James Turrell meetinghouse installation opens to public

Posted 10/17/13

James Turrell, (center, blue shirt) greets visitors at an open reception for the new Chestnut Hill Friends Meetinghouse (Photo by Terry Foss) Last month, members of the Chestnut Hill Friends Meeting …

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James Turrell meetinghouse installation opens to public

Posted

James Turrell, (center, blue shirt) greets visitors at an open reception for the new Chestnut Hill Friends Meetinghouse (Photo by Terry Foss) James Turrell, (center, blue shirt) greets visitors at an open reception for the new Chestnut Hill Friends Meetinghouse (Photo by Terry Foss)

Last month, members of the Chestnut Hill Friends Meeting began worshipping in their newly constructed Quaker meetinghouse, which includes a Skyspace by world-renowned contemporary American light artist James Turrell that’s expected to draw visitors from around the world.

On Sunday, Oct. 20, the Meeting will open the Skyspace, which is most dramatic at dawn and dusk, to the public for the first time for a sunset viewing.

Each day for the week following the opening, Oct. 20 and 26, the Skyspace will be open every morning and evening for sunrise and sunset viewings. The sunset viewing begins at sunset and lasts for 50 minutes. The sunrise viewing begins 50 minutes before sunrise and ends at sunrise.

Guests are welcome to come 10 to 15 minutes before the program begins and leave at their convenience. We encourage visitors to bring yoga mats and cushions should they like to rest on the floor.

Then beginning on Sunday, Oct. 27, through the end of December 2013, the Skyspace will be open to the public for sunset viewings on Tuesday and Sunday evenings and for sunrise viewings on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. For more information on hours of the viewings, visit chestnuthillskyspace.org.

A life-long Quaker, James Turrell is known for his contemplative Skyspaces. Breaking the boundaries of art, Turrell transforms entire rooms or structures by installing an aperture in the ceiling with a retractable roof, coved ceiling, and recessed lighting, which focuses one’s gaze on the beauty of the ever-changing sky overhead. Turrell’s Skyspaces create places for silent reflection and meditation. His work is featured in galleries and museums around the world. He generously donated his design for the meeting project.

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