Issue link: http://maconmagazine.uberflip.com/i/1458429
Pretty in pink Erin Hawkins, owner of Mama Hawk Draws, has an ability to put a beautiful, quirky twist on eye-catching artwork. A graduate of James Madison University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design, her creations are captivating and remind you of sunshine. "When our family moved to Macon in 2015, I had a very hard time adjusting to our new city," she said. "I went from Washington, D.C., where I was working full-time with incredibly talented folks while being surrounded by an amazing group of friends, to now living in Macon, a completely unfamiliar city where I juggled kids with no support system while starting a new chapter in my professional career, freelancing full-time. For a while, all I could see was what Macon was lacking." That didn't last long, though. "Luckily, as time passed, my views on Macon changed greatly. I began to invest my time and talents into the community, which led to a better understanding of our great city. It also enabled me to meet more movers and shakers in our community," she said. Hawkins learned that if you have the will, you can find a way to make an impact here. "Currently, I am focused on bringing more art and access to art to our community. I work with students, community partners and fellow creatives to beautify our city through public art, as well as create designs for local and small businesses to help them flourish in their branding and marketing," she said. Her drop-cloth mural was inspired by her 6-year-old daughter, who is in love with everything pink. "Cherry Blossom Festival season is her favorite because our city explodes in pink — even the trash cans are pink! Combining her love of pink and my affinity for lettering, I created a bold piece of art that will entice any viewer to take a second to read, and possibly locate at their favorite Cherry Blossom Festival event," Hawkins said. Modeling in front of her backdrop is Anna Roberts, owner of Rivoli Reality and the 2019 Cherry Blossom Festival Senior Queen. Her inviting and welcoming personality has shown through in her love for Macon as a realtor and community advocate since 1987. Her favorite events, Pasta on Poplar and the parade, are back and better than ever this year. She's also looking forward to seeing Walker Hayes perform on March 19. Keep an eye out on social media for Hawkins' backdrop as it makes its way around town during the festival. Make some memories and make your mark, Macon, as we celebrate 40 years of the "Pinkest Party on Earth!" Snap a picture in front of these new artistic beauties, and be sure to tag the artists — @arrinfreeman, @parkercloud and @mamahawkdraws — as well as @maconmagazine and the @pinkestparty. 'I BEGAN TO INVEST MY TIME AND TALENTS INTO THE COMMUNITY, WHICH LED TO A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF OUR GREAT CITY. IT ALSO ENABLED ME TO MEET MORE MOVERS AND SHAKERS IN OUR COMMUNITY.' — ERIN HAWKINS LEFT: AYANNA HOSKINS, J'MYA MANN AND ALYSIA HAZEL MODEL SOCKS BY ARTIST RANDY H. THIS PAGE: CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL SENIOR QUEEN 2019 ANNA ROBERTS IN FRONT OF ART BY ERIN HAWKINS. FEBRUARY/MARCH 2022 | maconmagazine.com 81