Art

Recommended by Nancy Jo

When I think about why I love my community, I think about the people who create. Those who create activities, create opportunity, create energetic venues, create music are the ones who contribute to a town feeling like a destination.

But most of those things, though meaningful, are not exactly tangible.

That is why I love local art!

Art is just one of those things that signals when a town has that cool factor. Seeing galleries, murals, collectives, studios, or street art when exploring a new place lets us know that creative, talented people choose to live and create there. Taking someone’s work home is a way we can bring a slice of that coolness into our lives. It connects us to the spirit of a community culture and supports those who contribute to it most.

In Macon, we have countless local artists whose work is found everywhere from the streets to museums to galleries, to industrial buildings, to lounges, to gift shops. But art is so much more than something cool or decorative. Art is powerful!

As a board member with Historic Macon Foundation, I have seen first hand how art and architecture play a central role in preserving histories that may otherwise be forgotten. And as a member of Bike Walk Macon’s advisory board, I have helped add art to the streets as a way to raise awareness for pedestrian safety and help make transportation accessible for all. As the founder of Macon Head Space, I have seen the impact of art therapy and expression for those who feel their voices are stifled. And as the founder of Macon Freedom For All, I have incorporated art activism into our annual Fourth of July Freedom Walk.

Art can be preservation. Art can be traffic calming. Art can be therapy. Art can be activism.

For these reasons and more, I try to support local art whenever I can.

Sometimes that means going to a gallery opening or sharing their work to social media. Sometimes it’s helping carry paint cans or hiring them for an event or job. And yes, sometimes it’s buying a painting to hang in your home or office.

If you are new to your town or interested in connecting with the arts scene in a place you are visiting, exploring local art can be challenging if you are in unfamiliar surroundings. There are numerous ways to circumvent this process without giving up or feeling overwhelmed. Here are a few tips that worked for me when looking to find custom creations in my city:

• Search for local artists and galleries online using Instagram! Here’s where hashtags and geotags come in clutch. #localart #city

• Many galleries will have gallery openings, especially on First Fridays. Facebook Events and Eventbrite are excellent places to check for upcoming openings. If you’re lucky they’ll even serve wine!

• Don’t sleep on the newbies either. Check local universities for student art groups and galleries as well.

Whether you search for new artists or explore places with art you are sure to find pieces that will enhance your space, and you may just discover a new way to engage with your community as well.

Nancy Jo is the founder of Macon Headspace and Macon Freedom For All. She is a fierce advocate for the Macon community.

Serving on several boards and countless committees, Nancy can often be found at community events, galleries, public meetings and more.

Perhaps most famous for her wit and no-nonsense as Paige’s bridesmaid on Married At First Sight’s season 12, Nancy is proud to share her mission of why mental health matters and the importance of having a strong support system.

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