5 Instagram-worthy public art backdrops in Macon
The public art scene is flourishing in Macon.
With each passing year, artists — including myself — install more murals, sculptures and other works of art throughout the city.
![Cherry St Crosswalk By Chris Dunn](https://macon.imgix.net/images/blogs/CherryStCrosswalk_ChrisDunn_a3a1ba91-5b8a-4664-b61a-ba53113c58ab.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=320&q=80&w=320&s=8f909239a4c82cbf9b73e49ac9c0516d 320w, https://macon.imgix.net/images/blogs/CherryStCrosswalk_ChrisDunn_a3a1ba91-5b8a-4664-b61a-ba53113c58ab.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=540&q=80&w=540&s=a9f3e81dd1a885f55dc2782eceb57de1 540w, https://macon.imgix.net/images/blogs/CherryStCrosswalk_ChrisDunn_a3a1ba91-5b8a-4664-b61a-ba53113c58ab.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=768&q=80&w=768&s=53486d78ce0e0b16d622ab8fe2b7dfa3 768w, https://macon.imgix.net/images/blogs/CherryStCrosswalk_ChrisDunn_a3a1ba91-5b8a-4664-b61a-ba53113c58ab.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1024&q=80&w=1024&s=8c7b034348a07e871f9e7c2bda608d31 1024w, https://macon.imgix.net/images/blogs/CherryStCrosswalk_ChrisDunn_a3a1ba91-5b8a-4664-b61a-ba53113c58ab.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1200&q=80&w=1200&s=b6aeedbb10dc64d166dd9df0f7562d3c 1152w)
![](https://macon.imgix.net/images/Icons/record-purple.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=320&q=80&w=320&s=adb041108a0bdfda120c45315522828f 320w, https://macon.imgix.net/images/Icons/record-purple.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=540&q=80&w=540&s=f13bc7ca130067ef843d3fa03e3d3eb8 540w, https://macon.imgix.net/images/Icons/record-purple.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=768&q=80&w=768&s=d97e043c2948a8d8f7ec948c348d6ce0 768w, https://macon.imgix.net/images/Icons/record-purple.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1024&q=80&w=1024&s=5e4395051f0910381bcb03a37373f39a 791w)
Macon’s natural beauty is already capturing millions of views on TikTok, but its public displays of creativity also make for a perfect backdrop on any form of social media — whether you’re dancing on TikTok or curating your grid on Instagram. On your next trip to Macon, check out some of my favorite public art displays, keep your camera in hand, and tag me, @mamahawkdraws, in your Instagram posts, so I can see your adventures! Be sure to also tag @visitmacon and use the hashtags #VisitMacon, #WhereSoulLives, and #MaconMemories so you can be featured on their profile.
1. Cherry Street crosswalk mural
543 CHERRY ST.
We’ll start at the center of downtown. If you’re driving, you’ll want to get out of the car because this public art is on the road. I designed and painted the Cherry Street mural in partnership with Bike Walk Macon to encourage drivers to slow down for pedestrians in the crosswalk. A bit of music history is integrated into the mural. The music notes are from the song “Southern Child” by Little Richard, Macon’s native son.
![Cherry St Crosswalk Mason Mishael](https://macon.imgix.net/images/blogs/CherryStCrosswalk_MasonMishael_1__5f34d494-cdae-4abf-9e80-733217fafd85.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=320&q=80&w=320&s=65f715a0d293b0b1f83b874ce3c4eef1 320w, https://macon.imgix.net/images/blogs/CherryStCrosswalk_MasonMishael_1__5f34d494-cdae-4abf-9e80-733217fafd85.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=540&q=80&w=540&s=5802c8fa7360ef7288fd9d28852b8e7f 540w, https://macon.imgix.net/images/blogs/CherryStCrosswalk_MasonMishael_1__5f34d494-cdae-4abf-9e80-733217fafd85.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=768&q=80&w=768&s=9c246ffdb00132d02233869561cb894c 768w, https://macon.imgix.net/images/blogs/CherryStCrosswalk_MasonMishael_1__5f34d494-cdae-4abf-9e80-733217fafd85.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1024&q=80&w=1024&s=97cfa532774cea6c03f5682f4c9d94b2 1024w, https://macon.imgix.net/images/blogs/CherryStCrosswalk_MasonMishael_1__5f34d494-cdae-4abf-9e80-733217fafd85.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1200&q=80&w=1200&s=cadee6e825bd7b7bde4c74e3315b03a0 1200w, https://macon.imgix.net/images/blogs/CherryStCrosswalk_MasonMishael_1__5f34d494-cdae-4abf-9e80-733217fafd85.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1440&q=80&w=1440&s=a485d1ebfe38895d44373712b345d717 1440w)
