Macon, Georgia-American essayist, lecturer, and poet Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “Love of beauty is taste. The creation of beauty is art.” The Gallery at Macon Arts Alliance is a true testament to Mr. Emerson’s wisdom. The Gallery is an art lover’s haven, and yet I’m sure it will arouse the aesthete in most anyone.

Anna Richards with Macon Arts Alliance
Administrative assistant for Macon Arts Alliance, Anna Richards. Photo by Donja M. Harper/.

The Gallery at Macon Arts Alliance has been active since 1984. It is a non-profit organization which is governed by a board. The current executive director is Jan Beeland. The Gallery displays exhibits and sells works by more than 200 artists. Whatever your preference, you are sure to find it at the Gallery. The building holds an array of artwork from virtuosic artists. They have ceramic work, wood-turned bowls, paintings, original knit-work and so much more. They even have a collection of books published by local ahors.

I was greeted with a warm welcome by the Gallery’s assistant Anna Richards, who was more than pleased to elaborate on the services and events the Gallery at Macon Arts Alliance offers. “We are not just an art gallery; we are the designated agency for Macon-Bibb County. Our goal is to support the artistic community and agencies” said, Richards.

Macon Arts Aliance Gallery
The Macon Arts Alliance Gallery exhibits and sells the work of over 200 artists. Photo by Donja M. Harper.

The Gallery has present ties to the Mill Hill Project, which aims to focus on the old mill worker homes near the Fort Hill area. Richards also said that Chris Logan, who is affiliated with the Gallery, is living in one of the historic mill houses while doing community service work through art.

The layout and décor of the Gallery are credited to the building’s curator, Megan McNaught. McNaught decides what goes in the gallery and arranges for new artists to display their artwork.

Arts Alliance Gallery Street
The Macon Arts Alliance Gallery is located at 486 1st St in Macon.

On the first Friday of every month, the Gallery hosts a featured artist exhibit hosted by the curator. Another project that is organized by the Gallery is called Fired Works, which is a pottery exhibition and sale. The exhibition includes works by sixty-five artists from around the southeast who set up displays at Central City Park for a week in the month of April.

The Gallery at Macon Arts Alliance is the pinnacle of Macon and Middle Georgia’s art community. Through their gallery space, local events, and community outreach, they attract outside artists and art enthusiasts to the area, while supporting local artists and artisans.

For More information on The Gallery at Macon Arts Alliance, visit their website.

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Published by Don Harper

Don Harper's passion for writing came at an early age. As a second grader, he wrote his first short story, one about his father, a fireman. His teacher typed and edited it, and made the story into a hardbound book. This cherished memory inspired this now 35 year from Milledgeville to create. He is also fascinated by the culture of hip-hop. He began to write poetry and lyrics, and by the time I was in high school had joined a music group who performed live shows and even opened up for some major artists. His current endeavors include working on a trilogy of short stories and finishing his studies at Middle Georgia State University. He is completing his Bachelor of Arts, majoring in New Media and Communication. He hopes to one day acquire a position as a writer for a major network and to also have penned a best-selling novel.