Macon Magazine

88 maconmagazine.com | October/November 2026 Start your art collection! Cohen curates a Winter Artist Market for fine art and decor that will be Dec. 5 at McEachern Art Center. everything tied to a price tag, your collection should talk about you. It should be tied to your identity. Art is not a disposable item. It's made to last forever. If it moves you, invest in it." Cohen says Macon is a midcentury-designed furniture mecca. If he could change anything, it would be seeing more private collections in museum and gallery spaces. He feels that will make Macon more of a collectors' market. In addition to guests, Cohen shares his expertise with high school and college students. It's a natural thing for him to do when not at the university-owned art center downtown. Those interested in collecting need to consider the works of students, too, he says. An exhibition titled The American South at the McEachern by 20-something Cal Walker this summer was an example of what might be the next big thing. Cohen's next move includes getting more Macon artists in his collection. After all, how could he be from here and not show more love for homegrown creatives? He says, "I want that Macon culture in my collection because it's part of my identity. Lots of stories about us are being told," he stated before closing with, "Never stop collecting. Go to the market. Bring home art from trips. Go to exhibitions. Visit the artist studio. All these works will stay with you all your life." BELOW The Redd family in front of their collection being exhibited at the Tubman Museum in 2025. Photo courtesy of the Redd family. What feeling do artists get when they see a piece being added to an art collection? It's actually the best feeling to know that the art I've created is resonating with someone enough that they want to live with it. It's a huge compliment to have my work added to a collection. These are the moments that I need to battle the imposter syndrome that creeps in when things are slow for me. So it means everything to me, and it's an affirmation that I am on the right path! Kevin "Scene" Lewis As a multifaceted fashion/visual artist, seeing one of my creations being added to someone's art collection is both humbling and empowering. Each piece reflects layers of my talent-fashion,art, culture, design, fabrics, wearable art, storytelling and self-expression. Knowing that someone sees enough beauty and meaning in my work to preserve it in their collection makes me feel seen, honored and inspired to continue creating. Char Lockett I feel surprised, seen and heard! Every piece of my art carries my soul. So seeing my art become someone else's collection is emotional for me. I cry my happy tears because something that came out of me is now living in someone else's world. Rhonda Miller I feel as though the universe has spoken. Because any artwork I made and actually put out there for sale, it's expressive and absolutely finished… I know it's going to a place that's appreciative and it's going to add to someone's life. I'm really grateful, especially since hours upon hours are put into what I produce. I appreciate it because I feel like they purchased a part of me. Shemika Bussy "I really like inviting people into my home, not just as a guest, but to also have them see not only how art works in a gallery, but how it can work in someone's home,"

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