Falling for Art...

Having just moved from Mackinac Island to Traverse City, I find myself the eager tourist all over again! Recently, I’ve been showing family around some of our area’s treasures—Sleeping Bear Dunes, Old Mission Lighthouse, The Secret Garden, and of course, historic Fishtown. Each is breathtaking in its own way, but they’re all outside the city limits. It made me wonder: what hidden gems are waiting right here in town?

As more artists bring work into the gallery, I’m learning the “spots” that make Traverse City sparkle. For example, when my auntie visited, we shared coffee on the patio at the Delamar Hotel. Watching the sunrise from behind the hotel, with the boardwalk stretching out and the peninsulas framing the bay—it was pure magic.

I also discovered the Kid’s Sensory Garden tucked inside the Botanical Gardens. Even though I’ve strolled the Commons countless times, popped into the shops, enjoyed a glass at Left Foot Charley, and hiked the trails behind Sugar 2 Salt, this garden felt like a brand-new secret.

Another recent adventure: canoeing. We put in just past Jack’s Landing, beyond the bridge, and paddled a more rapid stretch down to the Y. It was thrilling—probably best for more experienced paddlers, but definitely unforgettable!

To me, this kind of discovery is a lot like experiencing art. The more you see, the more you immerse yourself, the deeper your appreciation grows. Nature and art are inseparable—bound together in a way that feels infinite. Both hold a beauty that pulls us in, urging us to pause, to capture, to love every fleeting, unbelievable moment. As fall approaches, I hope you take time to pause, and "fall for art", both in nature and on canvas. -Yours, Lisa Barnwell, Art on Union