Blog - Macon Arts Alliance

Silent No Longer: She Keene on “reSISTERS”

April 14, 2026April 14, 2026Brooks CorwinBlog

There’s an old quote from poet and activist César A. Cruz that says, “Art should comfort the disturbed and disturb the comfortable,” and that could not be more true for Sheila “She” Keene’s latest show, reSISTERS. This series, located at the Macon Arts Gallery, combines photos of early suffragists with bold messages demanding to be seen and heard, messages that refuse to be forced into silence. Keene’s work aims to encourage the oppressed to take a stand against the oppressor, and to send a warning to the oppressors that change will be made, and it will not be made silently.

Tell us a little about yourself. Who are you, and what do you do?

I’m She (short for Sheila), and I’m the creative spark behind Redefining She. Once upon a time, I spent over 20 years as a Robotics and Software Engineer supporting the Department of Defense. Then, I hit the refresh button, swapped code for creativity, and taught myself to create mixed media art with a message.

Now, I design art and art-inspired gifts that empowHER Women and Girls to be BRAZEN and make HERstory. Redefining She is all about smashing outdated gender roles and designing your own epic path. Because here’s the truth: Women and Girls can be ANYTHING. And I’m here to remind them (and the world) of that through my work.

Each of my designs includes a “sneakily hidden” date honoring a REMARKABLE Woman, plus a QR code. Give it a scan, and boom! You’ll uncover a powerful HERstory about a Girl or Woman you may have never heard of. Why? Because Women’s and Girls’ stories don’t get told nearly enough. But that changes now.

You can find my original art, art prints, greeting cards, journals, mugs, and stickers at The Bohemian Den @bohemianden in #downtownmacon, on my website www.redefiningshe.com , @redefiningshe (Instagram and FB), or at more than a hundred shops across the country.

Let’s redefine, redesign, and reignite HERstory. One Date. One Story. One Scan at a Time.

In your Artist Talk, you talked about how last year’s political climate was the catalyst for reSISTERS, which took on a more serious tone than your previous works. What was the first piece from this series that you created, and was there anything specifically that inspired it?

The first piece in my reSISTERS series features three women standing together, holding a sign that reads: reSISTERS. This work was born out of a moment I couldn’t ignore.

In early March of last year, the Associated Press reported that the current administration’s push to eliminate DEI initiatives had led federal agencies to flag and minimize the use of more than a hundred words across websites and official documents. Words like “Female”, “Women”, “Woman”, “Equality”, and “Breastfeed”. Around the same time, the Department of Defense began removing from its website stories highlighting Women and their contributions to history. I saw it happening in real time. One day, those stories were there, highlighting courageous Women from the past and current. The next day, those stories were gone. I was so stunned, I recorded myself scrolling through the site just to prove it was real.

That was the moment something shifted for me. I thought, “ENOUGH!” You can try to erase us, but we aren’t going anywhere, and we aren’t going to be quiet. So, I started creating the reSISTERS series.

Walk us through your artistic process for reSISTERS. What was an average day like while working on this series?

A typical day starts early. I wake up around 5:30 AM, throw on my overalls, grab a coffee, and head into my studio by 6. It’s just a short walk behind my home, and I love getting there while the world is still quiet.

Those early hours are when I’m most focused. There’s no noise, no distractions… just space to think and create.

I usually have several pieces in progress at the same time. Even when something feels nearly finished… 90% there… I often need to live with it for a while. I’ll walk past it for days or even weeks, letting it settle. Sometimes I’ll come back and change the words or shift a color slightly.

Finishing a piece isn’t quick for me. It takes time, distance, and a lot of revisiting before it finally feels right.

You mentioned that each piece from this series features a hidden date and a QR code, which links the viewer to more information about different suffragists. While doing research for this series, were there any stories that surprised you, stories that you may not have expected to come from the Suffrage Movement?

Until I began this series, I didn’t fully understand the depth of what Women endured to secure the right to vote.

I hadn’t grasped how many were arrested, tortured, force-fed, and beaten. I didn’t realize that Women carried out a continuous, peaceful protest in front of the White House starting in 1917, and lasting more than two years. Two years! Continuous!

That level of persistence changed how I see this history and HERstory.

I also struggled to find images of Black suffragists. They were there, many of them, but their stories and likenesses were far less visible, harder to locate, and often overlooked.

Are there any future projects you’re working on or are planning to work on?

Yes!

I will be the featured artist at The Bohemian Den on an upcoming First Friday, sometime this Fall. The series is called: “Let Equality Bloom”.

What keeps you motivated to create, and how do you stay inspired?

I’m a doer by nature. I have a lot of energy, and I believe in moving forward, not standing still. I believe in leaving things better than I found them.

Inspiration is everywhere for me… in newspapers, nature, books, music, and people. I’m always taking it in.

What I know for sure is this: we have not yet reached “equality for all.” And, when I look back, I want to know I gave everything I could to push that forward; to put as much positive, purposeful energy into the world as possible.

I also know that Women have done extraordinary things to shape this world, and their stories are not told often enough, and sometimes not at all. Too often, they’re overlooked or erased entirely.

