For their second Slow Art Day, The Shipping Brow Gallery in Maryport, Cumbria, UK invited participants to explore artworks by renowned Cumbrian artist Percy Kelly. The gallery hosts the largest permanent collection of Kelly’s work in the United Kingdom.
Featured Works: A selection of 35 paintings by Percy Kelly, prominently featuring local scenes, including the gallery itself.
A display of Percy Kelly’s works at the Shipping Brow Gallery. Photo courtesy of Shipping Brow Gallery.
The museum also introduced a prize drawing. Attendees submitted guesses identifying how many paintings depicted the Shipping Brow Gallery building for a chance to win a copy of the art book, The Man Who Couldn’t Stop Drawing, by Chris Wadsworth.
The Shipping Brow Gallery exterior. Photo courtesy of Shipping Brow Gallery.Books on display, including the prize book The Man Who Couldn’t Stop Drawing, by Chris Wadsworth. Photo courtesy of Shipping Brow Gallery.
The event attracted a diverse group of attendees, ranging in age from 8 to 65 years, demonstrating broad community interest and engagement.
We thank Dolly Daniel and the entire Shipping Brow Gallery team for their organization and dedication to Slow Art Day 2025. We look forward to their participation in Slow Art Day 2026.
– Ashley, Johanna, Jessica Jane, and Phyl
P.S. Stay connected with Shipping Brow Gallery on Instagram.
The Sawdust Art Festival in Laguna Beach, California, celebrated Slow Art Day on April 5, 2025, as part of their three-day Spring Fling pop-up show. The event was organized by host and artist Hedy Buzan, a founding host of Slow Art Day – and a longtime artist-presenter at the Sawdust.
Featured Works:
Sager-fired ceramic vessel
Stoneware cylinder
Two photographs
Bronze and enameled dragonfly sculpture
Watercolor painting of a neon sign and building
Two acrylic paintings
Two blown glass artworks
Participants gathered around the counter in Studio One, enjoying coffee during the morning session and wine during the afternoon gathering. Each session began with Hedy Buzan introducing five artworks by different artist, briefly discussing how each was made. Participants chose objects to closely observe in silence for five minutes, guided by the below prompts encouraging reflection on elements such as line, shape, texture, and personal emotional responses.
After individual reflection, attendees exchanged their objects, shifting between two-dimensional and three-dimensional works, allowing everyone to engage with a diverse range of artistic forms. This exchange was followed by a lively group discussion, facilitated by Hedy, who guided conversations by offering positive feedback and insights.
Participants engaging in lively discussion at Studio One. Photo courtesy of Hedy Buzan.
We express heartfelt thanks to Hedy Buzan and the entire Sawdust Art Festival team for their thoughtful planning and enthusiastic facilitation of Slow Art Day 2025. We look forward to what Hedy comes up with for Slow Art Day 2026.
Two cARTie kids look closely at two works of art inside cARTie with different tools and from different angles, with a cARTIe educator. Screenshot from cARTie’s Instagram.Two cARTie kids look closely at two works of art inside cARTie with different tools and from different angles, with a cARTIe educator. Screenshot from cARTie’s Instagram.
Both artworks, featured on cARTie’s traveling exhibit throughout 2024-2025, were created by secondary school student-artists from Connecticut. Participants watched a thoughtfully produced video highlighting children’s responses and insights, providing practical strategies for slow-looking.
Each work was featured for a recommended 5-10 minutes of focused viewing, encouraging deeper emotional and reflective engagement.
cARTie’s virtual approach captured the perspectives of children, underscoring the importance of accessibility and representation in museum spaces.
We extend our thanks to Clare, Co-Founder and Executive Director of cARTie, and the entire cARTie team for their innovative approach and dedication to Slow Art Day. We look forward to their participation in Slow Art Day 2026.
– Ashley, Johanna, Jessica Jane, and Phyl
P.S. Stay connected with cARTie Art Museum Bus on Instagram.
For its second Slow Art Day, the Denver Art Museum in Denver, Colorado, offered both self-guided viewing and structured, docent-led discussions, inviting guests to explore three artworks.
Elaine de Kooning, Bullfight, 1959. Oil paint on canvas; 77 5/8 x 130 1/4 in. El Anatsui, Ghanaian, Rain Has No Father?, 2008. Installation. Found bottle tops and copper wire.Artist Unknown, Garden Party on the Terrace of a Country Home, about 1720-1730, Mexico. Folding screen, painted oil paint on canvas with gold.
Visitors were encouraged to spend 5–10 minutes individually observing each featured artwork, immersing themselves in a thoughtful, quiet exploration. Throughout the day, docents led engaging discussions every half hour, helping participants articulate their observations and uncover deeper meanings within the art.
The expressionism of Elaine de Kooning’s “Bullfight,” the textures of El Anatsui’s “Rain Has No Father,” and the narrative depicted in the 18th-century piece “Garden Party” sparked conversations and personal reflections among attendees. We recommend you check out the additional videos on the museum’s website showcasing El Anatsui’s installation and process.
You may view or download the handout for the event below:
