Spotlight on: Brandi Byrom

If you've taken a watercolor class at The 567 Center, you've probably met Brandi. She has been teaching Watercolor & Wine with us since 2018. Brandi also paints with acrylics and other media, but always comes back to watercolor, her first love.

She loves the unpredictability and fluidity of watercolor, and she enjoys introducing people to it through her monthly classes. People can find watercolor intimidating at first, but with Brandi's instruction, they always come out with a beautiful painting.

Just like Brandi helps people find their confidence with watercolor, The 567 helped Brandi find her confidence, too. "The 567 has definitely helped me come out of my shell," says Brandi. "I never would have entered a gallery showing before." We've loved seeing Brandi grow as an art professional, too!

You can take Watercolor & Wine with Brandi on August 17.

The Macon Sculpture Walk Bringing New Public Art to Downtown Macon

Sculpture from the 2021 Macon Sculpture Walk by Alex Mendez

The 5th Annual Macon Sculpture Walk will kick off with new sculptures on Friday, March 10. This year’s sculpture walk will feature three new sculptures by both local and national artists. The sculptures will be installed throughout downtown Macon.

The Macon Sculpture Walk started in 2018 to exhibit high-quality public sculptures in downtown Macon. The sculptures come from different artists and remain on exhibit for one year. Some of the sculptures from previous years have been purchased by local businesses and organizations and remain on display permanently.

Eight different artists submitted pieces for this year’s sculpture walk. Out of them, the selection committee chose sculptures by 3 artists: Alex Mendez, Cecelia Moseley and Tameka Philips.

“It’s always exciting to see the new sculptures,” says coordinator Melissa Macker. “Downtown Macon continues to grow as a public art destination, and visitors and locals alike will enjoy engaging with these sculptures. The artists have done an incredible job creating works that people will stop and notice.”

Alex Mendez began is based in Indiana, but he is not new to Macon. He was one of the first artists to participate in the Macon Sculpture Walk. Some of his large-scale metal sculptures are now permanently on display downtown. Mendez’s lighthearted, optimistic, carefree nature is reflected in every piece of his work.

Cecelia Moseley is based in Louisiana, but this is her second year participating in Macon Sculpture Walk. Moseley struggles with dyslexia, and the frustrations faced by those with dyslexia are often themes of her work. She also works in metal, playing with shape and color in her sculptures.

Macon-based artist Tameka Phillips is the first textile artist to be part of Macon Sculpture Walk. Her sculptures are molded from real people and explore ideas of cultural identity. In addition to the form itself, Phillips also uses colors and patterns to tell a story. While communicating these ideas in her art, she also expects her life-size public sculpture to be interactive and hopes visitors will enjoy posing for pictures with her work.

The Downtown Macon Community Association originally started Macon Sculpture Walk as a way to beautify downtown Macon and attract visitors. The 567 Center for Renewal is continuing the sculpture walk alongside community partners as part of its mission to bring creative life to downtown Macon. This year’s sculpture walk is made possible by the support of the Linda Harriett Lane Fund of the Community Foundation of Central Georgia.

About The 567 Center for Renewal

The 567 Center for Renewal is a non-profit community space for artists and entrepreneurs who bring collaboratively creative life to downtown Macon and surrounding areas through events, exhibits, and classes. For more, visit the567center.org.

Contacts:

The 567 Center for Renewal: Melissa Macker, Executive Director, phone: 478.238.6051, e-mail: melissa@the567.org

Spotlight on: Brianne Hall

Photo by Jessica Whitley

by Melissa Macker, Executive Director

Brianne studied art in college, but couldn't find a place to create for 2 years after graduation. When she discovered The 567’s pottery studio in 2021, she finally was able to do ceramics again. As a studio member, she found a much-needed creative outlet.

She also found a community of all kinds of artists, which has made such a difference in her artistic career. She has enjoyed interacting with potters, painters, photographers, teachers, and gallerists. Her favorite part of being a vendor at the All Hands Art Festival was meeting all the different kinds of artists (but selling all her ceramic work was a nice perk!).