So, I’m committed to doing what I can to share and amplify HERstory for as long as I’m able.

reSISTERS is available to view at the Macon Arts Gallery from now until Friday, April 24th.

A Brief History of Macon’s Cherry Blossom Festival

April 1, 2026April 1, 2026Brooks CorwinBlog

There’s nothing quite like Macon’s Cherry Blossom Festival.

Every year, at the end of March, people from all over Georgia, the United States, and even the world unite in the heart of Macon for a fun-filled week of food, shopping, live entertainment, and wiener dog races. It’s a great way to celebrate Macon’s culture, support local businesses, and share unforgettable experiences with neighbors and strangers alike. Oh yeah, and everything is pink.

Now that this year’s Cherry Blossom Festival has come to a close, we want to take a moment to look back at the festival’s roots…tree roots, that is. What’s the story behind the Cherry Blossom Festival? Why have we been crowned the “Cherry Blossom Capital of the World” (no, seriously)? And, most importantly, where did it all begin?

Enter William Arthur Fickling, Sr.

Photo Credit: Macon, Georgia’s International Cherry Blossom Festival

You may recognize the last name “Fickling”, as it’s a very prominent name in Macon. This name is most notably attributed to Fickling & Company, a real estate and development firm that’s been in business for almost 90 years. One of its co-founders was none other than real estate magnate William Arthur Fickling, Sr., who in 1949, hired landscapers to help plant dogwood trees in his yard. However, rather than finding the dogwood’s trademark white blooms, Fickling instead discovered pink blooms. Unbeknownst to him, these blooms turned out to belong to the Yoshino cherry tree, a tree species native to Japan (and extremely rare to find in the South!). Fickling had no idea what this tree was, but he was in love, and he began asking around in search of answers. Surprisingly, nobody knew.

In 1952, Fickling went on a business trip to Washington, DC, and it was there that he discovered a tree that looked suspiciously like the one he had back at home. He compared some cut samples with the ones found in the Tidal Basin, and eureka! The trees were a match. After returning home, Fickling propagated his cherry tree and distributed clippings with the community, becoming Macon’s very own Johnny Appleseed. The number of Yoshino cherry trees in Macon grew throughout the years, slowly turning the city into a pink-tinged attraction for both residents and newcomers.

One of these newcomers was Carolyn Crayton.

In the early 70s, Carolyn Crayton had just relocated from North Carolina to Macon, and unsurprisingly, she was drawn to the Yoshino cherry trees that had been popping up all over the city. In fact, she was so enamored by these trees that she met up with Fickling and asked about the possibility of planting more in Macon. Fickling agreed to donate his trees…if she planted them.

The community loved the idea of this, and everyone from local families to small businesses got together to fund the project. On November 24, 1973, Macon saw approximately 500 Yoshino cherry trees planted, with the first trees being planted along Wesleyan Woods, Guerry Drive, and Oxford Road.

But that wasn’t the end of Crayton’s vision. With her appointment as Executive Director of the Keep Macon-Bibb Beautiful Commission, she proposed the idea of a Cherry Blossom Festival, one that would celebrate the blossoming of the Yoshino cherry trees and honor Fickling’s contributions to the community.

And so, Macon’s first Cherry Blossom Festival launched on March 23, 1982 in Third Street Park. This date was significant not only because it was Fickling’s birthday, but it is also coincidentally the peak blooming day for Yoshino cherry trees. The festival was so popular among Macon residents and visitors that the city continued to celebrate the trees each March, growing from a 3-day festival to a month-long celebration. The festival also plays a significant role in Macon’s economic and cultural growth. Last year, the festival generated an economic impact of $6.5 million with over 200,000 visitors coming from Macon, out of state, and even out of the country! Macon’s Cherry Blossom Festival has also been listed as one of the Top 20 Events in the South, Top 50 Events in the US, and Top 100 Events in North America!

Today, the Fickling Family Foundation continues to honor Fickling Sr.’s legacy by planting more and more trees in Macon. In fact, Macon currently has over 350,000 cherry blossom trees!

So, next time you find yourself at the Cherry Blossom Festival, take a look at the thousands of cherry blossom trees and thank Fickling Sr., Carolyn Crayton, and the Macon community for coming together to create an unforgettable celebration of Macon’s beauty!

A Colorful Journey Across the Country: Debbie Dent Anderson on “Wild Things and Magical Places”

March 14, 2026March 14, 2026Brooks CorwinBlog

Debbie Dent Anderson finds joy in the places you discover when you stray away from familiar surroundings. Capturing landscapes from majestic mountains in the Great Plains to bright horizons on the Pacific Northwest, her latest show, “Wild Things and Magical Places”, provides snapshots of the breathtaking views and flora and fauna that the country has to offer. In this exclusive interview, Debbie Dent Anderson discusses her favorite landscapes, finding a balance between paint and pastel, and living life through an artistic lens.

Tell us a little about yourself. Who are you, and what do you do?

I live in Macon, Georgia. I am a painter.

Are there any particular landscapes that you are more drawn to? What landscapes during your travels were your favorite to paint?

I am drawn to things far away. Depth is important to me. Mountains provide that, roads provide that, rivers, streams and creeks provide that. The play on light and dark provides that.

