Hello everyone! My name is Johnny Cohen and I am so excited to be helping out with the blog on Macon 365. I think this is an amazing place for the arts in regards to networking, collaboration, and inspiration. I want to kick off the first blog with a little introduction about me and some of the art work I do. I was born and raised in Macon, Georgia and I am currently getting my MFA in sculpture at SCAD Atlanta. A lot of my work revolves around the consumer industry. I am fascinated with the complexity of what it is to be a consumer and the material world that surrounds us. My most recent work involves a body of work called the “supermarket series” that will be on display at the New Local Talent exhibit at the Macon Arts Alliance. In my free time, I also install window displays and curate them for local retailers. I had the pleasure of doing Rumor’s window and Kaybee’s inshore Nike Display a few years ago and I loved it. Retail, especially in-store, revolves around this need to encompass a full experience. I find it interesting with the integration of fine art into a retail space as a way to elevate the brand and provided product. I look forward to blogging more on this platform as well. I was thinking we could start by doing weekly blogs about different artists, whether they be local or not. I have some friends that would love to speak of their background, so I will try to put together some new content within the coming weeks. Thanks again for chiming in, and y’all stay safe out there.