2. Peace sculpture
588 MULBERRY ST.
One block over you’ll find a sculpture of a hand making a peace sign. The sculptor, Alex Mendez, has several pieces featured in the Macon Sculpture Walk, but this is my favorite. The gesture is universally recognized, and there’s a certain tension with having a peace sign adjacent to where a statue of a Confederate soldier stood until recently.
![Peace statue with people in front of the statue](https://macon.imgix.net/images/blogs/Peace_RachelUmana_13ea1212-1cdb-492b-9c1e-8074a278e645.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=320&q=80&w=320&s=8c60bf81f1f8406b153b3d3e476ec6b6 320w, https://macon.imgix.net/images/blogs/Peace_RachelUmana_13ea1212-1cdb-492b-9c1e-8074a278e645.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=540&q=80&w=540&s=59cae2b9ea60b192dd4c69e069cc14b0 540w, https://macon.imgix.net/images/blogs/Peace_RachelUmana_13ea1212-1cdb-492b-9c1e-8074a278e645.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=768&q=80&w=768&s=01eb8c6a166f24bda8e19c2352108d7e 768w, https://macon.imgix.net/images/blogs/Peace_RachelUmana_13ea1212-1cdb-492b-9c1e-8074a278e645.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1024&q=80&w=1024&s=8a4717cc2bdb6d9779b1266dfa7a0da1 1024w, https://macon.imgix.net/images/blogs/Peace_RachelUmana_13ea1212-1cdb-492b-9c1e-8074a278e645.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1200&q=80&w=1200&s=5eea360ef56cd2bfa9146a5abf57ee13 1200w, https://macon.imgix.net/images/blogs/Peace_RachelUmana_13ea1212-1cdb-492b-9c1e-8074a278e645.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1440&q=80&w=1440&s=2dd544b5bd99f5f11c898cb7647fb7d3 1440w)
3. MTA Transfer Station mural
200 CHERRY ST.
This stop actually is home to several murals. Two of my favorites are “A Celebration of Grace” by Mary Frances Burt and “Spirit of Macon” by Abraham Abebe. “A Celebration of Grace” features three women holding hands amid flowers in a variety of calming colors. Meanwhile, I love the bright colors of “Spirit of Macon.” The design is bent around the walls, and you can even climb part of it, immersing yourself in the art.
![MTA Murals by Erin Hawkins](https://macon.imgix.net/images/blogs/MTAMurals_ErinHawkins_1__935fa98b-7142-4b52-81e1-86c2f123585e.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=320&q=80&w=320&s=ed077d0be89944230f6aea29869a7844 320w, https://macon.imgix.net/images/blogs/MTAMurals_ErinHawkins_1__935fa98b-7142-4b52-81e1-86c2f123585e.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=540&q=80&w=540&s=c56577eb561d0f92aaddeeb11b99cb43 540w, https://macon.imgix.net/images/blogs/MTAMurals_ErinHawkins_1__935fa98b-7142-4b52-81e1-86c2f123585e.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=768&q=80&w=768&s=1901917a0d6911b27aa53f009ac6dea3 768w, https://macon.imgix.net/images/blogs/MTAMurals_ErinHawkins_1__935fa98b-7142-4b52-81e1-86c2f123585e.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1024&q=80&w=1024&s=ab9af4b16c218630292586163dc6baa1 1024w, https://macon.imgix.net/images/blogs/MTAMurals_ErinHawkins_1__935fa98b-7142-4b52-81e1-86c2f123585e.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1200&q=80&w=1200&s=dedf8037063f4939831aca3e1ee81869 1200w, https://macon.imgix.net/images/blogs/MTAMurals_ErinHawkins_1__935fa98b-7142-4b52-81e1-86c2f123585e.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1440&q=80&w=1440&s=57162be6c9c1e98e917ea020cf5eec70 1440w)
4. Welcome to Macon mural
450 MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. BLVD.
Located on the back of the Visit Macon Downtown Visitors Center this mural is perfectly situated for visitors as they stop in for the 411 on Macon, and also encourages locals to venture out on foot and play tourist in their hometown. To see it, walk down the alley and duck behind the building. The mural by Colin Penndorf quickly tells you everything that’s iconic about Macon, from the Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park to the Cherry Blossom Festival.