My favorite places to paint? Hmmm…the painting I am currently working on, and when I finish that one, it is the next one. And when the painting I am working on ceases to be my favorite, I put it away for a while and pull it back out, when I am ready. ( I painted on “The Land of Blue Mountains” for over four years—it went through quite the metamorphosis.

The painting “Midnight In Montana” is rather special to me. The mountains of Montana are HUGE, and they rise straight up from the ground, and they look so far away. The painting began with the buffalo. I saw hundreds of them, just roaming, not in a park, just roaming in the wilds of Montana. The mountains were glowing. It was magic. And yes, it’s buffalo :-)

Do you have any specific artistic techniques you utilized for this series?

I like to layer color, which to me is essential when working with soft pastels. I first started using pastels some 50+ years ago, oh my! I didn’t have the color needed—I was working on a portrait and trying to find the right skin color—so I found if I mixed four of the colors that I DID have, it worked! The magnificent thing about pastels is the particles of pigment don’t combine to form a new color, they just chill out side by side. It’s sheer “candy” for the eyes.

I like to layer color with oil paint as well. Lay it on thick and let it dry, then apply more paint. It builds up texture and color. Lay it on thin, let it dry and then apply more paint. It builds atmosphere.

Walk us through your artistic process for Wild Things and Magical Places. What was an average day like while working on this series?

In I think February of last year, Sierra asked me if I would like to have a show of my work.

My reply: “Well yes, I believe I would :-)”, and so continued this journey. The first painting that was screaming in my head was the memory of a HUGE single bison sitting on a hill in Yellowstone National Park. A BIG close-up painting. Unreal, he was so unreal he became :-)

I painted or thought about my painting process for this endeavor, I think most every day since its inception. That is minus about 4 weeks collectively throughout the year I used for travel. One must make time for family, you know. Most important.

At first, painting consumed the morning, the afternoon and the evening, until by the end of the day, I realized I was undoing much of what I had done. A three-hour session per day soon began to work better for me.

Are there any future projects you’re working on or are planning to work on?

I delayed a few portrait commissions for this project, so that’s on the agenda.

For me though, a “Wild Things and Magical Places, Part Two”. Because I am not done with this :-)

What keeps you motivated to create, and how do you stay inspired?

My earliest memories are of crayola crayons and drawing horses when I was probably five years old. I raised a family, worked many jobs, had several careers and painted some pictures. I am not finished, there is so much more to paint. I am thankful for each day. I am an artist.

Hmmm, perhaps a horse series…

“Wild Things and Magical Places” is available to view at the Macon Arts Gallery from now until Friday, March 27.

We’re Hiring!

March 12, 2026March 12, 2026Sierra BushBlog

The Curator plans, curates and installs monthly exhibits and the gallery storefront at Macon Arts Alliance. This role reports to the Executive Director and works closely with the Project Director and Marketing Associate.

Apply Here: https://www.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=dbc23d29b5dd1086&from=shareddesktop_copy

Questions can be directed to Julie Wilkerson, at director@maconarts.org

Macon’s Black History: Notable Faces and Places

February 27, 2026Brooks CorwinBlog

As Black History Month comes to a close, we’d like to recognize the iconic people and places that have become a part of Macon’s rich Black history. From musicians and civil rights activists to restaurants and churches, here are just a few faces and places that make Macon what it is today.

Otis Redding

In any article or conversation about Macon, it’s impossible to not bring up Otis Redding. Considered to be one of the most well-known, if not the most well-known Macon icon, Otis Redding was nicknamed the “King of Soul” for a good reason. With a memorable stage presence and soulful singing voice, Redding released chart-topping hits such as “These Arms of Mine”, “Try a Little Tenderness”, “Hard to Handle”, and “Sittin’ On the Dock of the Bay”. Throughout his career, Otis Redding made himself known in several Macon hotspots, including Tic Toc Lounge, Macon City Auditorium, and the Douglass Theatre. After his passing in 1967, his widow, Mrs. Zelma Redding, formed the Otis Redding Foundation in 2007, which would offer opportunities for youth to discover and hone their musical abilities. Otis Redding’s legacy lives on in Macon through the local music and arts scene, the Redding family, and the efforts of the Otis Redding Foundation and Otis Redding Center for the Arts.

Little Richard

Little Richard, like Otis Redding, is known to be one of the most iconic historical icons to come from Macon. Raised in the Pleasant Hill district, Little Richard grew up surrounded by soul, singing gospel and playing piano at his local church. When he was 13, he moved in with Tic Toc Lounge owners Ann and Johnny Johnson, and gained his footing as a musician from performing in venues like Tic Toc Lounge and Macon City Auditorium. Little Richard’s discography includes hits like “Tutti Frutti”, “Long Tall Sally”, “Rip It Up”, and “Good Golly, Miss Molly”. Little Richard’s legacy has left a lasting impact on his hometown; in 2017, on his 85th birthday, Macon proclaimed December 5th to be “Little Richard Day”.

