Forever Changed

            I am forever changed because of the impact that this class and this experience has had on me. This class is one that pushed me to my limits. You have to memorize quite a few artists, as well as artworks. So many, that it may seem impossible to remember them all. However, everything that happened within this class is one that is needed and meaningful! The content within this class is Italian Art. However, that is a broad term. Italians have changed their ideas and culture quite a few times. The first part of Roman history is pagan, and the last part is Christian. This can make it hard at times to understand what icons are being used and what they mean. This class has prepared me extremely well to understand the content within the artwork. 
               The experience itsself has been one that I will never forget. My time was spent between Rome and Florence. Rome and Florence are both beautiful cities. The amount of beautiful artwork and architecture cannot be matched anywhere else. Saint Peter's Basilica is one structure that every person should see. It is beautiful at night when it is all lit up. It also has a ton of historical elements to it that other churches and such just do not have. This building also houses Michelangelo's first Pieta sculpture.   
                    In Florence there are many many wonderful things to see. The Florence Cathedral that houses the Duomo is such a beautiful structure! The engineering within the duomo is also such a fascinating site to see. Florence also has some really cool graffiti that you can follow along the streets, and see multiple artist’s works. None of Banksy works are here in Florence, but displays many others who are very talented. This was neat to explore because you can see what the people of Florence cared about. Believe it or not, a few times these artists were putting their own spin on art works that are important to art history. This was neat to observe, and walk through the city trying to find. 
                           Even though the graffiti experience I had was wonderful, the experience that spoke to me the most was the Academia Gallery. This gallery is one that houses Michelangelo's David sculpture. it also houses his Slave sculptures. Seeing the Slave sculptures was the exact experience I thought it would be. After writing many papers about these sculptures, and studying them in a few different classes, it was so wonderful to finally see them in person.  These sculptures are ones that many people debate about, whether they were finished, or incomplete. That conclusion is one that you can decide yourself, but regardless of your choice, seeing these sculptures was one that is wonderful!! 
                           This trip has been great!! I have learned a lot, and I now understand a little bit better the ideas behind the Italian history, and Italian Art. The impact that this class has had on my way of thinking and knowledge of art will go on to influence the students that I will teach, as well as the community that I will be involved in as well.