Issue link: http://maconmagazine.uberflip.com/i/1547005
12 maconmagazine.com | October/November 2026 I I nodded my head, but it wasn't until I began speaking again that I grew more connected with my words — and even developed a lump in my throat — as I spoke for the introduction to our first audio recording last year. The more I live, I see that creating authentically requires an internal look. When Julia Morrison, supreme audience developer in her main job as executive director for Mercer's downtown arts programs (well beyond any 9 – 5), asked me that question, I had a visceral reaction. Of course I believe in what I am saying! ...I am saying it, right? I asked myself the questions again when I recently shared a personal story at Storytellers Macon. Our art presents questions that we need to consider. From magnificent private collections (p. 84) and the center halls of our homes (p. 80) to bringing Muscogee art to our Bicentennial Park (p. 44) and Carrie Preston inviting our team to come up and chat more just after we photographed her in Central Park, our artists make it all personal. While there, she told us her last meal would be at H&H. Carrie's ease as she strolled into the park looking like a million Macon-born bucks in a cafe con leche sequin-embellished suit made for the start of an extremely generous hour, just after an interview for CBS Sunday Morning. The Emmy-winning actress was press- ready for the fourth season of "Elsbeth" on CBS, airing on October 8th. Artists show their vulnerability, guiding us to find our own humanity. You'll read it in these pages. "Beverly Buchanan wanted to be known as an artist, not a doctor who painted," writes Michael Pannell (p. 66) about the Southern-born New York dweller who began a career in healthcare, whose art—especially her flowers—took shape in Macon while she lived here in the '70s and early '80s. Reading about her beloved laughter, and the punchy zine she created for how to survive a gallery visit, tells me Beverly was one I wish I could have listened to. She may not be here now, but her art is, and it can be found all over the world and right here in Macon. Celebrating milestones continues with the art in finding gems at Historic Macon's 50th anniversary Flea Market (p. 32), more Macon Fashion Week this November (p. 56), Theatre Macon's 40th year (p. 40), and even the inaugural season of Wesleyan College Hockey this fall (see opening scrimmage celebratroy fan shots in Faces). With so much pain in our culture, the urgency is now, and art is the cure. Don't be a bystander. We believe it, and we'll see you out there. Editor's letter | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2026 Editor, Susannah Cox Maddux @susannahcmaddux "D o y o u b e l i e v e w h a t y o u a re s ay i ng? " W e ' r e a l w a y s l i s t e n i n g . S h a r e w h a t r e s o n a t e s w i t h y o u f r o m t h e i s s u e a t h e l l o @ m a c o n m a g a z i n e . c o m . FROM TOP Susannah and Julia at the 2026 Macon Pride Festival just a day after going to New York; the MM crew with Carrie Preston post photo shoot, Matt Odom (repping Mercer in NYC with his hat) captures Carrie atop a Central Park boulder.