On Friday, September 22nd, the Honors College took a break from campus life and went on a field trip to Chelsea.
The trip was a great chance to get out of FiDi and see some of the unique art and culture that other parts of New York have to offer.
Our first stop was the Highline, which is a 1.45-mile stretch of elevated train tracks that have been converted into a park for public recreation. The tracks are lined with public art installations and greenery, offering a pop of color that really makes the park stand out.
Our walk across the Highline began at the Spur, a section of the park that connects the Highline to the Moynihan Train Hall, making it easy for pedestrians to reach the park from Penn Station. The central feature of the Spur is the sculpture Old Tree by Pamela Rosenkranz. The sculpture is bright pink, adding a refreshing splash of color to the space. I wasn’t the only one who thought it stood out; almost everyone who walked by stopped to snap a photo.
After the Spur, we moved south through the park and walked through the Chelsea Thicket. Here, dense shrubs and trees grow around a path that takes the same route as the original train tracks, right alongside the gorgeous buildings that give Chelsea its artistic character. If you look closely, the track’s steel beams are visible between the slats of wood that make up the walkway.
It was really fascinating to see how much art was incorporated into every aspect of the park’s design. The public pathways are oriented to bring pedestrians through a series of stunning sculptures, beautiful gardens, and breathtaking buildings. It’s truly an experience to remember.
After the Highline, we stopped by the Chelsea Market, which is made up of dozens of vendors selling everything from food to specialty earrings. I spent some time browsing the flea market, and it was so difficult to limit myself to bringing home only one thing. Every vendor I stopped by was selling something incredible! There was one artist selling prints of antique book covers, another offering custom-engraved jewelry, and yet another selling handmade crochet sweaters. After much deliberation, I finally settled on a beautiful oil-pastel print of Central Park that really captures the chaotic spirit of the city.
Our last stop of the day was Little Island, a park that’s been constructed in the Hudson! We crossed the walkway to the island and found ourselves immersed in the crisp fall air and the sound of swaying leaves.
The park is constructed on a set of concrete pillars, raising the corners of the park up above its central plaza and offering stunning views of the city. I decided to climb up the southern side of the island and found an outlook with a great view of Lower Manhattan. It was fascinating to get a fresh perspective on the streets that I walk every day. After snapping a few photos, I met back up with the group and we talked about our finds at the Chelsea Market as we headed back to campus.
The trip was a great chance to connect with other honors students outside of a school setting. When reflecting on the trip, Marianna Visbal, a sophomore in Honors, said that “the visit to the Highline made me feel very grounded and connected. Being around nature in a city so busy is really important. Sharing that experience and feeling with fellow Honors students was my favorite part of the trip!”
I agree with Marianna about how important it is to connect with nature. I’d like to thank the Honors Advisory Board for putting this event together and giving me a chance to spend some time outdoors. It was great to get off campus and see what the city has in store. I’m looking forward to the next Honors event!