Because of the encouragement of other artists in the pottery studio and a place to practice, Brianne has found a gusto for trying new things with her art this past year. She uses the supplies in the studio to experiment with forms and glaze techniques. We can’t wait to see how she continues to grow as an artist in the coming year.

Thanks to our supporting members & donors for making stories like this possible!

Finding a Creative Community

by Melissa Macker, Executive Director

Imagine downtown Macon without art. No murals or sculptures. No pottery classes. No art galleries to visit on First Fridays. No art on the walls at your favorite restaurant.

It would be awfully dull, wouldn’t it?

Downtown Macon wouldn’t be what it is without artists. And it wouldn’t be where it is today without our donors paving the way for artists to display and sell their artwork, teach classes, create pottery, put on events, and more.

Artists like April.

April retired last year from her career as an elementary school art teacher. She found teaching so rewarding. It was hard to leave those students, but it was time for a new season in her life. Even though that job had ended, she knew she still had so much more to give as an artist. How could she continue doing what she loved, but with the flexible schedule that she needed?

Through The 567—and because of generous donors—April found new ways to share her talents in her retirement.

She decided it was time to try a new challenge--teaching adults! At the beginning of the year, she reached out to The 567's staff, who was thrilled to bring April's experience and fresh ideas to the center. She started teaching The 567's very first oil pastels class, as well as new acrylic painting classes. Teaching regularly provided her a little extra money to buy art supplies and so much more.

"I probably get more out of it than the students do," said April about teaching at The 567. Many of her students have rushed to the store to buy oil pastels after taking her classes. It's been so rewarding for April to inspire adults to pick up a new hobby or just teach them to express themselves in a different way. She loves the art community that The 567 has built. She describes the students at The 567 as "art hungry" and eager to try to new things.

Through teaching at The 567, April has also been able to build relationships in Macon's art community and make new friends. Thanks to the help and encouragement of The 567's staff, she's been growing as an artist, too.  She credits The 567 for making Macon the kind of place she wants to be--a place where people are really interested in art.

Macon loves April, too. After her first class, one student said, "This lady is amazing! She told us interesting facts about Henri Matisse and passed around pictures of him and the nun who was his caregiver. She set up the assignment so well, drawing three elements in advance for us and leading us through the most difficult elements of the composition in such an easy way. I feel so lucky to have gotten such a knowledgeable and accomplished teacher."

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 people like April to share her talents and find community.

Spotlight on: Danecia Washington

Danecia is one of our new Corks & Canvas instructors that started this year. Her favorite thing about teaching is the people--she loves meeting other creative people who share her passion. About The 567 she says, "I love teaching at The 567 Center because they allow me to be the best version of myself while still supporting my creativity."

Danecia struggles with anxiety, but she deals with it by spreading awareness, positivity, and love. She's a mother of three and a wife, but she always makes time to feed her creative soul with painting, whether at The 567 or at home.

New Festival Celebrates Clay, Glass, Wood & Metal Art

MACON—A new art festival is coming to Macon this fall: the All Hands Art Festival. This unique 3-day festival brings together artists who work with clay, glass, wood & metal. It also allows the public to see how their art is made.

The event takes place at Triangle Arts Macon from September 30 to October 2, 2022, with both outdoor and indoor activities. All Hands Art Festival will include art vendors, demonstrations, an exhibition, live music and food trucks.

BH Ceramics will be one of the art vendors at the festival.

The excitement builds on the final day of the festival with the Art Olympics, an opportunity for artists to compete in short technical challenges while visitors watch. Inspired by popular competition shows on television, artists will complete tasks like working on a pottery wheel while blindfolded or making the fastest glass fish with five fins.

The festival is being organized by The 567 Center for Renewal in partnership with Triangle Arts Macon & Visit Macon. The goal of the three organizations is to create an exciting festival that not only locals will enjoy, but will draw people from out of town to Macon just for this event.

