478 Creatives, harp concerts and galleries

A mixture of artists and other creatives, 478 Creatives gathers monthly to be part of what organizers call “an inclusive environment where imagination knows no bounds” and a “thriving ecosystem where creativity flourishes, connections deepen and artistic endeavors thrive.”

This First Friday, a group exhibition of creatives connected to 478 Creatives opens at the Macon Arts Alliance Gallery, 486 First St. It runs through April 25.

Friday’s opening and reception, where many artists featured will be on hand, is from 4-7 p.m.

The exhibition represents 26 area artists and 50 works, primarily fine art and mixed media pieces, but there’s a smattering of graphic design prints, photography, sculpture and ceramic offerings.

“This was an open call for works with the intention of exhibiting a diverse range of art and artists,” said Sierra Bush, gallery curator. “We’re glad to be able to have them show their work to help bolster community among artists and the public. We had an overwhelming response to the call.”

Founded in 2021, 478 Creatives is led by popular Macon graphic designer and muralist Erin Hawkins who owns Mama Hawk Draws and soon-to-open Tanglewood Arts Studios, and Houston County-based artist and marketing strategist Cara Heard.

While Friday’s exhibit is visual arts-centric, 478 Creatives encompasses a spectrum of creators and addresses a variety of topics and issues.

“We’re not a membership organization, just creatives of all types who get together,” Hawkins said. “We’re always surprised how many new people we don’t know show up each month at meetings, artist talks, social events and other occasions we have. And we’re not exclusively what most people think of when they think of an artist or creative. We encourage people to come whose work lies beyond painting and sculpture and such forms to those who are jewelry makers, comic artists, web designers, writers – you name it. We encourage people to come who would never call themselves an artist or creator but who are actually very creative in what they do.”

Meetings range from social gatherings to group question-and-answer sessions to discussions about the business, economics and promotional factors of being an artist. Of course, there are artist talks, studio talks and times when the focus is on developing skills and creating hands-on pieces during a meeting.

“We want to create a very inclusive community of people who either identify as an artist, as a creative plus those who want to be more creative and those who want to support creatives,” Heard said. “It’s just a means for like-minded individuals to come together, support one another, learn from one another and others and get the encouragement we all need. 478 Creatives is somewhere everyone can feel welcome no matter their skill level and where they can learn to appreciate their value as a creator and the value of their work.”

Helping artists understand the value of their time and work is a priority for the group. So is helping the community understand it. In that light, Friday’s exhibit is more than a chance for artists to show and sell their work, some for the first time: it’s an opportunity to show off the talent in Middle Georgia.

“We want to show you don’t have to go to Atlanta or Savannah to buy good art,” Hawkins said. “We want art lovers to see and buy what’s on exhibit, of course, but we also particularly want interior designers, decorators, businesses and others who regularly buy or commission art to see what’s available by artists right here. We want them to see how they can use local talent to serve local businesses and clients who need art. I think a lot of people will be surprised at how they can support local art and serve their clients really well.”

Through the years, 478 Creatives and its community outreach have become closely connected to the Macon Arts Alliance and they maintain a page at the Arts Alliance’s website. A good way to keep up with 478 Creatives is through its Instagram @478creatives. You can also find @caraheardco and @mamahawkdraws_ there.

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Other galleries have openings and special events set for First Friday. One of the many highlights this month is Gallery West now showcasing the art of John Mollica, Kevin Lewis and Doug Miles alongside the photography of Kirk West. It’s from 5-9 p.m. and features live music with guitar legends John Ford and Robert Lee Coleman.

If you love harp music, this is the weekend to enjoy it to the max with three concerts set to feature harpists with one event also featuring flute music.

“They’re three very unique opportunities to hear performances by members of the Middle Georgia Harp [Ensemble], the Mercer Harp Ensemble and the Middle Georgia Flute Choir,” said Calista Anne Koch, who will be conducting much of the music and who arranged most of the pieces.

One of the events is made up of Koch’s own private students.

“The music ranges from classical to chamber pieces to popular modern works, including music from animated films and even video games,” she said.

All concerts are at Fickling Hall, 1433 Adams St. on the Mercer Campus, and all have Facebook event pages. Here’s the rundown:

• Friday, 7:30 p.m.: Mercer University Harp Ensemble: Animated. 
• Saturday, 10 a.m.: Mrs. Calista’s Music Studio Spring Recital.
• Sunday, 5:30 p.m.: Flutes and Harps in Harmony.

Contact writer Michael W. Pannell at mwpannell@gmail.com. Find him on Instagram at @michael_w_pannell.