For Slow Art Day 2024, Glen Foerd in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania invited participants to look slowly at four selected works of art, led by Executive Director Ross Mitchell.
Glen Foerd itself is a beautiful mansion and grounds on the banks of the Delaware River (learn more about the venue and its history on their website).
Their collection is an eclectic mix of works from the Renaissance to the twentieth century, where Italian masterpieces sit next to works by local Philadelphia artists. The beauty of slow-looking is that it brings deep observation and appreciation to all works of art no matter the provenance.
For the event, participants were invited to spend at least 10 minutes with each
of the following selected pieces:
- Luigi Setanni (American, 1908–1984). Village and Calvary, c. mid-1930s. Oil on canvas
- Thomas Sully (Attributed) (American, 1783 – 1872). Head of a Young woman in a Black Feathered Hat. Oil on Panel
- Edith Emerson (American, 1888–1981). A Florentine Garden. Oil on canvas
- Talia Eve Greene (American, 1976). Threadbare and Tarnished: Tales from a Gilded Age, 2017. Mixed Media
Afterwards, Ross led the group through a discussion about each work.
Participants were also given a flyer with a series of prompts (download the flier).
Ashley Moran, volunteer at Slow Art Day HQ, visited Glen Foerd for their fourth Slow Art Day in 2024, and very much appreciated their selection of art and the lively discussion facilitated by Executive Director Ross Mitchell.
We are excited to see what they come up with for Slow Art Day 2025.
– Ashley, Jessica Jane, Johanna, and Phyl
P.S. Slow Art Day 2025 is coming up on April 5. If you have not done so, please register your museum, gallery, church, hospital, sculpture park or movie theater here: https://www.slowartday.com/be-a-host/