 “The Macon art scene has grown significantly over the past several years with new art studios and organizations like Triangle Arts, as well as more public art such as Macon Sculpture Walk,” says The 567 Center’s executive director, Melissa Macker. “We hope this festival will help people outside of Macon see us as a true art destination for years to come. It’s sure to be a ton of fun.”

Artist Heidi Clinite of Ember Maypop shop will give a wood burning demonstration at the festival.

Visit Macon has funded All Hands Art Festival for two years as part of its American Rescue Funds grants to promote tourism recovery in Macon. The federal funding supports innovative thinkers who are developing new and interesting ways to showcase the places, people and events that make Macon-Bibb special.

For a complete festival schedule or to purchase tickets, visit https://www.the567center.org/allhands or call (478) 238-6051.

About The 567 Center for Renewal

The 567 Center for Renewal is a non-profit community space for artists who bring collaboratively creative life to downtown Macon and surrounding areas through events, exhibits, and classes. For more, visit the567center.org.

About Triangle Arts Macon

Triangle Arts Macon is a multi-functional creative arts space in the industrial district of downtown Macon featuring five multi-use buildings, two galleries, office and mixed-use studio space, outdoor venues, event space, and an art trail. For more, visit triangleartsmacon.com.

About Visit Macon

Visit Macon promotes Macon, Georgia to travel writers, meeting planners, group tour operators and leisure travelers in an effort to bring people and revenues into the community and area businesses. For more, visit visitmacon.org.

Contacts:

The 567 Center for Renewal: Melissa Macker, Executive Director, phone: 478.238.6051, e-mail: melissa@the567.org

Downtown Macon Restaurant Guide

Photo from Ocmulgee Brewpub

by Melissa Macker, Executive Director

One of the great things about being in downtown Macon is that there are a variety of delicious restaurants! It’s so easy to grab breakfast, lunch, brunch, or dinner before or after an art class or on the way to the gallery. It’s hard for us to choose a favorite restaurant, so we wanted to provide you with a list of every restaurant within walking distance of The 567! Even if you spend a lot of time downtown, maybe you’ll discover a new favorite Macon restaurant.

Here they are:

Bearfoot Tavern - Lunch & dinner. Gastropub & beer garden with a mixture of European & American pub style cuisine from esteemed Chef Michael Wright.

Biddy’s Chicken - Lunch Monday thru Saturday, early dinner Monday thru Friday. Serving fried wings and tenders, salads, sandwiches and more.

Cashman’s Pub - Lunch & dinner. A neighborhood pub on Cherry Street.

Dovetail - Dinner. A farm to table Southern dining concept nestled in the heart of downtown.

Downtown Grill - Dinner. An English steakhouse.

Fall Line Brewing Co. - Dinner Tuesday thru Thursday, lunch & dinner Friday thru Sunday. A brewery with sandwiches.

Famous Mike’s - Breakfast & lunch (No breakfast on Sundays). Classic American diner, great breakfast, juicy hamburgers, grandma's home cooking, and classic diner sandwiches.

Fatty’s Pizza - Lunch & dinner. Pizza & wings.

Flying Biscuit Cafe - Breakfast & lunch. A heavenly breakfast, brunch & lunch experience. Brunch every day!

H & H Soul Food - Breakfast & lunch. A Southern soul food joint & a piece of history.

Harp & Bowl La Bistro - Breakfast & lunch. Organic Juice bar, variety of breakfast options, fresh sandwiches, Coconut Kefir, fresh alive juices, salads, and desserts.

Hello Boba - The first Boba Cafe in Central Georgia. Boba Drinks, Milk Teas, and Bubble Waffles.

Jalapeños Cantina - Lunch & dinner. Family-owned Mexican restaurant.

Just Tap’d - Dinner Tuesday thru Thursday, lunch & dinner Friday thru Sunday. Craft beer superstore & casual pint café with artisan style pub food.