Hamp Swain

Both Otis Redding and Little Richard could not become the legends they are without the help of Hamp Swain, a Macon-born DJ who became the city’s first Black DJ in 1954 when he worked with WBML AM 1350. Nicknamed “King Bee” after the Slim Harpo song “I’m a King Bee”, Hamp Swain had a knack for finding great music before the rest of the world discovered it. In 1956, he gave James Brown his big break by being the first DJ to play “Please, Please, Please” on the radio, and he also hosted “The Teenage Party”, a talent contest on the radio that a young Otis Redding won multiple times. Swain was also a musician, and he played saxophone in his own band, The Hamptones, with the occasional appearance of Little Richard on vocals. Swain was inducted into the Georgia Hall of Fame on September 13, 2008, and continues to be one of the most important figures in Georgia music history.

Inez Hill & Louise Hudson

For those who have never been to Macon or who haven’t gotten a chance to explore the city’s downtown offerings, if someone recommends you try H&H, you shouldn’t take their suggestion lightly. H&H, a soul food restaurant founded in 1959 by Inez Hill and Louise Hudson, is one of Macon’s oldest independent restaurants, founded in the historic Cotton Avenue business district during a time where segregation was still prevalent in Macon. H&H was a place where anyone, no matter what their background was, could come in and enjoy delicious Southern comfort food. “Mama” Inez and “Mama” Louise were also well-known for their connections to Macon’s music scene, particularly their friendship with a newly-discovered Allman Brothers Band, who came to visit while recording up the street. The band could barely afford to buy two meals with their money, and “Mama” Louise gave them their own meals and told them to pay her back whenever they had the money. This sense of Southern hospitality remains a core H&H value, making the restaurant a great spot if you’re looking for delicious food and the friendliest staff.

Albert Billingslea

Albert Billingslea knew how to give back to his community when it needed help the most. As a Black man growing up in Depression-era Georgia, Billingslea noticed his community lacked basic facilities such as paved roads, recreational centers, and integrated school systems, and he dedicated his time to fighting for his fellow citizens’ human rights. Billingslea owned a successful construction company, which allowed him to build neighborhoods and churches for the population. He was the first Maconite to hold a lifetime membership in the NAACP, and in 1972, he became President of Macon’s chapter. In 1980, Billingslea turned to politics and ran successfully for election to the Bibb County Board of Commissioners, where he served for 16 years. He worked on multiple projects that sought to improve the wellbeing of his community, such as his work to obtain the reservoir that continues to serve Macon today, and even received the AME Church’s Award for Exceptional Community Service in 1987.

Ruth Hartley Mosely

Ruth Hartley Mosely—a civil rights activist, philanthropist, nurse, businesswoman, and licensed mortician—wore many hats. In her studies as a nurse, Mosely worked at the Georgia State Sanitorium in Milledgeville, where she became the first Black female head nurse of the “Colored Females Department”. She married Richard Hartley and moved to Macon, where they opened a funeral home, and later, she earned her mortician’s license and became one of the first women to be licensed as an embalmer. Like Albert Billingslea, Mosely was a prominent leader in Macon’s NAACP chapter, where she also served as a member of the Booker T. Washington Community Center. When Mosely passed away, she left behind money to establish the Ruth Hartley Mosley Memorial Fund and the Ruth Hartley Mosley Memorial Women’s Center.

Cotton Avenue District

If you’ve ever found yourself by Cotton Avenue, that quiet one-way street that runs diagonally through downtown, you should know that this street was once part of the Cotton Avenue District, which historically has been referred to as Macon’s “Black Wall Street”. In the early 1900s, segregation in the city pushed Black residents away and forced them to create their own economic infrastructure. With the creation of the Cotton Avenue District, Black Maconites had their own pharmacies, doctors, banks, churches, and restaurants. Some notable establishments in this district include the Walton Building, the Mitchell Building, H&H, and Washington Avenue Presbyterian Church, the oldest African-American church in Georgia.

Douglass Theatre

During the 1900s, Macon’s population boomed, and out of this boom grew a rise in demand for arts and entertainment. However, because Macon was segregated, arts and entertainment were not accessible to everyone. That all changed in 1921 when Macon’s first Black billionaire, Charles Douglass, founded the Douglass Theatre, a place where Black residents could enjoy vaudeville, theater, music, and comedy. Over the years, the Douglass became part of what was known as the “Chitlin Circuit”, featuring iconic acts like Lena Horne, Bessie Smith, Cab Calloway, and Duke Ellington. In later years, Otis Redding became a regular at the Douglass, where he competed in so many singing contests that he was eventually asked to quit competing because he was too good. The Douglass Theatre continues to be a staple in Macon’s arts and entertainment scene, where it hosts concerts, films with the Macon Film Guild and the Macon Film Festival, and unforgettable performances of any and all genres.

First Baptist Church

Have you ever wondered why there are two First Baptist Churches in Macon? When the church was first established in 1835, both Black and white people worshiped there, each led by ministers and deacons of their own color. However, by 1839, the Black congregation population outgrew the white congregation population, so due to lack of space, the Black congregation was forced to move their services outside to the parking lot. The black church members eventually moved to what would become the current location in 1897, and grew to almost 2,000 members before a portion of the congregation moved to form Tremont Baptist Church.

