Slow Art Day is April 11, 2026, and the Journey Museum invites museum goers for a day of special programming as one of the 100+ global host venues.
Events and special programs will take place from 11:00 AM - 4:30 PM and admission is FREE during regular hours from 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM.
Why slow? Most visitors typically engage with a piece of artwork for less than thirty seconds while visiting a museum. By slowing down, more personal connections can be made with a work of art, and it can encourage better conversations surrounding the work. When people look slowly they make discoveries, unlock curiosity and creativity.
Since its inception in 2010, Slow Art Day has encouraged museum and gallery visitors to engage with just a few artworks at a deliberate pace.
To celebrate this year’s event, the Journey Museum is providing a full day of hosted events, with each activity supporting Slow Art Day’s mission: help more people discover for themselves the joy of looking at and loving art. Our goal is to further extend the experience of Slow-Looking on to more than just fine art, but physical artifacts representing the people of the past and their stories and lived experiences.
Come early and stay for the day; Old School Sliders will be on site serving up their famous flavors from 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM.
This is a FREE community event thanks to our sponsors Improvise Arts.
Slow Art Day Schedule
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Offered by Jillian Anawaty with Vibrant Life & Wellbeing.
This unique 1-hour experience includes both a slow flow yoga practice and a focused-attention exercise using a work of art. The goal of this program is to connect art and body through guided mindfulness practice, and beautifully embody the spirit of Slow Art Day.
Slow Flow Yoga is accessible to all ages. Limited chairs are available for seated stretching. Please arrive on time to avoid disruption to others.
Participants can expect a guided yoga flow & stretching followed by a slow-looking exercise with a chosen work of art. The session will close with an opportunity for participants to share their reflection with the group if they choose.
Space is limited, so be sure to RSVP today.
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Join us for a special Slow-Looking Journey and discover new ways of seeing selected works and artifacts from the Journey’s permanent collection. Build your observation skills by lingering and allowing focus in four specific areas of the museum as facilitated by our docents, make choices about where and how you want your awareness and attention to pause, and share your reflections with the group.
Take the tour on your own or make it a group excursion.
Materials for a Self-Guided Slow-Looking Journey are also available with prompts for sketching, writing, and discussion to encourage personal exploration at your own pace.
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A sound bath is a deeply immersive, full-body listening experience that intentionally uses sound to nurture your mind and body. Allow yourself to be “bathed” in sound waves (note, water is not involved).
Slow down and relax to the sounds of crystal singing bowls and experience stillness within. Simple breathwork exercises along with the frequencies of the bowls will help you ease into rest and relaxation.
Facilitated by Brooke Warner, owner of Cosmic Palms in Rapid City, who is a sound healer facilitating relaxation and delivering unique, sound healing sessions and sound baths.
Sound Bath is accessible for ages 6+. Bring a floor mat if you like, but theater seats are also available for the experience. Please arrive on time to avoid disruption to others.
Special thanks to The Badlands National Park Conservancy for partnering to offer a unique dark skies experience as seen from the Badlands National Park.
Space is limited, so be sure to RSVP today.
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Witness artists at work practicing their craft at makers stations throughout the Journey, featuring Martin Red Bear, and others to be announced soon.
This session invites participants to appreciate the artistry of Lakota people, witness the practices and processes behind art making, and discover works from diverse artists across place and time.
This session is open for guests to visit as they wish and linger with the artists as long as they choose.
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The Stratobowl was first made famous in the 1930’s when manned high altitude gas balloons launched from the site and made history. It was the first time humans reached the stratosphere and saw the curvature of the earth.
In honor of this special place, pilots and their hot air balloons flock to the site once a year; for those that came before them, to bring awareness to this beautiful historic site, and to help maintain its importance. Annually, the event hosts approximately 10 balloons during a weather-permitting ‘sunrise only’ three-day organized balloon launch.
On Slow Art Day, visit the Stratobowl exhibit at the Journey Museum to meet some of the local pilots and crew members who take to the skies today, listen to the origin story of hot air ballooning, and learn about the history of Spaceflight from the Stratobowl.
This session is presented by Damien & Keely Mahony of Black Hills Balloons.
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Gain a deeper appreciation for slowing down through a musical journey of the night skies. In celebration of Slow Art Day, you can enjoy a live performance in the Journey Theater featuring trumpeter Alex Massa.
Notice the beauty of millions of star clusters, planets, and far off galaxies seen via NASA supported satellite imagery while a group of talented local musicians play a live set. Listen to electronic/acoustic fusion tunes inspired and improvised around star journeys, black holes, and exploring the unknowable.
Special thanks to The Badlands National Park Conservancy for partnering to offer a unique dark skies experience.
Space is limited, so be sure to RSVP today.
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After a full day of events, join us for an in-person conversation to connect with other art lovers, discuss the experience of slow looking, and cultivate your curiosity about selected exhibits in the Journey Museum. Dew Bad Warrior-Ganje of Zuya Sica will facilitate this community gathering.