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102 maconmagazine.com | October/November 2025 C ombining fashion and art was the start of something big for Char Lockett. It came natural for her. She originally wanted to be in the fashion industry after attending the Art Institute of Atlanta. But fate intercepted that plan. She eventually had an "A-ha" moment and merged the two passions, ultimately giving us her signature style. Lockett, who doubles as a community art instructor, says artists must pave their own way. What compelled you to get into art? I started as a very young child around eight or nine years old. My mom entered me into a homeschool course in art that was graded, and they would send the results back to me. I was later noticed by my teachers at Central High School. I always had a flair for fashion and art, which led to changing my major later to fashion illustration. How do you view art and specifically, how do you use it? Art makes a statement because it advocates and transforms. It's always changing. I would like to continue being right there with the change – specifically, as it relates to children. I love working with all of them, but especially Black youth because of their natural cultural expression. I shine through the kids, so when they shine, so do I. What's your take on Macon's art scene. Where do you fit in? I consider myself a multi-faceted artist Under the Radar Artists STORY BY CLARENCE W. THOMAS, JR. | PHOTOS BY DSTO MOORE F i v e m i n u t e s w i t h Macon's art scene is loaded with talented creatives. Some are better known than others, but all are making their mark on our urban landscape to make it more visually interesting. Macon Magazine spent some time with three "under the radar" talents – impacting Macon aesthetically without hype, hoopla, or an abundance of accolades. Why? Because they absolutely love art. impacted a child until you run into them, and they recall you helping them. Your work speaks for you. What's the future look like for you? I'd like to create an artist retreat in the future, and turn the backyard of the home my dad donated to me into a learning environment for children interested in the arts. These are opportunities to give back to the community and maintain the support of people that have been supportive of my work as an artist and educator. from Macon, focused on helping youth grow artistically. I want to continue giving back to this area. How is art transformative for you? The results I get from working with children are an example of that. I've been working in the school system, parks and recreation, and other places where they naturally are [present]. I've worked with so many, and I sometimes don't remember them, but they remember me. It just warms my heart because you don't know how you've Char Lockett F O U N D E R , C H A R L I T E S A R T