MACON – McEachern Art Center (the MAC) will present a group gallery showing by faculty artists from around Middle Georgia, including Mercer University, Wesleyan College and Middle Georgia State University in an exhibition called Crosstown. The show will open on Feb. 3 with an opening reception during downtown Macon’s First Friday.
Crosstown is based on the triennial showcase The New Macon Open, which began in the summer of 2020. The show was modeled after an athletic open, translated to the fine arts by encouraging both amateur and professional participants to exhibit alongside one another. Director of the MAC, Ben Dunn, called The New Macon Open “an un-juried, totally-inclusive barnstorm show designed to celebrate and develop Macon’s creative community.”
The same kind of collaborative model will be on display in Crosstown.
“This year we’re culling the academic crowd to an intercollegiate league. In the spirit of friendly competition, we’ve asked local professors to show off their strengths in our galleries ahead of the big show,” said Dunn.
The New Macon Open will return with an open call to Middle Georgia artists this summer.
Professors and instructors showcased include Charlie Agnew, Dennis Applebee, Luke Buffenmyer, Hazel Caldwell, Ben Dunn, Yvonne Gabriel, Eric O’Dell, Shannon Riddle and Tennille Shuster.
Dunn added, “People teaching fine art are sharing their passions. Professors’ singular art practices are cultivated over many years, and dispersed to eager young artists earning their degrees. Crosstown is a fun opportunity to showcase the immense talent of our local faculties, and provide access to this group without the tuition!”
The opening on Feb. 3 will be accompanied by a public reception. The show will be on display until March 17. The MAC is located at 332 2nd Street in Macon. Admission is free and open to the public during gallery hours, 4-8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday. Media and educators may access the gallery outside of normal hours by appointment.
