by Melissa Macker, Executive Director
Imagine downtown Macon without art. No sculptures. No art festivals. No sip and paint classes. No storefront windows painted with cherry blossoms in the spring.
It would be awfully dull, wouldn’t it?
Downtown Macon wouldn’t be what it is without artists--artists like Heather.
Five years ago, Heather’s husband suffered a back injury that left him unable to work. Heather had a choice. Would she work a full-time job that would pay the bills but leave her exhausted and unable to make art? Or would she find a way to earn a living through her passion?
Through The 567—and because of the generosity of our donors—she was able transform her hobby into a career in a way she never thought possible.
The 567 provided Heather the space, supplies, and encouragement to earn income teaching art classes, support her family, and still have time to spend with their four children.
The opportunity to pursue her art career also gave Heather the freedom to keep making her own art and experiment with new mediums. Last year Heather had her first solo exhibit at The 567. The exhibit pushed her to create more art, gave her exposure to new audiences, and boosted her confidence as an artist. These days, new artists are coming to Heather for advice.
“Tribute to Rocky” by Heather McLaurin. Smoke and India ink. 20” x 24”.
“Patiently Waiting” by Heather McLaurin. Smoke and India ink. 16” x 20”.
Downtown Macon is a different place because Heather was able to pursue her art. Hundreds of people have enjoyed a fun art class with Heather downtown, whether it was Corks & Canvas, Drink & Ink, or pottery classes. Heather has taught art activities for kids on the Art Cart and helped lead our kids’ summer camps.
Heather is just one of many artists we’ve worked with. Thanks to our donors, more than 40 artists have earned income from teaching art classes or selling artwork in the past year alone. These artists attract hundreds of people to downtown through the classes they teach, enrich lives with the art they create, make downtown's alleyways more interesting through the graffiti walls, and provide kids a creative outlet.
When artists thrive, so does downtown Macon.
We are entering the season of giving, when many people give to the organizations and causes they care about. Please make a gift to The 567 today so that we can continue to be a place for artists like Heather to work.