Steward Chapel AME Church

For over 160 years, the Steward Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church has served as “a beacon of light in a world of darkness”, in the words of Reverend Wanda S. West. The Church was founded in 1865 by a congregation of formerly enslaved people, and experienced key moments in Macon’s history, from the growth of downtown Macon to the Civil Rights Movement. From the 1950s to the 1980s, the Church played an important role in the Civil Rights Movement, welcoming several influential guests. Some of these guests include Dr. Benjamin E. Mays, who spoke on the significance of Brown v. Kansas Board of Education, Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune on appreciating womanhood, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who delivered a famous speech that declared “there is no East and no West, no North, no South but one great fellowship of love.”

Grant’s Lounge

Grant’s Lounge, founded in 1971 by Ed Grant Sr., was Macon’s first integrated bar. Located between Capricorn Records and the Capricorn executive offices on Cotton Avenue, it was no surprise that Grant’s Lounge quickly and successfully became one of the biggest music hotspots in the South, eventually staking their claim as “the original home of Southern rock”. Over the years, Grant’s Lounge has helped launch the careers of musical icons like the Allman Brothers Band, Tom Petty, Eric Clapton, Marshall Tucker Band, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and many more. Grant’s Lounge started as a place where people of all races and backgrounds could enjoy themselves, and to this day it has remained as one of the most welcoming and culturally rich spots in Macon.

Tubman Museum

As the largest African-American history museum in the Southeast, the Tubman Museum has been crucial to educating the community on Black art, history, and culture since 1981. The museum was founded by Father Richard Keil, the pastor of St. Peter Claver Catholic Church, after community and congregation members helped donate money to transform a former warehouse and nightclub into a place where people could learn more about Black history. The museum contains items from important Black Macon icons, such as Little Richard’s piano from the Tic Toc Lounge and James Brown’s red sequined shoes. The Tubman Museum continues to be an important resource and historical landmark for Maconites and people all across the Southeast.

Method Behind the Movement: Mary-Frances Burt on “Poured Out”

February 13, 2026Brooks CorwinBlog

When you walk through an art exhibit, the last thing you expect to be told is, “Yes, you can touch the art.” But in “Poured Out”—the Macon Arts Alliance’s latest exhibit featuring works by Macon artist and designer Mary-Frances Burt—each piece is designed to be felt, encouraging viewers to analyze and interpret their meaning through a tactile lens. For Mary-Frances Burt, “Poured Out” is an experimental series, a foray into uncharted territory that’s much different from her graphic design and painting background. Large-scale, abstract, and a study in movement, “Poured Out” is a reminder of what can be achieved when you use the environment around you as a means of creative expression.

Tell us a little about yourself. Who are you, and what do you do?

I am an artist and a graphic designer. I split my practice between designing book covers for publishers and making fine art. In the last two years, I have been working with recycled paper, creating large-format pieces from post-consumer paper and paint.

Who are some of your biggest influences, artistic or otherwise?

At the moment, I don’t know anyone else making art in this particular way. I’ve studied art for a long time. It would be very difficult for me to point to a particular artist or movement and say it was a primary influence, so I’ll say the biggest influences for me are my family. I could start with my great-grandmother, who, after running multiple businesses, raising a family, and caring for loved ones, began painting at 80 years of age. She painted hundreds of paintings. My own grandmothers were very skilled. If they saw it, they could make it. My mother taught art classes and painted. My sisters are now a constant source of inspiration. One expresses herself through movement, performing in ballet productions in North Carolina, and the other makes fine art custom jewelry in silver and gold using traditional methods.

Pretty much every person who has let nothing deter them from what they want to do is an inspiration to me, regardless of gender, age, or identity. There are so many hurdles to being an artist that anyone who understands or supports an artist is a special person indeed.

In your Artist Talk, you mentioned that you remember what was going on in your life at the time while making each piece. Which piece’s story is your favorite, or the most memorable?

There’s “Celestial,” which is significant to me because it was my first successful piece. I had finally mastered getting color into the paper pulp and figured out how to manipulate the material in a way that pleased me. “Rage” is meaningful because it represents my feelings of powerlessness regarding the loss and abuse of people’s civil rights. The emotions were overwhelming. By making that piece, I was able to process what I was feeling and get my emotions under control. “Conception” is special because it is a visual representation of how inspiration and I interact with each other. Each piece has significance for me. I hope that something of that was transferred into the work to be experienced by someone else.

How do you plan out how you want the design in each piece to look? Is there any method, or do you pour first, plan later?

There are a few ways I approach art-making. One is to do a series of sketches on a subject that interests me. It may be 20 or more drawings, trying different color combinations and compositions. Out of those, I may choose 5 to reference as I’m making my art. Another way is to look at my earlier work, a painting, or a photograph I took myself. “Blue” is an example of that. It started as a small acrylic painting on canvas, and I loved it so much that I wanted to make it much larger. And then there are the times I am trying to process something: Information or emotions. In those instances, I meditate first, try to identify what colors and shapes represent what I’m feeling, and then I work intuitively. No matter how I start, I end up in the same state of being fully present, which is why I choose to make art this way. It’s the process itself that matters the most to me.

