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The glow of the Italian sun shimmered on the canals of Venice as a group of 30 Moore College of Art & Design students stepped onto the city’s winding streets, sketchbooks in hand. Over their two-week trip to Venice, these students, representing majors such as Illustration, Fashion Design and Graphic Design, immersed themselves in the creative and cultural heritage of the city.
Led by Assistant Professor of Illustration Christopher Williams, the three-credit study abroad course "Moore Than Venice: Days of Futures Past" immersed students in Venice’s artistic traditions, inspiring them to create new artwork. Moore’s commitment to global learning, including financial awards like the Happy Fernandez International Study Scholarship, made this transformative experience possible for Fine Arts major Brielle Green ‘27 and Illustration major Jordan Hines ‘26.
“When I first received the email that I was being awarded the scholarship, I didn't believe it at first. I thought there were so many other students who had the potential to get it,” Green said. “I said to myself, ‘Wow, I had an equal opportunity as everyone else to win this.’”
Green says the trip allowed her to learn more about realism through Italian art and sculpture, a style she was “yearning to incorporate” into her practice. After inspiring visits to Venetian churches and the colorful homes of Burano, Green returned to Moore grateful for her experiences.
“It gave me the opportunity to expand on my craft and express myself. I appreciate that Moore doesn’t hold anyone back from their creativity or doing the things they want to do,” Green said.
Green found inspiration in Italian realism, an artistic style that appeared throughout the journey in and around Venice.
For Hines, the experience was equally transformative. The Illustration junior enjoys traveling but wanted to embark on an educational journey in a new country. Learning from Williams in the classroom made her even more excited to travel alongside him and adjunct professor of Illustration Skye Bolluyt '15.
“[Williams] has helped me improve my art a lot, and he's just very joyous. His energy was so nice to have during the trip,” she said.
Hines was excited to explore Italian artwork that utilized texture and found inspiration on the island of Murano, renowned for its glassmaking. Reflecting on the artistic focus she honed during the trip, Hines encourages all students to apply for scholarships for international study.
“[The scholarship] takes a lot of stress away from the trip. You can just focus on learning,” Hines said. “I definitely think it's worth it.”
Hines was also inspired by the famous gondolas of Venice, which she says she'll incorporate in her final project for the course.
Beyond structured visits to world-class museums, grand cathedrals and historic sites, Williams encouraged students to explore independently, seeking out the details that spoke to them as artists. He emphasized how experiences made through Moore’s study abroad program can shape an artist’s future work.
“This course was all about research and inspiration. Students were encouraged to take in art, food, fashion, culture and history and use them to create something new,” he said. “Watching them absorb these influences, interact with new ideas and do their own thing was really fun.”
Williams guided students through local businesses, restaurants and architectural sites during the trip.
The impact of the study abroad course will extend well beyond Venice. Each student will create a final project inspired by the trip, on exhibit at Moore in April 2025. Williams sees Moore’s mission to facilitate life-changing artistic endeavors through its commitment to financial support for students.
“Moore is so supportive of student growth. These scholarships help them alleviate financial stress and enjoy these opportunities so they can evolve as artists,” he said. “Moore is dedicated to culture, growth and independence.”
Moore College of Art & Design is the only independent art and design college in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Want to learn more about study abroad opportunities at Moore? Contact our Admissions team at enroll@moore.edu or 215.965.4015 to set up a call or a campus visit. We'd love to tell you more!