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Just after the Fourth of July—a time when Americans reflect on freedom, identity, and belonging—we invite you to a program at the Philadelphia Museum of Art to examine how art can open our hearts to deeper understanding.

We’ll begin by viewing two artworks that provide insight into the vision and passion of early American patriots from the 1700s and 1800s through the lenses of justice, sacrifice, and spiritual longing.

Then, alone or in pairs, participants will wander the Early American Galleries, selecting a work that speaks to them. They will be encouraged to spend approximately ten minutes exploring the work and contemplating a response. The retreat will close with a tour of the selected works. Each participant will share their encounter with art from early America and respond to questions and comments from the group.

Through listening and dialogue across traditions, we’ll discover how art can reveal shared hopes, diverse perspectives, and the sacred threads that connect us.

Facilitators
Rev. John B. Hougen, PhD, Coordinator of Interfaith Philadelphia’s series: The Art of Interfaith Understanding and a docent at the Philadelphia Museum of Art; and Dr. Christine Modey, Director of the Michigan Community Scholars Program at the University of Michigan and Coordinator of the Interfaith Round Table of Washtenaw County, Michigan.

Artwork: The Peaceable Kingdom, Edward Hicks, American, 1780 – 1849, Made in Bucks County, Pennsylvania,1826, Oil on canvas, 32 7/8 x 41 3/4 inches, Philadelphia Museum of Art Credit Line: Bequest of Charles C. Willis, 1956.

Art of Interfaith Understanding is sponsored by the Philadelphia Museum of Art’s Division for Community Engagement, and the Church of St. Martin in the Fields, Philadelphia.

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