Macon Magazine

104 maconmagazine.com | October/November 2025 See Johnny alongside lots of other Macon artists and makers at the MAC's Winter Artist Market on December 6. I t all began as a little guy looking through fashion display windows with wonder. That fixation with visual organization led to Johnny Cohen working as a visual merchandiser for three major retailers, where he developed a mastery in storytelling through display. Today, he puts that experience into practice at Mercer University's McEachern Art Center (The MAC) downtown. In between teaching art, he's curating exhibitions that are engaging and boundary breaking. When did you learn that you had to have a career in the arts? I realized it as a child. The arts were one way that I could be myself and find happiness. Who impacted you along the way? From a career perspective, my biggest influences were the professors in my master's program. Martha Whittington exposed me to the world of installation and sculpture along with Krista Grecco, who taught me how to be a creative, professionally. From an artmaking perspective, Andy Warhol, because he aligns with my professional practices. Jessica Stockholder, too, because she helped me to understand color and how the elements of art integrate into my professional practice. How do you use the intersection of art and education? The MAC is an art and educational space. By working here, not only is my job to curate and exhibit shows, but I'm also guiding and mentoring students interested in going into the same field by providing them opportunities to be a part of the curation experience. It's so fulfilling. communicate who you are as a person. It's also about telling a story. There's no other profession out there that can provide that opportunity to share what you're passionate about. Complete the following. "If I didn't have art in my life…" I'd be lost. And honestly, sad. Art is a part of me, and will always be. It's who I am. Has Macon "arrived" artistically yet? Not yet, if I can be honest. Macon is evolving quickly, but it hasn't arrived yet. But with the influx of people that are moving here, the ever-growing population downtown, and a lot of the changes that are happening, I think we are getting a lot closer to becoming an established community in the art world. We are a work in progress. What is your take on the necessity of art? There's no other profession where you can put yourself on display and Johnny Cohen D I R E C T O R , M C E A C H E R N A R T C E N T E R A N D L E C T U R E R AT M E R C E R U N I V E R S I T Y

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