On April 21, for the third consecutive year, 50 middle and high school students from Kelso stepped beyond the classroom and into the world of professional art during an exclusive, behind-the-scenes visit to the The Schnitzer Collection in Portland.
Guided by Director of Programming Azure Attoe, students experienced powerful works of art up close—many for the very first time.
“Each time has been unique,” said TJ Frey, art teacher at Kelso High. “For many students, it’s their first time stepping into an art museum. Watching them have that experience is one of my favorite things about this field trip.”
This year’s exhibition, What’s Not To Love, featured portraits and reflections from the collection of Jordan Schnitzer—one of North America’s foremost print collectors. His expansive 50,000-square-foot warehouse houses up to 22,000 works of art, with rotating pieces curated for public viewing in the 4,000-square-foot gallery space.
Beyond viewing the artwork, students also stepped into the role of curator. In an interactive component of the tour, they designed their own exhibitions using a scaled model of the gallery—exploring how art is selected, arranged, and experienced.
“This field trip provides significant value for students interested in pursuing artistic and creative careers, from museum and gallery management to developing their own personal artistic practices,” said Lindsay Leslie, Huntington Middle School art and AVID teacher. “Ultimately, the experience reinforces the idea that success—both in the arts and in life—can take many different forms and paths.”
For Kelso High art teacher Wendy Bennet, the impact was evident in the way students engaged with the experience.
“It is amazing to be able to bring this opportunity to our students as part of their arts education,” Bennet said. “Many were able to clearly explain their favorite pieces and make connections between the art and their own work.”
Those connections extended beyond the gallery walls. In thank-you notes written after the visit, students reflected on how the experience shaped their thinking, confidence, and future goals:
“Your exhibit really showed me a different side of art… how art isn’t all about making it, it is also about people looking at it and enjoying it, and how it shares a story with them.”
“I was unsure if I should continue doing art. After hearing some of the artists stories and seeing their works, I’ve decided to continue doing my own art.”
“I’ve always loved art, but seeing displays like this inspires me even more to keep pushing myself.”
“So many artists, many inspired by each other. All the pieces and techniques inspired me to branch out more with my art.”
“I am interested in a career in healthcare. Something one of the curators said about med students using artwork to expand empathy really interested and inspired me. It is a way to combine two of my passions.”
“The selection of portraits ad self-reflection really connected to my currently changing life.”
“Seeing all the art was such a changing point in how I was feeling about art and life. I felt seen.”
“I wasn’t ready to leave and can’t wait to come again.”
Experiences like this continue to open doors for Kelso students—expanding perspectives, sparking creativity, and helping them see new possibilities for their future.
