Adelphi Visits Snug Harbor Cultural Center!
Upper Schoolers Susan and Natalie work on their ink wash paintings!
BAY RIDGE – Adelphi Academy of Brooklyn students, faculty and staff recently enjoyed a trip to Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden, where they toured the historic Chinese Scholar’s Garden, learned the art of Chinese calligraphy and created their very own ink wash paintings!
Younger Adelphians were given a worksheet that offered a step-by-step guide to creating their very own beautiful Chinese calligraphy lettering. The feeling of accomplishment they shared when viewing their finished products was palpable. Older Adelphians were given an informative presentation on the art of ink wash painting before sitting down to create their own works of art. They drew inspiration from the peaceful surroundings of the Chinese Scholar’s Garden, where they learned about and engaged in meditative practice through the art of shui-mo hua. Group leaders emphasized the traditional importance of meditation in Asian history.
Students enjoyed walking through the winding, expansive garden and were surprised to learn that its nonlinear layout was designed to ward off negative spirits and maximize serenity. They also saw a tea room similar to ancient Chinese meeting rooms, as well as some ancient architecture. The Garden itself was filled with incredible works of art.
Lower Schoolers loved learning to create Chinese calligraphy!
Head of School Ms. Iphigenia Romanos said, “Adelphians of all ages were able to experience the wonders of Snug Harbor Cultural Center’s expansive grounds while learning about ancient Chinese culture and practices. This unique experience illustrated the value and importance of learning outside the classroom as a complement to daily lessons.”
Snug Harbor combines history, architecture, visual and performing arts, gardens, agriculture, and education to provide dynamic experiences for all ages. It is one of the largest ongoing adaptive reuse projects in the United States and is one of New York City’s unique architectural complexes and historic landscapes.
As the oldest private, independent, continuing, coeducational, college-preparatory day school in the borough and one of the oldest in the nation, Adelphi Academy of Brooklyn, “the little school of big dreams” has been “effectively preparing young people for college, career, and life, one day at a time” for over 150 years. Founded in 1863 and located in the historic Bay Ridge section of Brooklyn, Adelphi enrolls students from two years of age through twelfth grade. A strong emphasis is placed on small class size, individualized attention, self expression, critical thinking and challenging hands-on learning through Adelphi’s founding philosophy and dedication to the education of the “total child”. Adelphi students excel within a small, intimate, safe, caring, nurturing, and secure environment through Adelphi’s core values and founding principles of pride, tradition, spirit, and excellence. The student-teacher ratio is 8 to 1 and Adelphi is a New York State Regents Exempt Program with a 100% college application, acceptance and attendance rate. A founding member of the Coalition of Essential Schools, Adelphi receives its charter from the Board of Regents of the University of the State of New York and has been a member of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools since 1928. Ms. Iphigenia Romanos serves as Head of School.
The Chinese Scholar’s Garden is a source of inspiration.
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Photos courtesy of Adelphi Academy of Brooklyn