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116 maconmagazine.com | June/July 2024 M i r i a m M i xo n INTERVIEWED BY MM STAFF PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE ARTIST M IRIAM MIXON wouldn't have called herself an artist three years ago. But, after transferring from home school to Tattnall Square Academy as a high school junior, she discovered she needed a fine arts credit to graduate. "I had never really done art before," the young painter shared, "but I ended up loving it and spending so much more than a class period every day in the art room." When she wasn't in the art room, she stayed busy maintaining her 4.0 GPA, volunteering with Hooks for Hope, a knitting non-profit that provides baby blankets for children awaiting adoption, plus projects for cancer survivors and patients. Mixon also helped found a school club called Friend in Me, a resource for middle and high schoolers that helps raise awareness and build a community around mental health. Her hard work culminated in a Golden Eagle Award in art just before her high school graduation this May. Since 1978, local public, private, and home school seniors have been celebrated at the annual Golden Eagle Awards. Founded by The Telegraph, United Way of Central Georgia took up the program's mantle in 2019. Students are nominated by teachers, school staff members, or association members to participate in one of 14 categories. A panel of independent judges evaluates contestants in each category and awards a winner and a runner-up position based on grade point average, community involvement, and extracurricular work. Each winner and runner-up receives a $2,000 or $1,000 scholarship, respectively. Among the 14 candidates for the 2024 award in art, Mixon won first prize. Tell us about your art. What inspires you? I create art that reflects my thoughts and feelings. I am inspired by music and lyrics from my favorite artists and by Bible verses that speak to me. I love to start painting or drawing without a solid plan and seeing what I end up creating. I love painting with acrylics best, but I also combine different mediums to add interest and texture to my art. "I would love to se e Macon b e come a b eacon for mental health awareness." A r t i s t s p o t l i g h t WINNER OF THE 2024 GOLDEN EAGLE AWARD IN ART