The "East to West Art Walk" is activating the sidewalks along Coliseum Drive and MLK Jr. Drive between Clinton Street and Mulberry using temporary public art and sidewalk improvements.  Commissioned artists are creating temporary sidewalk murals, temporary painted arrows, and other visual connections to the newly painted crosswalks.
 
Eighteen-year-old Asad Thomas, an Eagle Scout from Boy Scout of America Troop 284 Eagle Scout, is one of six finalists who was selected to create an installation on the East to West Art Walk. Thomas will complete his mural project on the former Tubman Museum building on the corner of Walnut Street and MLK Jr. Blvd, just before attending his Eagle Scout Court of Honor ceremony. "I'm honored and excited to be a part of this public art project," said Thomas. " It's a way for me to once again exercise my passion and gift in a big way as I contribute to the enhancement of our city."
 
Adam Crawford, an art major from GCSU in Milledgeville, was inspired by the flow of water on the nearby Ocmulgee River and he created a water-themed sidewalk installation featuring vibrant aqua blues on the Otis Redding Pedestrian Bridge on MLK Jr. Blvd close to I-16.  Casie Trace will install series of giant arrows along the fence of the same bridge that were created in community workshops in the Mill Hill East Macon Arts Village and at The Creative Alternative. These vibrant pieces feature circles because they are simple shapes, accessible to artists of all skill levels and because they also create colorful, intricate designs. "One of my goals is for this project to be fun and therapeutic, inspiring unity and connectivity in the community. Circles can be a symbol of: wholeness, harmony, the Self and the infinite," stated Trace.
 
Cathryn Bozone will install the final design in a series of nature-themed chalk designs along MLK Jr Blvd on Saturday as well in front of the Peyton Anderson Community Services Building. Her images relate to the natural environment. Bozone will include images of local animals, insects and pop culture that will allow visitors to enjoy viewing art outdoors. The designs will also encourage viewers to look at the scenery from a new perspective and remind them to appreciate the beauty of nature around them.
 
A public community opening will be held on Saturday, April 22 at 10 am in the courtyard of the Peyton Anderson Community Services Center located at 227 MLK Jr Blvd in Downtown Macon. Residents and visitors are encouraged to wear walking shoes and take the one mile hike to see the new installations and to take a fresh look at the other public art along the way.  Petals the Poodle, the Cherry Blossom Festival mascot, will be on hand for this family-friendly event and kids will be able to create chalk drawings as well, while watching artist, Cathryn Bozone, complete her design. Download our East to West Art Walk playlist on Spotify and listen to music from some of Macon's music legends who are featured in the design by Lawrenceville artists, Jessi Queen and Zach Herndon, behind the Telegraph Building as well as in Barnesville native Andrew Patrick Henry's installation on the sidewalks in front of the Macon Centreplex. The first 50 participants to complete our trivia quiz will receive a free ticket to the 12th Annual Fired Works Regional Ceramics Exhibition and Sale, which also opens Saturday morning at the Round Building in Central City Park.
 
This temporary public art project is funded by the Downtown Challenge Grant of the Community Foundation of Central Georgia. All funds are allocated to assist in the implementation of the Macon Action Plan through a series of grants to local businesses, nonprofits, individuals, and government entities. The "East to West Art Walk" was selected for its focus on connectivity - "cultivating and improving multi-modal transportation options, enhance safety, manage downtown's parking system in a comprehensive manner," as stated by the Macon Action Plan.