Three Florida Public Art Programs Announce 'Slow Art Day' Events

For the first time ever, three Florida based public art programs will host Slow Art Day events on April 27th. Slow Art Day is a worldwide event in which people look at a few selected works of art slowly and then get together to discuss what they have seen. More than 261 Slow Art Day events will take place worldwide, many of them at Florida art museums, galleries and public art venues. The Florida public art programs hosting Slow Art Day events include Orange County Arts & Cultural Affairs, St. Lucie County Art in Public Places and Broward County Public Art & Design. All three are members of the Florida Association of Public Art Professionals (FAPAP).

Florida is renowned for its beaches and theme parks, so many people will be amazed to learn that there are over 70 public art programs in the state; from Key West to Tallahassee. Public art can be found in Florida parks, on city streets, college campuses, libraries, government buildings, airports and even cruise ship terminals throughout the state. Public art may take the form of exciting landmark sculptures, artist designed parks, whimsical water features, fascinating light displays or special public art events and displays.

FAPAP was established in 1998 to facilitate discussion about public art issues and support the profession in Florida. Members include public art program administrators, project managers, artists and interested individuals. The group publishes a monthly newsletter and hosts an annual conference to facilitate professional development and to recognize the best Florida public art projects.

FAPAP members were introduced to Slow Art Day by Broward Cultural Division's Public Art & Design Administrator, Leslie Fordham. When exploring the Slow Art Day website, Fordham noticed that there was a gap - most Slow Art Day venues were museums and galleries. Fordham decided to host a Slow Art Day event in Fort Lauderdale where participants will look at public art slowly, and encouraged fellow FAPAP members to do the same.

"We want people to get to know the public art in Florida," said FAPAP President and Orange County Arts & Cultural Affairs Director, Terry Olson when explaining why he supports public art programs participating in Slow Art Day. Olson is hosting a Slow Art Day event in downtown Orlando where participants will slowly enjoy looking at five of the 10 sculptures, murals and media installations in a 10-block area and then meet at a nearby restaurant for discussion. Olson is already looking forward to Slow Art Day 2014. Next year he would like for all FAPAP members to host Slow Art Day events.

In St. Lucie County, Slow Food is joining with the Art in Public Places (AIPP) program to tour up to five pieces funded by the County's public art ordinance. Some of the aartists who created the public art will be on site to talk about their work and slow food will be available for sale along the way. There will be both a walking and U-drive portion to the St. Lucie event followed by discussion at a cafe in Fort Pierce.

Phil Terry, founder of Slow Art Day says "when people look at art slowly, they make discoveries." It's easy to take part in Slow Art Day, just visit the website and locate an event, sign up and then meet at the public art venue. No special knowledge of art is needed and there is no cost to participate in a public art Slow Art Day event!

For more information about the Florida Slow Art Day venues or to participate, go to the website www.slowartday.com. To learn more about the 70 public art programs in Florida, FAPAP and the annual conference go to the website www.floridapublicart.org