COLUMN: ‘Great Art Hunt’ in downtown Macon Saturday could lead to free vacation
Melissa Macker spent part of her week creating clues to finding treasures — downtown art treasures.
Macker is director of The 567 Center for Renewal, the downtown gallery and creative community space for classes, exhibits, pottery, events and more that has a leaning toward public art and a desire to encourage and be part of downtown Macon’s ongoing renaissance.
Again this year, following clues in Saturday’s Great Art Hunt will lead to the discovery of 25 particular downtown spots where there’s an outdoor sculpture or mural and could result in prizes, the grand prize being a weeklong stay on Florida’s St. George Island.
You can register online today but Macker said it’s quite alright to come and register Saturday to take part. Just know late registration means getting a Great Art Hunt T-shirt in the right size is risky.
“It’s been fun selecting the art and creating clues with so many new and existing statues and murals to choose from,” Macker said. “There are more and more each year and we really love seeing that.”
Macker and The 567 are now responsible for Macon’s Sculpture Walk so she knows the ins and outs. The Great Art Hunt is the non-profit’s major annual fund-raiser.
Art hunt registration for teams of two is $60, for three it’s $80 and it’s $100 for teams of four. Children 10 and under register free but don’t get shirts or bags. Macker said the hunt is a great way for families to enjoy the day, downtown and art together. The winner of the St. George week must be 18 or older and stay dates are subject to availability.
The 567’s website is www.the567center.org where you can find a Great Art Hunt link and for a look at the St. George destination check www.shellssgi.com. The St. George house sleeps eight.
“It’s a fun way for us to raise funds and increase awareness of downtown art plus it’s proven to be a whole lot of fun for family, friends and groups,” Macker said. “It’s one of those things that was created during the COVID shutdown as a way to safely enjoy art outdoors but went so well we kept it.”
The hunt generally takes from two to four hours, depending on if you want to go fast or slow. From 9:30-11:30 a.m., participants can stop by The 567 at 456 First St. to get maps, clue sheets, T-shirts and bags. You have until 7 p.m. to walk, bike or drive to find each spot, take a picture to verify you were there and email them to The 567. The email address is on materials provided along with instructions.
Macker said the winner will be announced Monday on The 567’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/the567 and the winner notified by email.
“There are also smaller prizes to find along the way, pieces of art and such as sort of mini-prizes,” Macker said. “There’s some cool stuff like locally made glass paperweights, coasters, metal key chains – there aren’t enough for everyone but they’re out there.
“We should have beautiful weather without it being as hot as in years past since we’ve moved it from June to May. It’s just a fun way to explore downtown with time to stop for brunch or drop in a few shops. And it helps us accomplish and share our mission of bringing creative life to downtown Macon.”
Contact writer Michael W. Pannell at mwpannell@gmail.com.