This story was originally published by The Telegraph.
At the corner of Lower Elm and Seventh streets stands Middle Georgia’s largest display of street art and murals. Triangle Arts Macon, an arts incubator, was founded in 2021 by Ric Geyer and includes eclectic, original art created by local artists.
An arts incubator is defined as a space that caters to and supports local artists, according to Geyer.
Geyer said originally he was just trying to find a good space for his wood shop, but he wound up growing the complex into much more.
“Each time I found a building, other artists would ask to move in with me, so it sort of grew from there,” he said.
Credit: Triangle Arts Macon
Credit: Triangle Arts Macon
Triangle Arts Macon, which is spread across 4 acres in the Tybee neighborhood, offers space for artists and craftsmen to express themselves creatively.
The space features photography businesses like Macon Headshots and furniture makers like Valkill Furniture. It’s also home to jewelers, promoters and a building of car fanatics that can rebuild or recreate anything, according to Geyer.
Geyer said Triangle Arts Macon purposefully looks to develop a broader, more diverse audiences to foster individuality and creativity.
“We have a saying, ‘Diversity drives creativity.’ It helps to have as many people in the room as possible who don’t look like you, think like you, or have the same experiences as you,” he said. “It is this diversity that gives us and our country such richness.”
Credit: Triangle Arts Macon
Credit: Triangle Arts Macon
One of the things Geyer loves the most about Triangle Arts Macon is its ability to make those who visit or create there feel comfortable.
“I just saw two new pieces yesterday that were done without our knowledge. I love that people feel secure enough to come out and do that for us,” he said. “And we offer an artistic experience for anyone who wants to come by.”
“People who don’t feel comfortable in museums or galleries come to us,” Geyer added.
Geyer, who has opened two arts incubators in Detroit and one in Atlanta, said many of the artists and craftsmen that have come to Triangle Arts Macon have gone on to do great things.
“Artists like Rhonda Miller, Kevin Lewis, DSTO and Mike Young either have studios or had their first shows here and we continue to support them,” he said. “Angela Henigman is another fabulous artist who had a space here.”
Credit: Triangle Arts Macon
Credit: Triangle Arts Macon
Geyer said the goal of Triangle Arts is to carry on the legacy of the Godfather of art in Macon, Tony Long.
“In Macon, we strive to be the successor to Tony Long’s Art Exchange Building which was located downtown for many years,” he said. “He is the Godfather of the arts in Macon, and we are just trying to carry on in his footsteps.”
Credit: The Telegraph
Credit: The Telegraph
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