Diary of An Art Trip by a Young Man

4 December 2025Kartik M, Privett ‘26

The annual AP Studio Art trip to Vancouver was an unforgettable journey: two days packed with creativity, exploration, and inspiration. The trip was a chance to learn outside of the conventional by experiencing a major city’s creative landscape and taking in the professional artwork that shapes the Canadian art world.

After arriving downtown, we began our journey with an architectural walk led by Mr Gibson. Vancouver’s streets helped us notice details we may otherwise overlook: shifts in texture, contrast in materials, and the way buildings shape the flow of people and energy. This walk set the tone for the rest of the trip: paying attention, looking beyond the surface, and thinking like artists.

A major highlight was the guided tour at the Contemporary Art Gallery. The exhibitions challenged us to think about storytelling through unconventional forms. Installations, mixed media, and experimental approaches stretched our understanding of what “counts” as art. We left the gallery deep in conversations about technique, meaning, and interpretation of art.

Next, we experienced the Vancouver Art Gallery. Seeing renowned works up close was a powerful moment. Pieces we had previously studied in slides suddenly carried texture, scale, and a presence we couldn’t have experienced without this trip. We moved through the exhibitions slowly, sketchbook or phone in hand, absorbing inspiration for future projects.

The next morning brought us to another meaningful stop of the trip: the Museum of Anthropology. The carvings, cultural objects, and stories represented in the collection reminded us of the importance of art as a keeper of identity and history. The detail and craftsmanship in the Indigenous works were breathtaking, and for many, this was the most impactful part of the entire trip.

Our time in Vancouver wrapped up on Granville Island, where we explored the lively market, enjoyed dinner, and reflected on everything we had experienced and learned. By the time we boarded the ferry home, there was a shared sense of gratitude and renewed creativity.

A heartfelt thank-you goes out to Ms Angela Andersen for leading the trip and to Mr Cody Gibson for supporting and guiding us throughout the weekend. We are also grateful to the Brentwood staff who helped coordinate travel, hotel arrangements, and resources to make the experience seamless and enriching.

The 2025 Vancouver Art Trip reminded us of the power of art to challenge, inspire, and connect us. We returned to campus with fuller sketchbooks, new ideas, and a deeper appreciation for the wider artistic community around us.

Kartik M, Privett ‘26

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