James Turrell's Work a Focal Point at Groundbreaking

A new building in Chestnut Hill would get attention from residents. A new art installation in the neighborhood might draw attention from around the city.

But Tuesday morning, as broke ground on a , guests spoke of the global appeal the meetinghouse will have with the Skyspace by artist James Turrell.

"Having a James Turrell in Philadelphia is a big deal," said Gary Steuer, Chief Culture Officer for the City of Philadelphia. "This will help the city take its rightful place as a city with art and heritage of global interest."

Turrell's work is a draw for art lovers around the world. The artist is a recipient of the Guggenheim and MacArthur "Genuis" Fellowships and is a member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters.

Gail Harrity, President of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, was there to speak about the nature of Turrell's work. Harrity told the story of her visit to Turrell's "Dark Side of the Moon" in Naoshima, Japan.

"The experience of Turrell is quiet, transformative," Harrity said. "He creates stunningly beautiful spaces."

Harrity was among the list of donors who helped Chestnut Hill Friends Meeting reach its $6.2 million needed to build the new meetinghouse. She expressed why the project would be a unique gift, not only to Chestnut Hill, but to the city of Philadelphia as a whole.

"This work will creatively weave together so much of what Philadelphia has to offer," she said.

Jon Ladau, Co-Chair of the Building in the Light campaign, said that the building was not only for Quakers.

"It's a building for everyone."