AHA makes it happen - The AHA Gap Year Course - Art History Abroad - Art History Abroad
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"AHA courses are much better than A level History of Art as a preparation for university work. Exposure to real paintings, sculpture and buildings develops visual alertness. Seeing art in the cities where it was made reveals how it was shaped by its cultural context. Students from AHA have been made aware of many of the problems and excitements of academic Art History before they begin their BA."
Professor John Onians
The School of World Art Studies, University of East Anglia
AHA makes it happen
Happily, many of the important works are in the public domain and we study these in small tutorial groups of 10 or fewer. Our experience means we can side step the crowds, book in advance or jump queues thus making the best use of your time.
Then again, we do make some privileged visits. One that springs to mind is to see St Marks, Venice after hours. Imagine the lights gradually revealing meter after meter of golden mosaic as a tutor reads from Ruskin's diaries.
Our tutors are well read, engaging and imaginative; our collective knowledge is profound. By drawing together literature, art, music, theology and much more, we aim to create a magical, inspiring experience of culture. This is how it should be, when culture is exciting and desirable.
Lastly, imagine how many times this writer has visited San Carlino in Rome and indeed how well I know the Sacristan. Each time we meet, he asks after my family and I ask after his mother. He then shows us down to Borromini's little known crypt or tells us about some other recent insight. For AHA tutors and students, such opportuities are a daily occurrence and of immeasurable value to the experience we bring.
Yes, AHA makes it happen, partly by design, partly by experience, sometimes by good fortune and always because our small tutorial groups are met with kindly appreciation of our genuine enthusiasm.
