motion." Sponsored by the Emerson Gallery, the trip included bus transportation to and from the gallery as well as lunch, a movie about the exhibition, and an audioguide tour.
Clinton residents Jane and Don Potter were "elated about the opportunity to view an exhibition of this quality with so little effort on our part." They went on to comment that the "sculpture was exquisite." Their only wish was that there had been more Degas paintings on exhibit as well. A visit to a nearby gallery where Clinton resident John Loy had paintings on display was a surprise bonus for many of the Hamilton travelers, even though it required a walk through wet snow. His vibrant palette offered a welcome contrast to the weather.
The Degas exhibition was, by definition, primarily a display of sculpture. It featured the artist's famous dancers, bathers and horses including the well known sculpture, "The Little Dancer, Aged Fourteen." Rochester is the only East Coast venue for this national show. Assistant Director of Alumni Programs LaurieAnn Russell, who was accompanied by her mother, said, "This was a great opportunity to enjoy world class art locally and spend time with co-workers and friends in a relaxed atmosphere."
When asked if he would take another Emerson-sponsored trip in the future, first-year student C.J. Neffs replied, "in a heartbeat." Another trip, in fact, is in the plans for spring 2003.
