82 maconmagazine.com | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021
MACON PUBLIC ART
EXPLORING HISTORY, INTEGRATION AND REVITALIZATION
BY ERIN HAWKINS
A
s I write this column, I'm waiting for the paint to dry on
two shipping containers in Pleasant Hill.
Together with my friend and colleague, Warner
Robins artist Kevin Lewis, we're transforming the containers
into an inspirational mural for Campus Clubs, a local
nonprofit organization with an after-school program for kids
in Pleasant Hill.
The mural includes portraits of two important individuals
from the neighborhood who blazed trails in politics and
education: Former Rep. Jefferson Long (1836-1901), the second
African-American elected to the U.S. Congress and the first
from Georgia; and Lucy Craft Laney (1854-1933), who founded
the first school for African-American children in Augusta.
What I love about my job as a muralist and designer is that
I learn something new with every project. Prior to this mural
for Campus Clubs, I regret to say I had never heard of Long or
Laney.
This experience inspired me to think about other public
art installations that honor people who have made important
contributions to making Macon what it is today, in particular
the black community.
The following list can be knocked out in a day — one big art
adventure — or you could spread it out over time.
If you go, I'd love to hear your thoughts. Tag Macon Magazine
and me in your Instagram posts at @maconmagazine and
@mamahawkdraws.