Do you see yourself using poured paper for future works, or are there other mediums you’d like to experiment with?

I believe I will be making art this way in the years to come. I’ve made art in many different materials in the past and none has resonated with me in the same way as poured paper.

What keeps you motivated, and what inspires you to create?

Motivation is what makes a person a practicing artist. I don’t need to be motivated by any external force. Creating feels necessary to me. It’s restorative and it makes me happy.

I think the idea that no one else can make my art except me is inspirational. If you can stop thinking about what other people are doing and just focus on your own work, it’s very freeing. It’s permission to experiment as well as permission to fail. Which we all know is a necessary part of actually succeeding at anything.

“Poured Out” is available to view at the Macon Arts Gallery from now until Friday, February 27th.

A Slice of Scotland in Macon

January 16, 2026January 16, 2026Brooks CorwinBlog

In a month as sleepy as January, where everyone is still recovering from holiday chaos and adjusting to the new year, it’s important to make time for a little adventure. In the Macon Arts Alliance’s latest show, “A View From One Eye”, viewers get to take a step inside the city streets, bustling waterfronts, and breathtaking landscapes of Scotland—all without having to book a ticket across the pond. “A View From One Eye” is a love letter to Scotland, an homage to the people, architecture, and landscapes that make the country come to life. Husband-and-wife duo Kimberly & Michael Gillies provide a slice of Scottish life through a brilliant combination of photography and mixed media, allowing viewers to see the country through each artist’s eyes.

Tell us a little about yourself. Who are you, and what do you do?

KIM: Artistically I find peace and creativity within myself as a photo enthusiast. I have a love for creating whether it’s whipping up a tasty dish, assembling flowers for a wreath, or photographing my husband as he works. I enjoy watching Michael work and often capture him as he works on his art.

MIKE: I am a mixed media artist and art educator. Kim and I both grew up in a military family (Army) and traveled extensively. We both love traveling and sharing our artistic creations together. I have lived in Europe, parts of Asia and in many states throughout the U.S. growing up. Ironically since that time I have not moved around too much and have lived in the Middle Georgia area for the last twenty-three years. Currently I am the (AP) Art Instructor at Howard High School (And) I am a part-time Art Instructor at the Macon campus of Middle Georgia State University where I teach Studio Art.

What are some of your favorite stories or experiences from your time in Scotland?

KIM: Quietly observing the Scots is probably my favorite part of the trip. To watch the Scottish people, interact with one another and how they truly enjoy life among their breathtaking landscapes was such a humbling experience.

MIKE: One experience, (not necessarily a favorite story-but one I am willing to share) occurred while in the inner-city of St. Andrews where we were having coffee at a small café. We decided to enjoy the air from the coastal breeze near the water, so we got a table outside (no umbrella). The area of the city had cobblestone streets and Kim got a couple of great shots there. One of the photos, titled: “Side by Side”, is a photograph of an older couple walking together holding hands.

She had just taken this photo when a sea gull (numerous gulls were present that day) happened to relieve himself from flying directly overhead. I will always remember that!

On a better note, St. Andrew’s and the eastern coastal regions of Lothian and Fife are very beautiful, teeming with wildlife, cool breezes in the summer and are parted in my memory as one of my favorite places to work and to visit on the trip.

Were there any specific techniques or artistic choices you utilized for “A View from One Eye”?

KIM: As I photographed, my objective was not to interfere with the moment that I was trying to capture. (I even told Michael I needed to be a Ninja…. to complete the task incognito)

MIKE: Yes, I chose to concentrate more on the elements of where we were than on direct perception. I wanted to attempt, in my own way, to represent the color, land water and varied elements of weather in Scotland. Most of my works in the exhibit are mixed media landscape drawings or are a combination of washes, paint or ink Applications.

I also completed a small oil painting while on-site in Dundee, Scotland; However, I was not satisfied with it and so it did not make it into the exhibit. I wanted at least one oil in the show from Scotland and so I contacted a former (MGA) student who happens to have a piece from her collection which I created in (2023) while in Scotland to show in the exhibition.

Road to Auchtermuchty #2 was created in Dec., (2023) on our first trip (honeymoon) to Scotland as a couple.

This was my first experience seeing the small town of Muchty’ as it is often referred to in Scotland. Auchtermuchty is a small town in the Fife region of Scotland which was once known for its large weaving industry and as a manufacturer of wool. My father’s family is from this town.

“Road to Auchtermuchty #2”, Oil Painting

Walk through your artistic process for “A View from One Eye”. What was an average day like while working on this series?

KIM: In Scotland we traversed the countryside from starting points from the following cities: Edinburgh, Dundee, Perth and Inverness. Each city provided us with the ability to take day trips to other cities and towns by rail or bus. More often-than-not we started off with a Scottish breakfast (Michael’s favorite!) while we “people watched” and sometimes, Michael would sketch or journal the prior day events.

