There’s nothing quite like the atmosphere of being surrounded by art — whether it’s in your home, at an art fair, a museum, or a gallery. The energy is tangible: vendor displays spilling over with creativity, strangers chatting about pieces that speak to their souls, the quiet pull of a painting that stops you in your tracks.

I grew up in Alpena, and though I spent time at Ferris State University and working in Chicago, Alpena has always been home. Fourteen years ago, I was part of the founding of the Thunder Bay Art Gallery, and it has held a very special place in my heart ever since.

We’re a cooperative gallery, which means the artists take turns working. And every time it’s my turn, I look forward to it with joy. I feel like I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.

One of my favorite parts of the day — after opening up the gallery — is browsing the work of my fellow artists. Each piece is like a window into someone’s life and creativity. You can see their journey, their struggles, their triumphs in every brushstroke and color choice. I love hearing how they got started, what inspires them, and how their art has evolved.

Selling a piece of art that you’ve poured your heart into is an indescribable feeling. When someone connects with your work — really connects — it’s a deep and personal joy. It means your story has touched someone else. And that connection is what art is truly about.

We connect through art. Every one of us has had that moment when we see a piece that feels like it was made just for us. Something clicks, and buying it feels less like a decision and more like a calling.

What many people don’t realize is the impact they have on us, the artists. The kind words, the thoughtful questions, the time spent appreciating what we’ve created — those moments stay with us. They mean more than you can imagine.

Even when people don’t buy anything, there’s still beauty in their reactions. I’ve seen people burst out laughing just walking past one of my greeting cards — even on a bad day. That kind of joy is priceless.

There is so much hope in the Thunder Bay Art Gallery. Hope from artists that someone will see their work and understand it. Hope from visitors looking to find something that speaks to them. And hope from those who may not yet call themselves artists, but feel something stir when they walk through our doors.

I believe everyone should visit an art gallery at least once in their lives. You may walk in without knowing what you’re looking for — but you might just walk out having found it.

Thunder Bay Arts Gallery is located at 127 W. Chisholm St., Alpena. It is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Call the gallery at 989-354-2586. Reach Pat Manning at runpatrun@live.com.