Downtown venues offer art viewing opportunities

 

It comes to fruition too often that young adults take for granted the companionship of visual art. The habituation of college life leaves us in a state of overly analytical operation, existing primarily to satisfy the academic expectations that govern our efforts as students.

Still, something about the esoteric and often chaotic nature of visual art helps maintain a balance of the psyche, a movement which escorts our spirit and reminds us that we are human. Understanding this paradigm, actively engaging in the art community should become a necessity for every college student. If nothing else, dip a toe into the waters of visual art on occasion so that you do not forget the critical social impact of the medium.

In Macon, there exists a multitude of opportunities for every major, for every workload and for every interest.

The Contemporary Art Exchange is one of the most approachable sources in downtown Macon, subsisting of a variety of youthful and vibrant works of all kinds. Located on the second floor of the massive complex on Mulberry and Second Street, this studio boasts the warmest and most amicable environment for genuine expression.

Upon entering the studio, I was enveloped by a feeling of geniality, one supported by the studio’s utilization of high ceilings and natural lighting. Their studio appears akin to that of any working artist, one where masses of clay and the inevitable dispersion of paint are accepted with pride.

There are no restrictions on the artistic endeavors of the 20 artists involved with the gallery; their exhibitions administer painting, sculpture, film art, musical acts and even theatrical displays. The artists, however, are all passionately united by the purpose to serve the community of Macon, as evidenced by the extroverted enigma that they demonstrate to each and every visitor.

The Contemporary Art Exchange has open house exhibits every first Friday, so do not miss out on the monthly opportunity to delve into new artistic spectrums.

As a development of the New City Church in downtown Macon, the 567 Art Gallery has proven itself to be one of most hopeful patriots of community art in Middle Georgia.

The 567 began to thrive in 2010, when it moved to its current location at 533 Cherry St. Saturated in the welcoming customs of church on Sunday, the 567 is an unbolted venue that smiles upon every visitor.

The gallery seeks to exemplify and prove the worth of all subjective expression. Thus, the 567 is dedicated to holding a full calendar of events to satisfy all artists and audiences alike. It is nearly impossible to characterize this venue with any simplifications of purpose, for the 567 desires to give all artists a chance at finding recognition.

The venue holds a lovely gathering room for open discussion, a small stage for intimate performances and a subtle gallery for a humble but impressive display of visual art. Coming up, the gallery will be showcasing an exhibit of visual art dedicated to the work of college students around the state.

This gallery surely holds something for everybody, so be sure to check in with their extensive series of upcoming events.

Without a doubt, everyone has either seen or heard of the Macon Arts Alliance. Actively engaged in the community at Mercer, the Macon Arts Alliance seeks not only to display each member’s personal talents but also to keep the citizens of Macon educated in prominent artistic cultures.

It also serves as a welcome home for Mercer students to volunteer or contribute their own vision, providing internship opportunities and spots for visual art in various exhibitions. The ultimate goal of the organization is to educate and unite the many passions existing in Central Georgia.

The Macon Arts Alliance unifies 60 different arts organizations in Central Georgia and is responsible for producing events and exhibitions for each group. Not only does the Macon Arts Alliance gallery have something new every month, but it encourages and inspires each guest to consider contributing their own art to the network of Georgia-based artwork.

Go visit their immaculate gallery, located on First Street in downtown, on any weekday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. or on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Art stimulates the mind in ways that are difficult to articulate with words. It is necessary, however, to activate this region of the brain to ensure mental fulfillment. If nothing else, some exposure to art will provide an undoubtable relief to the harrowing lethargy that we all face in the daily grind of college life.