October/November 2025 | maconmagazine.com 31
Susan Welsh
talks programs,
perspective,
and public
collections.
STORY BY MICHAEL W. PANNELL
PHOTOS BY MATT ODOM
L
ike the Museum of Arts and Sciences, its
executive director, Susan Welsh, has a
fascinating history and profound impact on
Central Georgia. Welsh's influence didn't
begin with her leading the museum in 2012 – and
won't end as she retires at the end of the year.
What prepared the Atlanta native for her Macon
role? What brought and kept her here? What has her
impact been? And what's ahead?
These questions and other topics came up during a
wide-ranging conversation and question-and-answer
session with Michael W. Pannell, with some surprising
insights on the noted arts steward within.
AN E ARLY S TART AT ART
Surrounded at the museum by some of the finest
and most diverse works anywhere, the conversation
started with Welsh's early interest in art.
"I have a wonderful family legacy in the arts," she
said. "My mother is extremely talented, and I spent
a lot of time with my very creative grandparents.
I practically grew up in a maker's space. We had
hand-painted murals in our bedrooms, our clothes
were hand-tailored, and many gifts were exquisitely
handmade and wrapped. I probably took a lot of
that for granted, thinking all kids grew up with
such innovative influences. There was a lot of
encouragement to be creative and express myself."
Hours were spent with her older brother – her
closest friend – creating skits, making costumes,
building forts, creating Halloween decor, and more.
Another influential legacy? Her great-great-