Kudzu Seafood Co. Lunch & dinner. Authentic Gulf Coast seafood in downtown Macon.

La Bella Morelia - Lunch & dinner. An authentic Mexican taqueria serving tacos, tortas, sopes, burritos and more.

Little India - Lunch & dinner. An Indian restaurant.

Loom - Lunch, brunch & dinner. A chef-driven, signature restaurant inside Hotel Forty Five.

Macon Bagels - Breakfast & lunch. Bagels & bagel sandwiches made from scratch.

Ocmulgee Brewpub - Lunch & dinner. A one-of-a-kind establishment serving gourmet burgers.

Oliver’s Corner Bistro - Lunch, dinner & Sunday brunch. Upscale, quality food meets welcoming, friendly service and a comfortable environment.

Parish on Cherry - Lunch, brunch & dinner. A Creole/Cajun restaurant offering your favorite Louisiana dishes along with a great atmosphere.

Piedmont Brewery & Kitchen - Lunch, brunch & dinner. Brewpub featuring a modern smokehouse, inspired beer and a family friendly classic gameroom!

Rookery - Lunch & dinner. Famous burgers, onion rings, hand-cut fries, milkshakes, and extensive craft beer list.

Sweet Eleanor’s Divine Desserts - Coffee shop & dessert shop.

Taste & See Coffee Shop - Breakfast & lunch. A unique coffee house atmosphere with sandwiches & pastries.

Tokyo Alley - Lunch & dinner. Serving up Macon's most exciting Japanese and Thai dishes since 1992.

Vibez - Lunch, brunch & dinner. Elevated brunch, bar & grill.

Your Pie - Lunch & dinner. Custom, hand-crafted pizza, salad, panini. Local craft beer, wine, Italian gelato/sorbet.

Z Beans Coffee - Breakfast & lunch. Coffee shop serving fair trade Ecuadorian coffee, sandwiches & pastries.

Did we miss one? E-mail melissa@the567.org and we’ll get it added!

The summer of arts & crafts

by Melissa Macker, Executive Director

Remember when you were a kid, and you got to go to summer camp and do arts & crafts? When you’re young, you don’t know what art is “supposed to” look like, and there’s a joy in just making. At camp there’s no grading, just pure experience. Maybe you got to try out a new skill at camp that you never tried before. My earliest memory of making pottery was at art camp (and my mom still has the leaf dish I made.)

As you’re making your summer plans, maybe you have a 2-week vacation planned, or maybe just a staycation. Maybe you’re drowning in work and the words “summer vacation” haven’t crossed your mind in a few years. Everyone needs some time off occasionally, though, whether you can take a week or just an hour.

Making art just for yourself, and not for anyone else, is a great way to recapture that kid-who-just-started-summer-vacation feeling. It can be as simple as picking up a pencil and sketching what you see after the kids go to bed (or even stealing a page from your kids’ coloring books if you’re intimidated by the blank page.) If you’re an artist, trying out something new just for the pleasure of creating is a great way to fuel your creative energy.

There are some fun opportunities to make arts & crafts at The 567 this summer, from 2 hour workshops to 2 month classes. Here are a few I’m excited about to jumpstart your summer of arts & crafts.

Intro to Crochet

If you’ve never tried crochet, it can be really relaxing. It takes a little practice to learn the basic stitches, but after that there’s something soothing about the repetitive movements. Plus, you can make all sorts of fun projects once you learn. This two-week class will teach you the basics, give you time to practice, and then come back to make a pretty little “mug rug” to take home, along with your own crochet supplies to keep. It’s at the beginning of June (June 4 & 11), so once you learn, you can crochet all summer!

Adult Summer Camp

If you really want to feel like you’re back in summer camp, we made a pottery camp for you! Every day you’ll make a different fun project, from a sculpture of your pet to lantern for your porch, and even a beer stein. You’ll even get a camp t-shirt! In case you can’t take time off from your day job, this camp is in the evenings. You might even make some new friends at camp. It’s 6 days long, June 13-18.

