At ARROJO Cosmetology, one way we get our students thinking outside the box (hairdressing is a creative craft, after all) is field trips. It’s great to open hearts and minds, trigger new ideas, and integrate new experiences into one’s hairdressing skill-set. In January, we took three classes on one such adventure. It proved such a wonderful, edifying time, we asked one of our cosmetology educators, Laura Martin, to write this short report.
On Monday, January 24th the ARROJO students took an inspiring trip to the American Museum of Natural History. Many of the students are new to the city, or commute from outlying areas, and had never been to the museum. All of the students enjoyed the opportunity to see one of New York’s most impressive museums. Jenna, from class 9, enjoyed the fieldtrip a lot, “learning about the history of the earth makes you look at the world in a different way,” she said.
Amidst the tribal costumes, stunning foliage, and displays of sea creatures the students explored color relationships in various natural environments. They looked at fur, feathers, and scales to compare the variety of textures and palettes that exist in nature. “It was great to see how hair [color] can be tied to animal’s fur; I didn’t expect that,” said Mariliz, a student in class 10.
The students created hair and makeup designs inspired by tribal wear in the Highway of An Empire: The Great Inca Road exhibit. They found inspiring tribal hairstyles that could be converted into modern looks, and were even inspired by the ancient architecture and clothing. “I really liked all the textiles and seeing the different weaving and pattern work. You can really incorporate that into hair,” said Tina.
Another exhibit, On Feathered Wings: Birds In Flight, showed close-up views of birds in flight, inviting our students to explore new ways of thinking about shape and movement. Nature has always been a source of inspiration for painters, poets, musicians, and artists of all persuasions. Our students used this ancient source of motivation to help them design styles for their upcoming projects including an updo competition for class 11, and the graduation presentations for classes 9 and 10.
ARROJO Cosmetology was exited to have this educational and creatively motivating experience. — Laura Martin (ARROJO Cosmetology Educator)
Tags: Add new tag, Continued Education, Educators, Natural History Museum, Student
We plan fun and curriculum relevant field trips for all of our classes and this was a big hit for all 3 classes who attended it. They got to see color, shape and texture from a whole new dimension and appreciate how this is a constant influence in their hairdressing career. We look forward to future visits and upcoming exhibitions at NHM and would like to thank the staff at the museum for their help and support setting this up.
Loretta
School Director
What an exciting experience! The students had an opportunity to visit one of the worlds greatest museums here in New York City! We visited the historical museum of natural history to get inspired by the exhibits and learn about different cultures, dissect outstanding presentations and strengthen basic fundamental education with fun exercises. In collaboration with all of the Arrojo Educational Team, we all put together assignments to have the students explore the relation between the exhibits and their education here at Arrojo Cosmetology. What they discovered were great educational experiences that will last a whole lifetime! We all shared such wonderful memories that are the reinforcement to the curriculum offered here at Arrojo Cosmetology. With sincerest best wishes, Your Educator, Lorraine Cruz.