Issue link: http://maconmagazine.uberflip.com/i/1512887
98 maconmagazine.com | DECEMBER 2023/JANUARY 2024 R h o n d a M i l l e r AT MACON ARTS ALLIANCE, JANUARY 2024 PHOTOS BY JESSICA WHITLEY INTERVIEWED BY MM STAFF Rhonda's show opens January First Friday at Macon Arts Alliance. Join us on Jan. 5 at 6 p.m. as Macon Magazine hosts her artist talk at 486 First St. In the meantime, a teaser: R honda Miller is a self-trained multimedia artist in the folk art tradition. Her life journey, whose darkness followed by euphoric healing is prevalent in her work, brings passionate vitality and expressive freedom to the canvas. She encourages viewers to heal and explore alongside her. Though she only began painting in recent years, she has already been featured in shows at McEachern Art Center, Gallery West, Grant Lounge's 47 Folk Art Show, Wesleyan College Art Showcase, 567 Center, Middle Georgia Arts Association, Little Village Art Center, The Tubman African American Museum, Triangle Arts Macon, and now, once more, at the Macon Arts Alliance. Yet so too is triumph; she is a breast cancer survivor, was Georgia GED Student of the Year in 2017, has a career at Macon Housing Authority, and began Baccalaureate studies at Mercer University, according to an interview with Triangle Arts. Most importantly to Rhonda, she raised three beautiful children. She's attracted a community of supporters through her powerful energy and talent. Her poetic voice breaks through the noise of daily life to arrest viewers' attention. One piece, emblazoned with the words "Buy My Pain," hangs between the desks in Macon Magazine's editorial office. Tell us your story. Did you grow up in Macon? My mother lived in New Jersey, but while she was visiting family here, I was born in Macon. For half my childhood, I was raised in Jersey, the other half in Macon. I guess you could say I had the best of both towns. What inspires you? Sunny days, rainy days, people, places, my children, and experiences. Why do you create your art? For peace of mind and calm through depression and my traumas. How does Macon contribute to your work? Macon contributes by coming to my shows, sharing my art, following me on social media, believing in my work, and most of all, seeing my voice through my art. What can we expect to see in your Macon Arts Alliance show? The story of my life journey through self-expression and vulnerability. What else should we know about you? I am co-founder of a nonprofit organization, Mind Eye Connection. We create contemplative practices with art therapy. Also, I am a poet. I am sensitive about my stuff. MEET HER IN THE MAG BEFORE HEADING TO HER NEW SHOW, OPENING JAN. 5. A r t i s t s p o t l i g h t For more, follow @rhondasunshinemiller and @maconarts.