As part of the ongoing Through Veins & Vines mixed-media exhibition, William Paul Thomas and I are thrilled to host a special programming event designed to deepen the community's connection to the work.
On Saturday, July 11, please join us at the Preservation Chapel Hill Horace Williams House for a Slow Art tour led by Gail Belvett, a curator, arts administrator, and founder of The Art Chose Me.
What is a Slow Art Tour? A Slow Art tour is a radical departure from the way visitors typically consume gallery spaces. Instead of moving quickly through an exhibition, participants spend focused time with a single artwork, looking closely and sharing observations.
Guided by Visual Thinking Strategies, a research-backed approach that utilizes open-ended questions, this tour encourages critical thinking and collaborative discussion. The goal isn't to arrive at the "right" interpretation, but to slow down, stay curious, and see what emerges as a group. You will leave with a stronger connection to the artwork and accessible tools to engage more deeply with visual arts in any setting.
Following the tour, William and I will offer brief artist remarks and answer questions regarding the material science and documentary portraiture processes behind the pieces.
Event Logistics:
Date: Saturday, July 11, 2026
Location: Preservation Chapel Hill Horace Williams House
Address: 610 East Rosemary Street, Chapel Hill, NC 27514
1:30 PM: Guests arrive and view the exhibition
1:45 PM: Slow Art tour begins (Starting with a brief grounding/breath exercise)
2:30 PM: Artist remarks and Q&A
About the Facilitator: Gail Belvett, DDS is a curator, arts administrator, healthcare leader, and practicing dentist. As founder of The Art Chose Me, she advances access to the visual arts and supports underrepresented artists. Her work spans arts, education, and healthcare leadership, including service with Duke University Health System, the Nasher Museum of Art, and community dental health programs.