McMichael Slow Art Day

On April 13th the McMichael will observe Slow Art Day, a day that encourages people to “discover for themselves the joy of looking at and loving art.”

On Slow Art Day the galleries will be as quiet as possible with lots of extra seating.

There will be no public tours on Slow Art Day. All are welcome.

click here for suggestions on how to get started

Recipe for a Successful Slow Art Day

Suggestions for How to Get Started

Choose the work that attracts you in the gallery spaces.
Stand or sit on a gallery stool in front of the work.
Close your eyes, slow your breath, and relax for around 20-30 seconds.
When you open your eyes again, allow your attention to drift to the part of the work that pulls you in.
Allow your eyes and mind to stay there for a moment without trying to find meaning
Now contemplate what brought your attention to this area: the subject matter? Colour and light? Texture?
Slowly breathe the image in…
Enjoy it…
When ready move your eyes naturally to another point of attraction.
Repeat this activity again and again, looking for visual transitions such as colours, lines, textures, and movements.
Slowly build your own personal understanding of the artwork. It can mean more than one thing, nor nothing at all.
When you are comfortable and satisfied with your observations: Read the label!

Date & Time

Saturday, April 13
from 10 am to 5 pm

Look & Sketch: 10 am, 11 am, 12 pm.

Price

This event is free with Gallery admission. Registration required for the Look & Sketch self-guided art activity.

Location

McMichael Canadian Art Collection
10365 Islington Ave,
Kleinburg, ON L0J 1C0

General Admission Tickets

Gallery Admission Tickets

Self-Guided Art Activity

Look & Sketch

Time: 10 am, 11 am, 12 pm
Registration Required. Free with Gallery admission

Wondering where to start? At the top of each hour we will be offering a 15-minute introduction to Slow Art Day grounded in a self-guided sketching activity that will allow participants to deeply engage with an artwork of their choosing. Sketching materials and stools will be provided. Meet in the Founders’ Lounge at the top of each hour (10 am, 11 am, noon,)

Proud participant of Slow Art Day

Recipe for Successful Slow Art Looking

Choose the work that attracts you in the gallery spaces.
Stand or sit on a gallery stool in front of the work.
Close your eyes, slow your breath, and relax for around 20-30 seconds.
When you open your eyes again, allow your attention to drift to the part of the work that pulls you in.
Allow your eyes and mind to stay there for a moment without trying to find meaning.
Now contemplate what brought your attention to this area: the subject matter? Colour and light? Texture?
Slowly breathe the image in…
Enjoy it…
When ready move your eyes naturally to another point of attraction.
Repeat this activity again and again, looking for visual transitions such as colours, lines, textures, and movements.
Slowly build your own personal understanding of the artwork. It can mean more than one thing, nor nothing at all.
When you are comfortable and satisfied with your observations: Read the label!