Issue link: http://maconmagazine.uberflip.com/i/1534028
April/May 2025 | maconmagazine.com 101 his reputation, Mercer has become a mecca for young, gifted musicians from all over the planet – because of him and his school. Watching what's going on, on Third Street [the Neel building], it's going to be exciting what's going on over there with the construction. And all the restaurants, and the music scene, and Capricorn have become a wonderful, wonderful addition. And then what the Big O Foundation is doing downtown here with their outdoor amphitheater and the big school. You know, when you live in a big city, those kinds of things are happening, but they don't affect the whole community. Here, it's widesp read. I think what you see, from the growth and the development of the city center, the whole community is going to benefit from it. After 10 years with Gallery West, can you tell me what kind of challenges and joys you've received from running the business? First of all, we don't sell anything that anybody needs. There are days that no one even walks through the door. During the summer, there's more tourists. I think "I think planting a seed, something simple as buying that house, has created a lot for Macon. We've left our mark on Macon, and I'm proud of it." reflection in her next chapter. West believed that she actively chose Macon as much as it's chosen her: "I think planting a seed, something simple as buying that house, has created a lot for Macon. We've left our mark on Macon, and I'm proud of it. Now I've been here for 32 years, and I have watched Macon evolve into something. It became a place I want to live in. I had a hand in creating that, and so did Kirk. We had a hand in creating a vibe in a space that we wanted to continue to live in." Why do you continue to call Macon your home? I could never go back to live in a big city. I have friends here. This is home. Now, I loved Chicago. I would highly recommend [it to] young people who want to start careers. But why would I go somewhere else? I've loved watching Macon evolve into a really vibrant, interesting community. The arts are such a big deal here. Art, music, theater. With Mercer and Robert McDuffie, and the kinds of students that he has drawn into our community because of