![Welcome to Macon mural behind Visit Macon](https://macon.imgix.net/images/blogs/WelcomeToMacon_ColinPenndorf_d24cb631-9244-4364-8b3f-5f61456adc7c.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=320&q=80&w=320&s=50cd4ce50dc2e72c92e2bb6d76eae371 320w, https://macon.imgix.net/images/blogs/WelcomeToMacon_ColinPenndorf_d24cb631-9244-4364-8b3f-5f61456adc7c.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=540&q=80&w=540&s=5fefb87ba06c2d5035ec85944eadcf4e 540w, https://macon.imgix.net/images/blogs/WelcomeToMacon_ColinPenndorf_d24cb631-9244-4364-8b3f-5f61456adc7c.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=768&q=80&w=768&s=e71588a5ac8f21790db8cb21679f858a 768w, https://macon.imgix.net/images/blogs/WelcomeToMacon_ColinPenndorf_d24cb631-9244-4364-8b3f-5f61456adc7c.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1024&q=80&w=1024&s=8fc2e6f983237b6b2eb9bfaa25f42cfe 1024w, https://macon.imgix.net/images/blogs/WelcomeToMacon_ColinPenndorf_d24cb631-9244-4364-8b3f-5f61456adc7c.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1200&q=80&w=1200&s=6513ac63de48dffafe5672726470980e 1200w, https://macon.imgix.net/images/blogs/WelcomeToMacon_ColinPenndorf_d24cb631-9244-4364-8b3f-5f61456adc7c.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1440&q=80&w=1440&s=b06785355d85ddbe6137c3e5d898700f 1440w)
5. Jones Cafe mural
1389 JEFFERSON ST.
Over in Pleasant Hill is the mural “No Church in the Wild” by Kevin Lewis. Painted on the side of Jones Cafe, a blighted building being reimagined into a neighborhood asset, the mural illustrates beauty and resilience emanating from a young girl. I love how the art is helping beautify an area that’s not typically seen as beautiful. The mural is across the street from Booker T. Washington Community Center, a gathering place for Macon youth, who have their own beauty and resilience within them.
![Man in front of mural titled No Church In The Wild](https://macon.imgix.net/images/blogs/NoChurchInTheWild_DstoMoore_f4a573c4-5759-4ff4-8f8c-8a68c9c767cd.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=320&q=80&w=320&s=867aee9f0e3371cf2a7e651373db340e 320w, https://macon.imgix.net/images/blogs/NoChurchInTheWild_DstoMoore_f4a573c4-5759-4ff4-8f8c-8a68c9c767cd.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=540&q=80&w=540&s=e947583438b0efdd4a56980477edf3c7 540w, https://macon.imgix.net/images/blogs/NoChurchInTheWild_DstoMoore_f4a573c4-5759-4ff4-8f8c-8a68c9c767cd.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=768&q=80&w=768&s=ab37febd4db0b2226fd258bb602f89a7 768w, https://macon.imgix.net/images/blogs/NoChurchInTheWild_DstoMoore_f4a573c4-5759-4ff4-8f8c-8a68c9c767cd.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1024&q=80&w=1024&s=0a7b83129f9e741fdaee6db112e5871a 1024w, https://macon.imgix.net/images/blogs/NoChurchInTheWild_DstoMoore_f4a573c4-5759-4ff4-8f8c-8a68c9c767cd.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1200&q=80&w=1200&s=ab88e3f6a32c771437afcca64fa8d41c 1038w)
I hope you enjoyed this tour of just some of Macon’s wonderful public art, and I’d love to hear your thoughts. Please feel free to DM me on Instagram, or shoot me an email at erin@mamahawkdraws.com to tell me what you think!
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