The Memphis area is home to a variety of peaceful landscapes and natural respites. Just minutes from the thriving urban center of the city, locals and visitors alike can connect with nature through locations such as Meeman-Shelby Forest Park, the Memphis Botanic Garden, Shelby Farms and the Mississippi River.
The “Memphis Our Home” gallery, located in the connecting hallway between the Chili’s Care Center and the Richard C. Shadyac ALSAC Tower on the St. Jude campus, serves as a reminder of the natural beauty of the hospital’s hometown.
An artist and two photographers—all with ties to either Memphis or St. Jude—shared their passions for nature and how these Memphis locations inspired them to capture these moments through their art.
Peter Barta
Originally from Minnesota, Peter Barta is a photographer and media producer who now lives in Denver, Colorado. From 2006 to 2020, Barta was a senior photographer/creative liaison at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. He is currently the integrated media producer at Denver International Airport.
Memphis Botanic Garden
Photograph taken in early November to capture the vibrant colors of mid-autumn.
Method:
“The beauty of the Memphis Botanic Garden lies in its diverse selection of over 180 tree species. Often, I explore without a specific plan, allowing unique perspectives to reveal themselves — as was the case with this distinctive angle.”
The location:
“The Memphis Botanic Garden holds a special meaning for me, as I often spent weekends there photographing its diverse trees, plants, insects and wildlife. It’s a peaceful place where I enjoyed walking the trails and embracing the fresh air.”
Inspiration for this image:
“Instead of photographing the tree from the outside, I positioned my camera lens within the branches to highlight the vibrant colors from the inside out.”
Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park
Method:
“When planning an early morning photo session like this one, timing is everything. You have to be in position and ready to shoot before the sun begins to rise because those magical moments only last a few minutes.”
The location:
“Meeman-Shelby Forest has been a special place for me and my kids for many years. Since they were little, we’ve enjoyed hiking the trails, soaking in the solitude and connecting with nature. It’s a place full of memories and inspiration.”
Inspiration for this image:
“There’s something truly inspiring about watching the sun rise over the lake, breaking through the horizon and climbing into the sky. It’s a moment that never fails to captivate.”
Taken at Hyde Lake in November
Method:
“The composition and vibrant fall colors inspired the concept for this photograph. The perfectly calm surface of the lake created a stunning mirror-like effect, reflecting the subject with remarkable clarity.”
The location:
“Shelby Farms is a beautiful park that offers a variety of walking paths, picnic areas and has an excellent disc golf course. My son and I have enjoyed playing disc golf at Shelby Farms for several years, and it’s always been a special place for us to spend time together.”
Inspiration for this image:
“Early mornings are my favorite time to capture landscape photographs. The sun was just beginning to rise, casting a soft light over the landscape, and the quietness of the scene, with no one else around, enhanced the tranquil mood.”
Taken on the Ghost River section of the Wolf River.
Inspiration for this image:
“Ghost” is a moment of the obscure Ghost River in Tennessee, which, in places, appears with the soft music of its current then disappears or hides.
This image is from a place which I probably could not find again - It’s discovery is a gift.
The Wolf River | Map
Ghost River | Google Maps
Ghost River Brewery
A high point on the bluff in downtown Memphis at the Mississippi River.
Inspiration for this image:
My inspiration for “the River” was the poetry of our mighty Mississippi River. It is the centerpiece of our country - our community, “our world,” our love of the natural world.
And I trust you, the viewer, implicitly, to divine the meaning as you bring your personal history to this image.