We would decide on an adventure from our ‘bucket list’, pack up and head to the bus or rail station. Once at our location for the day we would explore the area on our own. I would photograph whatever caught my eye while Michael scoped out his spot to paint or draw and this occurred in the elements as well, a rainy day was not an excuse but was considered a challenge for both of us to get what we could out of each day. After our return to the hotel, Michael would often finish a painting or start a new work with on-site drawings. Often, I would filter through my photographs and make edits as necessary to my favorites.

MIKE: Most days were not completely planned out. We did not rely on a guide; we had specific places we wanted to go and then places of interest that we wanted to explore. It was important to mix our days and take advantage of where we were on any given day. When in Edinburgh, which was the first part of the trip, it was important to go to the galleries and museums. We visited the Royal Scottish Gallery, The National Portrait Gallery and The Scottish National Gallery. Similarly, while in Stirling, Scotland we visited the Smith Gallery and Stirling Castle. In Perth, Scotland we visited The Perth Museum of Art which had a lovely exhibit of the Scottish Colourists, as well as more contemporary and Modern Scottish painters. While in Dundee we visited the Contemporary Museum of Art and went to Arbroath and St. Andrews on day-to-day excursions from Dundee.

Our last visit was to Inverness and a short drive to Loch Ness. We visited the Inverness Art Gallery and had a great visit with a small picture gallery and collector of Scottish Fine Art who was very knowledgeable about art and the area.

Are there any future projects you’re working on or are planning to work on?

KIM: Michael will be retiring from public school teaching this May. In June, we will be going out to Montana for another painting/photography excursion before returning home. Currently Michael is teaching part-time at Middle Georgia State University in Macon and is pursuing a full-time position after retirement at a college or university. As for myself, I just completed an event planning certification in hopes to put those skills to good use later while I sharpen my photography techniques.

MIKE: Most of my time for the remainder of this year (2026) will be devoted to my Art students and my teaching. However, I am looking at more regional and national exhibitions to show and other competitive scholarship and artist residency opportunities in the coming new year.

What keeps you motivated to create, and how do you stay inspired?

KIM: My husband is my greatest motivator; he is always positive and encourages others. It brings great joy to watch him in action and to see how others respond to him. Our shared Christian faith is a foundation for staying inspired through our creativity and is always present as source and guide.

MIKE: I have a passion for creating and building with my hands. For me, I am motivated by a lot of factors, but I am often inspired by art history, motivated at times by current events and by nature and its creative design. I love the feel of art materials in my hand and the potential to create marks. Sometimes those marks are more intentionally abstract in meaning and at other times they are more representational. Mostly I am inspired by the process and the action involved in its creation.

“A View From One Eye” is available to view at the Macon Arts Gallery until Friday, January 30th.

‘Twas The Night of First Friday

December 5, 2025December 5, 2025Brooks CorwinBlog

’Twas the night of First Friday, when all through downtown

The streets were all full of bright lights and fun sounds;

With galleries, shops, and restaurants galore;

Who knows what festivities may be in store?

For a taste of Macon’s art, there’s much to be found

At the murals, sculptures, and galleries all ‘round.

The Art Walk is abundant in local art to see,

And the best part of all? The entry is free!

The Macon Arts Gallery has seasonal treats,

Ceramics, glass, and paintings that simply can’t be beat!

Find your Favorite Things at The 567;

For under a hundred bucks? This must be heaven!

There’s a holiday sale over at Gallery West

Where discount photos and live music make it simply the best,

And the Wesleyan Lab has “Small Suns” to show

With ornament-making and piping hot cocoa.

Outside, where the twinkling lights shine so bright,

Are fun attractions for all to enjoy through the night;

Take a trip through Europe at the Marché de Noel,

Where you can shop, listen to music, and drink gluhwein as well!

For a luxurious twist, head to Neels Lofts for drinks

And tour the upcoming complex (there’s more units than you think),

Or for a sweet treat, Poplar St. Park is the spot

To write a letter to Santa, and have as many s’mores as you want!

For a quick bite to eat, there’s all sorts of cuisines

From Cajun to Korean, the food in Macon is a dream!

The First Friday nightlife is something to remember,

Especially when the bars go all out for December

Enjoy trivia at The Brick, or karaoke at The Bird,

Plus live music at Rose Room and JBA, haven’t you heard?

Yes, the holiday season is the best time to roam

With joy that reminds you why we call Macon home

So whether you’re shopping for gifts or just here for the lights,

Happy First Friday to all, and to all a good night!

What Makes a Community Leader?

October 31, 2025October 31, 2025Brooks CorwinBlog

You know what a community leader looks like. You may not be able to tell at first, but you’re able to think of a few names that come to mind. They’re usually involved in a multitude of events throughout the city, dipping their toes into all matters of improving the wellbeing of the community. They can see into the future, able to think of projects and ideas that they know will benefit the city and leave a lasting impact. When people talk about them, it’s usually with bright eyes and endless lines of praise, recalling every achievement and funny encounter they’ve had with them within the last decade. In short, they are the spirit of their community personified.

If last week’s Cultural Awards taught us anything, it’s that effective and selfless leadership is vital to bringing the community together. Whether it’s organizing events or just being there when people need you the most, community leaders are the key to helping the community thrive. So, what do you need to do in order to become a successful community leader?

