Celebrating Learning Beyond the Classroom: MOLAA Field Trip

On Friday, April 17, our Spanish 2 Honors students had an exciting and enriching experience as they visited the Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA) in Long Beach. This memorable field trip brought language and culture to life through art, technology, and hands-on learning!

Students began their visit with exclusive access to MOLAA’s Research Center & Lab, where they learned how the museum digitally archives its collection to share art with a global audience. Seeing behind the scenes was a unique opportunity that sparked curiosity and showed students how innovation helps preserve and promote cultural heritage.

A highlight of the day was a dynamic, docent-led tour of several inspiring exhibitions. Students were especially captivated by Guillermo Bert: Techno‑Empathy, which showcased how the Chilean-born artist powerfully blends art, technology and humanity. Using unconventional tools such as QR codes, 3‑D imaging, and laser engraving, Bert’s work encouraged students to reflect on communication, empathy, and our relationship with the digital world.

Students also explored Mercedes Gertz: Reading the Invisible, a visually stunning and thought‑provoking exhibition. Born in Mexico City and now based in California, Gertz draws from her background in painting, fairy tales, and her Ph.D. in Depth Psychology to explore dreams, identity, and social themes. Spanning two decades of work, the exhibition inspired students to make personal connections and engage in meaningful reflection.

To cap off the visit, students participated in a hands-on art workshop inspired by the exhibitions. This creative experience allowed them to express their ideas while reinforcing what they had learned throughout the day in a fun and interactive way.

This field trip was a fantastic opportunity for our Spanish 2 Honors students—combining cultural appreciation, critical thinking, creativity, and language learning. We are so proud of their engagement and enthusiasm, and grateful for experiences like this that make learning truly come alive!