Macon’s 478 Creatives celebrates five years of connecting local artists

Macon’s grassroots gathering of artists, 478 Creatives, celebrates five years this month with a celebration at 478 founder Erin Hawkins’ recently opened Tanglewood Art Studios July 17. 

All are invited to the new studio-gallery and it’s a great way — even for introverts — to mix, mingle and get to know more about 478 Creatives. The featured artist is Adrienne Berkland, whose solo exhibit, “Crushed It,” has been on display. While the event is free at Tanglewood, organizers are inviting a $5 donation for the group’s five years.

Hawkins is well known by her business name, Mama Hawk Draws. Under this name, the local artist has designed many on‑the‑street, school and residential murals as well as other artwork such as cards and stickers.

Co-founder Cara Heard is a self‑taught mixed‑media artist who does social media work through her business, Cara Heard Co. She’s founder and former owner of Lush Art in Perry. She relocated from Houston County to Macon in 2025.

I got in touch with Hawkins and Heard to talk about the anniversary and the 478.

These responses have been lightly edited for clarity.

Erin Hawkins

Q: What’s the purpose of 478 Creatives?

A: “Our mission remains the same as at the start: to cultivate a thriving ecosystem where creativity flourishes, connections deepen and artistic endeavors thrive. We believe artists don’t thrive in isolation; they thrive in community. When creatives know one another, they share opportunities instead of competing for them. They collaborate on projects, mentor emerging artists, solve problems together, strengthen local businesses and ultimately create a richer cultural landscape for everyone. 478 Creatives exists because we recognized a gap in our community and chose to fill it.”

Q: How did the group get started?

A: “In April 2021, I was commissioned to paint a mural inside a residential swimming pool. I quickly realized I couldn’t do it alone and invited six local artists to help. It took just a few days to complete, but something unexpected happened. Between painting sessions, we found ourselves talking about our work, sharing frustrations about the creative industry, celebrating wins, asking for advice and dreaming about what was possible. We weren’t just painting a mura l— we were building community. When the project ended, I realized how much I needed more of those conversations.”

Q: What was the initial response, and how has it grown?

Hawkins: “In July 2021, we launched the very first Creative Conversations — that was our original name — at Fall Line Brewing Co. Our first gathering was a handful of people, and we had attendees “speed date” one another through a series of guided conversations. The goal wasn’t networking in the traditional sense; it was creating genuine connection. We wanted artists to leave knowing someone new, feeling inspired and realizing they weren’t building their creative lives alone.”

Q: So at its core, 478 is about building camaraderie and relationships among artists?

A: “Yes, and that spirit has remained at the heart of everything we’ve done. Every event, workshop, panel discussion, artist talk, studio visit and community gathering has been planned because we believe creative people deserve spaces where they feel seen, supported and connected.”

Q: What are some examples of things 478 Creatives does? Do you partner with others?

A: “During our first year, we hosted grant workshops, behind‑the‑scenes tours of The Grand Opera House, marketing and storytelling sessions, artist talks and countless opportunities for creatives to gather around ideas instead of competition. 

“Over the past five years, we’ve collaborated with organizations including Macon Film Festival, Bragg Jam, NewTown Macon, Capricorn Sound Studios & Museum, Wesleyan College, Mercer University and numerous local businesses and creative spaces. In 2024, Macon Arts Alliance became our fiscal sponsor, allowing us to pursue grant funding for the first time. 

“Since then, we’ve received three grants that have helped us expand programming, pilot an artist residency, create professional development opportunities and improve the public art experience throughout Macon. Since our very first gathering, we’ve facilitated 53 events serving hundreds of artists and creative professionals.”

Q: Is it still a grassroots volunteer organization?

A: “That’s what makes 478 Creatives different. It’s grassroots. It’s artist‑led. It wasn’t created for creatives — it was created by creatives who understood exactly what was missing because they were living it themselves. 

“While our community has wonderful arts organizations, there wasn’t a consistent, artist‑led space where creatives from every discipline could simply come together to learn from one another, build relationships and feel like they belonged. 

“Instead of waiting for someone else to create that space, we decided to build it ourselves. What many people don’t realize is that Cara and I have built all of this as
volunteers.”

Q How did you and Heard get connected?

A: “Near the end of that first year, Cara reached out with a simple offer: “If you ever need assistance with this, I’d love to help.” Neither of us realized how much that one conversation would shape the future of 478 Creatives. Since then, we’ve worked side by side to grow the organization into a collaborative network that connects Middle Georgia artists across disciplines while building partnerships throughout the community.”

Cara Heard

Q: What drew you to get involved?

A: “I knew Anna Richards, an artist and yoga instructor who initially helped start 478 Creatives, and I got to know Erin from
Instagram. Anna became less involved and moved away. I went to the first meetings after COVID, and then one day asked Erin if there was anything I could do to help. She came back with, ‘Well, as a matter of fact …’ and we hit it off.”

Question: What has been a highlight for you?

A: “There have been a lot of great events, but the highlight has been the people. I love that creative people come together — whether they consider themselves “artists” or do what is traditionally thought of as “art.” 

“I love when people who are creative in their own way come together. Especially introverts. Erin and I both are introverts, and many creative people are, so we work to make our gatherings a good place for them. It’s good seeing creatives help one another, push one another, make friends and build a positive community together. So many people don’t consider themselves creatives but live a creative lifestyle. We’re here for all sorts, not just visual artists but writers, photographers, theater people, dance people — all sorts. We welcome everyone and embrace views from different creative perspectives. It’s always a thrill to see new people showing up.”

Question: Is July 17 a good time to experience that?

A: Adrienne is closing her show at Tanglewood then, and we’re celebrating the anniversary. It’s at 6 p.m. and is an open format — come in and out, stay and go as you please. We will be talking about the 478 and asking for feedback and ideas for the future. We’ll be gathering ideas and talking about how to make 478 sustainable for the future. At things like this, Erin and I like to get around and talk to everybody we can, and we love it when we can connect people with other people and their projects.”

Question: There’s another 478 Creatives event in late July. Can you share any details?

A: “It’s July 30 from 6-9 p.m., and we’re calling it ‘478 Creatives: Insider’s Studio.’ We hope it’s the first in a series celebrating creative people and places through behind‑the‑scenes looks into the homes, studios and creative spaces of artists, collectors, designers and cultural leaders. Our inaugural evening will be inside The Turk House, where homeowner Claire Turk and interior designer Courtney Moss will share the story behind creating a home that thoughtfully blends art, antiques and everyday living. It’s a chance to enjoy and learn in one of Macon’s most beautiful private residences.”

Question: How do people learn more and sign up to participate?

A: “Come to our anniversary party! Or find out more and how to contact us through our Instagram account: @478creatives. This is one of the few 478 events we are charging for: $25 per person, and reservations are required. Spaces are limited and we expect it to sell out fast. Our events are typically free, but this is a rare, charged event.”

Tanglewood Art Studios is at 1080 Third Street, Suite 500.

Contact writer Michael W. Pannell at [email protected]. Find him on Instagram at michael_w_pannell.