Get to Know Your Community

You can’t lead your community without first getting to know more about it. What do you know about the city’s history and culture, and how closely do they intertwine with the community? What are some common interests, values, and backgrounds, and how can you develop causes that align with them? Having a better understanding of what makes your community tick will help you make decisions that benefit the vast majority of people.

Communicate Effectively

Being a leader isn’t just a one-and-done deal. Effective community leaders need to stay engaged with their community and keep a finger on the pulse of all goings-on. Find points of contact that will help you stay updated and communicate frequently. Additionally, figure out what methods of communication your community prefers, and use that to improve your communication strategy. Do people prefer to be emailed about events, or do they prefer meeting face-to-face? Consistent and effective communication leads to consistent and effective community engagement and outreach.

Get Involved Outside Your Niche

Community leaders tend to not work within a box; they like to get involved in as many events as they can, learning about the ins and outs of each industry, background, and social scene in order to understand their community better. If you want to help make a difference in your city, don’t limit yourself to just one niche. Getting involved outside of your comfort zone helps you learn more about different causes, and can open you up to more community engagement opportunities.

Listen and Educate Yourself

Great community leaders are selfless and empathetic, taking the time to get to know their fellow community members more and learning about their different backgrounds and perspectives. Building these relationships shows you care about the public’s opinion, and you want to make sure their voices are heard. By listening to and learning from others’ points of view, you gain a better understanding of what issues each person finds important, and can use that to determine which causes will help benefit the community most.

Reflect and Accept Criticism

Nobody is perfect, and if you want to be a public figure, you need to be open to feedback from the public. Feedback can help you figure out which issues you should focus more on, methods of communication that would work best, or ways you can get more involved in your community. Above all, don’t take any criticism personally; instead, think of it as a suggestion for how you can better help the community in the future.

Every community needs someone who keeps everyone’s best interests in mind and will do anything they can to make sure those interests are fulfilled. No matter what your background, everybody has the potential to become an effective community leader. What matters is that you care about the people around you, and that you’re willing to put in the work to help make a long-lasting difference in your community.

Art as Healing: An Interview with Casie Trace

October 31, 2025October 31, 2025Brooks CorwinBlog

Casie Trace is no stranger to using art as a means of therapeutic healing and self-expression. As the owner of ArtSpace Macon, she focuses on providing spaces for people to get in touch with their creative side and explore different outlets of artistic expression. However, when she’s not helping others heal through art, she’s using her own art as a way to take back control of her emotions. Overgrown, Casie’s latest show at the Macon Arts Alliance, is just one of many ways she has used art as a therapeutic platform. In this interview, Casie discusses the concept behind Overgrown, how endometriosis has affected her life and her art, and how she stays motivated to keep creating.

Tell us a little about yourself. Who are you, and what do you do?

My name is Casie Trace. I’m an artist, educator, and the owner of ArtSpace Macon. I work in a range of mediums/techniques including painting, illustration, printmaking & mixed-media. I create because the process of making art feels good…it helps me process, reflect, and connect and I want to share that experience with others. I’m passionate about providing calm, welcoming spaces for people to explore their own creativity. I believe art supports mental health, builds community, and offers another way for us to communicate and connect.

How did Overgrown come to be? What made you first associate endometriosis with nature?

I’ve always been drawn to nature and have included organic elements in my work. After being diagnosed with endometriosis and going through failed IVF transfers, I turned to sketching and painting as a way to cope with depression and anxiety. What began in my sketchbook eventually grew into larger pieces, becoming Overgrown.

Has endometriosis affected other pieces you’ve done that weren’t a part of Overgrown?

Yes. I’ve created drawings of women with organic overgrowth engulfing them, and I had hoped to include more of these works in the show. I decided to focus mainly on paintings for this series, but I plan to continue developing it. My hope is to educate and raise awareness about endometriosis through future work.

Walk us through your artistic process for this show. What was an average day like while working on Overgrown?

My days are never the same since I’m also running the studio and teaching. In general, I begin in my art journal, then expand on ideas that stand out to me through larger works. I often have several pieces going at once, partly because I get excited and distracted by new ideas, and partly because my physical energy varies. On days I’m not feeling well, I’ll work small. When I have more time and energy, I love working on big canvases. I also return to my journal after finishing a piece to reflect, take notes, and explore what I want to build on in future works.

Do you have anything that you’re currently working on?

Yes, I plan to continue building on this series, including figure-based mixed media pieces in collaboration with my sister, photographer Corie Good. I’m also developing a new program called Creative Pathways, which supports artists with disabilities, neurodivergence, and autism. Our goal is to provide studio space, facilitation, and guidance as they grow as working artists. More information can be found at creativepathwaysstudio.com.

What keeps you motivated to create, and how do you stay inspired?

I’m motivated by the people I create with in our space, especially kids, who approach art with openness. Their curiosity reminds me to take risks and enjoy the process. Travel also inspires me; exploring new cities, spending time in nature, and learning from other cultures always spark fresh ideas. On days I feel uninspired, I turn to my art journal, sometimes just making marks or washes of ink is enough to get me creating again. Finishing a painting or series also motivates me to keep growing and exploring what’s next.