Take a thought-provoking journey through the pages of Wanderlust: A History of Walking by Rebecca Solnit, an acclaimed writer, historian, and activist. As part of the Glen Arbor Arts Center’s Walking exhibition (April 1 – May 29, 2025), this facilitated discussion will invite you to explore Solnit’s fascinating perspectives that connect the act of walking to a wide range of social, cultural, and physical touch points.
Join GAAC’s Gallery Manager Sarah Bearup-Neal for four lively conversations that delve into the history and meaning of walking. Wanderlust focuses on the walkers whose everyday and extreme acts have shaped our culture, from philosophers to poets to mountaineers. The author of more than 20 books, Solnit is a regular contributor to The Guardian and one of today’s most thought-provoking voices.
Discussion Schedule
- April 6: The Pace of Thoughts (Pages 3–78)
- April 20: From the Gardens to the Wild (Pages 79–168)
- May 4: Lives of the Streets (Pages 169–246)
- May 25: Past the End of the Road (Pages 247–291)
How to Participate
- Register by April 2. This event is free, but space is limited!
- Participants are responsible for securing their own copy of Wanderlust. Cottage Book Shop in Glen Arbor offers discussion group members a 15% discount. Pre-order required.Call 231-334-4223 to order your copy.
- Read ahead to prepare for each session and get ready to share your thoughts.
Skill Level
All
Objective
To explore the theme of the GAAC’s Walking exhibit from other creative disciplines and avenues.
Outcome
An opportunity to sharpen critical thinking skills, and expand one’s thinking about the act of walking.
Image: Wanderlust front cover
Sarah Bearup-Neal is the GAAC’s Exhibitions Manager. She received a BFA in Studio Art from Michigan State University in 1978, and spent 12 years working in the field of print journalism. Sarah developed the GAAC’s Exhibitions Program in 2017. An important component of each GAAC exhibition is its Companion Programs, which explore the exhibition’s central theme from other avenues and media.
