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86 | M A C O N M A G A Z I N E F E B R U A R Y / M A R C H 2 0 1 7 with a multitude of other projects, has turned the program's direction to a new series that features artists' work on the exterior wall of Francar's restaurant in Mercer Village. cla.mercer.edu/art Events and Festivals First Friday Downtown Macon hosts live music, art openings, food and fun every First Friday of the month. Most galleries and art spaces will mark this day with a new exhibition and offer free refreshments to the public. FEBRUARY Cherry Blossom Festival Along with other arts during the festival, Think Pink has given 30 different artists their own poodle sculpture to decorate as they wish. 567 Renewal Center will exhibit them during the month of February, with the opening on First Friday. The Readers' Choice Awards Highlighting the local "Best-Of," voting begins in February and the awards show will be in April. 11thhouronline.com 2017 Emerging Artists An exhibition designed to showcase the artistic talent coming out of the MFA programs across the Southeastern United States will be held at the Museum of Arts and Sciences. Opened Feb. 3. Temple of Wonder A permanent sculpture designed by a team of regional artists and engineers will be installed outside the Museum of Arts and Sciences. Based on the concept of Georgia-based artist Jen Upchurch, the structure is described as being a fun and immersive teaching tool. Valentine Cabaret: Macon, Je T'aime! Heidi Clinite is aiming to have an exhibition with local artists at Ampersand Guild. Themed around what they love about Macon, there will also be valentine coloring sheets that people can send to their loved ones. MARCH Dark Eden The largest collaborative art show in Macon, Dark Eden artists put on an event with flare with body painting, acrobats, poets, entertainers and more. The collaborative is continuing to develop and evolve and the attendance continues to grow. "It almost sounds a bit risque. People don't know what to expect when