Acrylic Painting for Beginners

It’s never too late to learn to paint! People tell me all the time that they can’t paint, like it’s a gene you’re born with. Some people have more aptitude than others, but painting is a skill that can be learned, like anything else. You never know until you try! In this 6-week class, you can spend your summer learning to paint portraits, while equipping you with the basic skills to paint anything. It meets on Wednesdays, starting June 1.

Intro to Photography

If you got a digital camera, but all you know how to do with it is set it to automatic, point, and click, this workshop is for you. In two hours, Andy Carter will tell you the secrets to taking a good photo and have you using all the settings on your camera like a pro. I took this workshop before and can personally recommend it! If you’re lucky enough to take a trip this summer, you’ll definitely be taking better vacation photos after taking this class. If not, maybe it will help you to look at your own backyard in a new way. This one is on June 9.

These are just a sampling of the creative classes going on for adults this summer. If you have a kid, we have camp for them, too! See our class calendar to get inspired.

Spotlight on: Johnnie Skelton

Johnnie Skelton has been helping people make pottery at The 567 Center for a few years, whether at Open Studio Night, summer camps, or workshops like Make a Mug and the upcoming Flower Vase Workshop. She actually really enjoys working on the pottery wheel, and is co-teaching Beginning Wheel with Heatherly Wakefield this month.

Johnnie says, "I love teaching at The 567 because of the people. It's a really friendly atmosphere."

You might also see her son and budding ceramicist, Jack, with her around the studio. When she's not teaching at The 567, she's teaching art at K. B. Sutton Elementary School in Forsyth. Her experience teaching in elementary school is probably what makes her so patient with her adult students! We are lucky to have her as an instructor, and we appreciate all the ways she helps in the studio.

Finding Herself Through Art

by Melissa Macker, Executive Director

Imagine life without art. No paintings to brighten your home or photos that inspired you. No pottery in your kitchen. No way to creatively express yourself. No art classes to have fun with friends at. 

It would be awfully dull, wouldn’t it?

Downtown Macon wouldn’t be what it is without artists. And it wouldn’t be where it is today without our donors paving the way for artists to display and sell their artwork, teach classes, create pottery, put on events, and learn business skills.

Artists like Heatherly.

Being an artist has long been part of Heatherly’s identity. But changing jobs, motherhood, and the closure of another community art space took her away from working with art or even making art. For a time, she forgot that part of herself. In a sense, she forgot how to be herself.

Through The 567—and because of generous donors—Heatherly found her way back to being an artist.

In the summer of 2020, staff at The 567 asked Heatherly to make fifteen small pieces for an art scavenger hunt downtown. She agreed, and began to carve out a small amount of space and time at home to make art. Once she finished her fifteen, she kept making them. Soon, her artwork took another turn.

She enjoyed making ceramics in college, but hadn’t made any pottery in the 20 years since then. When she attended a pottery making event with a friend one night at The 567, she immediately fell back in love with it. Shortly after, she joined The 567’s pottery studio.

Thanks to donors, the studio at The 567 not only provided her with access to ceramics equipment, it gave her a place to be an artist without the demands of being a boss or a mom, and gave her a new artist community. It gave her a place to be herself.

As she began to make art again, she realized she didn’t have room for it all at home—so she planned an art exhibit! For almost a year, the exhibit was a goal for her to work towards. It helped her to stop putting art on the back burner. It also meant a lot to her to have it at The 567’s gallery, a place that felt like a safe and inviting retreat to her for eleven years.

The community loved her exhibit, too—and many people bought her paintings, sculptures, and mugs to keep. Now Heatherly looks forward continuing to sell unique ceramic pieces through The 567’s gallery downtown, making more mugs, and creating new series of sculptures. 

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 people like Heatherly to have a creative retreat.