New mural installed at Middle Georgia Regional Airport

All photos courtesy of Mary Beth Wood Photography.

Visitors to Macon-Bibb County and the region flying into Middle Georgia Regional Airport are now being greeted by a new 224 square foot mural along one wall. “Hi! We’re glad y’all are in Macon” the mural reads for the thousands of people that are flying into the airport each year. In 2018, more than 30,000 passengers moved through the Airport, and that number is on track to be larger in 2019.

The new mural was painted by a team of student artists led by local designer and artist Erin Hawkins of Mama Hawk Draws. For nine months, they planned and prepared for the installation of this new piece of public art, and students from Central and Howard High Schools were a key part of the entire process. When it was completed, they all “signed” it by putting their thumb prints in one corner using white paint.

“As our airline traffic continues to grow, we’re always looking for ways to improve the passenger experience…and what better way than art?” says Airport Manager Erick D’Leon. “We’re thrilled to have this amazing group make their mark on MCN with a local touch. The new artwork has been a welcomed addition, and while it was being installed, passengers complimented the addition.”

“I’m so grateful for the opportunity to share my passion of art with local students and help foster future artists through the installation of a public mural,” says Erin Hawkins. “One of my goals for this project was to encourage students to think about how art can be used as a communication tool along with beautifying the space. They will now see how their art can positively impact Macon-Bibb County, as well as foster pride in their community.”

“The airport mural opportunity has provided a fabulous partnership for forty students from the Bibb County School District to extend the learning taking place in the classroom while sharing their work to welcome business and leisure travelers to our great city,” says Ben Bridges, Bibb Count School District Director of Fine Arts & Magnet Programs.

The mural was funded by a grant from The Linda Harriet Lane Fund through the Community Foundation of Central Georgia.  Linda Harriet Lane was a Macon native and an accomplished concert pianist who played with the Macon, Atlanta and Savannah Symphonies and performed abroad. Other local support of the mural’s installation included Apparel Authority (t-shirts for the students), Publix on Bass Road (snacks), and Fatty’s Pizza and Ingleside Village Pizza for lunches.

“The Foundation provides donors a simple, powerful, and highly personal approach to giving. Linda’s generosity lives on through the Linda Harriet Lane Fund, and above all else, she valued education, music, arts and culture, and travel,” says Nancy Cleveland, Communications and Development Associate for CFCG. “The final mural will include text that thanks the Linda Harriet Lane Fund. That will certainly help her legacy continue to make an impact in the community and to also leave a lasting impression on everyone.”

About the Community Foundation of Central Georgia
The Community Foundation of Central Georgia was founded in 1993 by a group of citizens interested in encouraging philanthropy and strengthening communities. Since then, the foundation has awarded more than $90 million in grants. As a local center for philanthropy, the foundation works with individuals, families, corporations, private foundations and nonprofit organizations to carry out their charitable objectives and address emerging community issues.  Our donors make possible the foundation’s mission to enhance the quality of life for the people of Central Georgia. To learn more, visit cfcga.org.