Salem, OR – On Saturday, art lovers from across the globe will take part in a unique event that encourages participants to slow down and truly connect with art. For the first time, Salem will be joining this worldwide movement as the city hosts its own Slow Art Day activities at the Salem Art Association, Salem on the Edge, and the Salem Public Library.
Slow Art Day, a global initiative now in its 15th year, invites participants to spend ten minutes in silent contemplation of a single piece of art. The event, which spans countries from Mexico to South Korea to Belgium, promotes a deeper, more personal engagement with artworks, encouraging people to move away from the typical rush of gallery visits.
Susan Napack, chair of the Salem Public Art Commission, was instrumental in bringing the event to Salem. “It was a no-brainer for us to get involved,” she said. Napack, who oversees the city’s collection of public art, believes Slow Art Day offers a unique opportunity to foster a greater connection to the art in Salem’s galleries and public spaces.
The concept is simple: participants choose a piece of art that speaks to them, set a timer for ten minutes, and spend that time observing the artwork in complete silence. Afterward, participants are invited to share their reflections and discuss their experience, offering a chance to explore the personal meanings and feelings that arise from the artwork.
Napack sees the event as a valuable way for people to engage with art beyond a surface level. “In today’s fast-paced world, we often overlook the beauty and intricacy of the art around us,” she said. “Slow Art Day allows people to stop, reflect, and discover new aspects of the art they might not have noticed before.”
This practice of slowing down has garnered attention globally, as art lovers find value in spending time with a piece of art in a meditative and mindful way. Whether it’s a painting, sculpture, or other visual forms, the ten-minute window provides ample opportunity to notice details that may otherwise go unnoticed during a brief visit to a gallery.
With Salem now joining the global celebration, the city’s art institutions are eager to offer this experience to their community. The event promises to be a meaningful and engaging experience for all involved, regardless of their familiarity with art.
As Slow Art Day continues to grow in popularity around the world, Salem’s participation highlights the city’s commitment to fostering a vibrant art scene while encouraging a deeper connection between the community and the artworks they pass by each day.
