McEachern Art Center presents annual senior exhibition ‘Play’

MACON – McEachern Art Center (the MAC) will welcome the annual gallery exhibition of Mercer University’s 2024 graduating fine art and design students, called “Play.” The show opens April 19 with an opening reception and will run until May 31.

This exhibition showcases the talent and body of work from the graduating senior class. This year’s show includes seven artists and designers interpreting the importance of interactivity and play within the walls of the gallery. 

“Play” challenges the notion that playfulness is something that adults outgrow by presenting an interactive art exhibit that celebrates the playful nature of humanity. The exhibit encourages viewers to reinvigorate the joy, spontaneity and creativity that lies at the heart of human expression.

According to the artist statement, “Society often pressures childhood wonder into the background as we grow older, in favor of maturity. ‘Play’ invites you to blur the lines between viewer and art by actively engaging with each body of work. Remember that playfulness is within us all, as well as its necessity to being an enriching role in life.”

Johnny Cohen, the director of the MAC, said that the show “allows all visitors to be fully immersed in the work and hands-on in interpreting it.” He added that it is always exciting to wrap up the school year by hearing from the senior students.

The show’s opening reception on April 19 will coincide with BEAR Day from 6-8 p.m., as a presentation of research from the art department.

The MAC is located at 332 2nd Street, Macon. Admission is free and open to the public during gallery hours, 4-8 p.m., Thursdays-Saurdays. Starting May 13, the gallery will transition to summer operating hours. These will be Thursday-Friday from 4-7 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Media and educators may access the gallery outside of normal hours by appointment.