by Melissa Macker, Executive Director
When everything shut down in April because of the coronavirus, we didn’t know how The 567 would make it to the end of the year. Would we end up shutting our doors in our 10th anniversary year?
It’s been a hard year, but thanks to our donors, we are not only surviving—we’re making a difference.
For most people, the coronavirus brought feelings of stress and isolation as life was turned upside down this year. As businesses were affected, many people lost their jobs.
People like Dotti.
Dotti is the kind of energetic person who works hard and loves to stay busy. When she lost her job at the beginning of the pandemic, depression could have set in. When her sister invited her to take a pottery wheel class with her at The 567, Dotti jumped at the chance.
She loved the class so much, Dotti signed up for a pottery studio membership. The membership would allow her to come to the studio to work on her own. She could use our tools and supplies to continue practicing her new passion.
Because of our donors, Dotti had a place to come and work every day—and people to connect with.
In the studio, Dotti not only found a way to keep busy, she also found a community. The members not only create incredible pottery, they also share what they’re learning with each other and even share their lives. They talk about their families, their favorite music, and current events.
Dotti is only one of several members who have found community, inspiration, and stress relief in the studio this year. Each one has a story to tell. In addition, many more artists have been able to earn income teaching classes, sell artwork in our gallery, and learn business skills this year because of the help of our donors.
One day, this pandemic will be over. We can’t wait to draw crowds of people to downtown Macon through the arts once again. I can’t wait to see what the next ten years bring for The 567 Center and for art in 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 Dotti to work and find community in the coming year.