Issue link: http://maconmagazine.uberflip.com/i/1389434
787 Windsor allowed him to continue through the pandemic shutdown without too much stress. Julie Wilkerson considers Triangle Arts a legitimate part of Macon's art world. She's executive director of the Macon Arts Alliance, which advances arts and culture in Central Georgia. "It's filling a need," she said. "And I'm not just talking about a need for murals and street art. It's about creating a place where artists of all ages, races and ethnicities feel welcome and free to express themselves the way they want to. It's a plus they're partnering with other community, arts and charitable groups and being a voice for social justice. It's a special place." Colin Pendorff graduated from Middle Georgia State College in 2016 and stayed in Macon, believing it was on the cusp of an arts heyday and that it wasn't necessary to go to Atlanta or beyond to succeed. He became the fine art director of the 567 Center for Renewal, president of the Ocmulgee Artist Guild and has now been named executive director of Triangle Arts. "To me, Triangle Arts is a platform," he said. "With it as a hub, we can promote diversity and inclusion by means of creativity while helping artists and others succeed in their own vision, whether it's art, music, photography, film — whatever. Our studio spaces are about to open, and so is our first indoor event space. Our parking lots can be used for outdoor events. It means we're about to be able to say yes to a lot more people's ideas, and that's what we want." As the vision on the Triangle Arts property takes greater shape, so does its impact beyond Lower Elm. An out-of-state developer asked Triangle Arts to provide art for a construction fence on Bass Road at North Macon Plaza. Geyer's alma mater, The Wharton School, asked him to record TED-style talks on how successful businesses can effectively engage and help in their communities. Geyer is working to join with several established outdoor art locations in the state to 'RIC GEYER HAS CREATED A TRUE TOURISM GEM. HIS CONNECTIONS TO THE ARTISTS AND THE COMMUNITY HAVE BREATHED CREATIVE LIFE INTO THE INDUSTRIAL AREA AND SURROUNDING NEIGHBORHOOD.' – GARY WHEAT COLIN PENDORFF AND RIC GEYER 40 maconmagazine.com | JUNE/JULY 2021