Issue link: http://maconmagazine.uberflip.com/i/1302793
and how I was raised. Of course, we were allowed to play sports and be involved in other activities, but it was always the same people. Maybe it was a comfort thing? I do know that has completely changed. I think a lot of it has to do with my influence and wanting to stand on my own. It's not always the popular thing to do, but it has allowed our family to open up in a beautiful, more transparent way." Sarah Tinsley has used her independence and passion for vulnerability to challenge herself, her family and our community. "Macon is continuing to grow to be more inclusive, but still has a long way to go," she says. With the mission of building a more inclusive community, Sarah Tinsley began working in behavioral health for Coliseum Hospital. Using art therapy to give a voice to the silent, she works with individuals with schizophrenia, major depression and drug addiction. Whether through art therapy, galleries downtown at places like Travis Jean Emporium or giant murals at the Society Garden in Ingleside Village, Sarah Tinsley gives to the Macon community every day. In her art, as well as her life, she is "focusing on vulnerability, transparency and learning to love yourself." She sees all her art as "creating a sense of community and belonging no matter your background – allowing vulnerability to be a driving force for people to be themselves." Her new scope for a place so familiar has given her the hope that her art can push others to see Macon more comprehensively as well. "I've always liked a challenge and to see if I can evoke some thoughts into other people's minds that might make them see something in a different light," she says. "If I can do that one painting at a time, I will." With a gallery opening on hold until physical proximity is no longer a health risk, Sarah Tinsley has recalibrated her plans. In addition to continuing her art therapy work via telecommunication, she has taken this time to return to some painting passions of her youth. "I've had more time to really develop some of my current projects and to explore more, creatively, doing some things I haven't done in a while," she says. Her gallery opening is still in the works, though, and she looks forward to sharing her latest work with Macon. To stay abreast of those dates, visit sarahtinsleyparker.com. "I'VE ALWAYS LIKED A CHALLENGE, AND TO SEE IF I CAN EVOKE SOME THOUGHTS INTO OTHER PEOPLE'S MINDS THAT MIGHT MAKE THEM SEE SOMETHING IN A DIFFERENT LIGHT." -SARAH TINSLEY PARKER JUNE/JULY 2020 | maconmagazine.com 117