by Clarence W. Thomas, Jr.
MGI Contributor
thomasjr63@gmail.com
Two stories of glory were added to downtown Macon on March 18 as the Otis Redding Center for the Arts (ORCA) was officially opened during a Ribbon Cutting ceremony sponsored by the Otis Redding Foundation and the Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce.
Around two hundred folks from around Middle Georgia comprised of media, government, civic, business, and social communities stood in front of the sparkling blue building at Cotton Ave and Cherry Street in the Zelma Redding Amphitheater under a bright sunny sky to witness the ceremony.
The opening was five years in the making at what is the former site of Nu Way Wieners – which lost its capacity to continue doing business because of a fire. Redding’s wife Zelma – the Otis Redding Foundation’s President & Founder donated the land to the foundation which in turn raised over 11 million dollars to build it.
Featured on the ribbon cutting program was Otis Redding Foundation Vice-President & Executive Director Karla Redding-Andrews; her son Justin Andrews, Director of Global Initiatives of the Otis Redding Foundation; Macon Mayor Lester Miller; Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce Board Chair & CEO of Sheridan Construction Christy Kovac; ORCA Director Kelsey Epps; Reverend Jake Hall; and Dakarai Williams, an Otis Music Camp alumnus.
Redding-Andrews paid homage to both her mother and father during her time at the podium. “To have my father and mother’s dream become a reality here in Macon is very special not only for our family, but for our community. We look forward to welcoming students and continuing the work of the Otis Redding Foundation here in this extraordinary center.”
Her son followed Epps who described the center as magical. Andrews is the grandson of Otis Redding. He thanked everyone present for turning out to support the effort. He additionally said that the building was not just for the Reddings or those interested in the arts. “This project is a community project. From your dollars to your words of support, thank you all. It couldn’t have happened without you,” said Andrews.
Kovac said it was an honor to celebrate the opening and for Sheridan Construction to have been involved in the building of the center before making way for Mayor Miller. He says he looks forward to seeing lots of children rolling into the facility. “We’re on a big stage here in Macon. Thanks to the family of Otis Redding and thanks to the people here today,” he added.
The moment of truth came when Redding-Andrews, with her mother, brother, foundation members and employees, speakers, and supporters by her side, used a pair of giant scissors to cut a comparatively sized ribbon, giving the crowd the official go ahead to enter the building for a tour.
The Big O would be pleased if he could see it. The state-of-the-art facility is 15,000 square feet and equipped with seven creative labs, five private lesson rooms, an amphitheater, and the O3 Recording Studio named after Otis Redding III, who passed away in 2023.
A bronze statue of Otis Redding, created by artists Bradley Cooley and Bradley Cooley, Jr. In 2002 and honoring the song “Sitting on The Dock of the Bay”, will be installed as part of the Zelma Redding Amphitheater on the center campus this spring.
Eye popping images of the word DREAM and paintings emitting encouraging phases like Be The Change grace center walls, making for a fitting backdrop to lab and lesson rooms and attractive interactive lounge areas. All anchored by the recording studio and stage leading out to the amphitheater.
Macon Water Authority District 1 Board Member Elaine Lucas was one of many elected officials on hand for the ribbon cutting and described the center as another example of Macon on the move. “This is going to keep us on the map. Imagine all the wonderful families that will visit it. It’s a great inspirational addition. We salute the family for always representing Macon at its best. If Otis could see this place, he would say it exudes R-E-S-P-E-C-T.”
Referring to the center as a welcome addition to downtown, District 3 Macon-Bibb County Commissioner Stanley Stewart expressed his hopes in the center as a game changing platform of youth development. “It stands to help make better citizens for today and tomorrow,” said Stewart.
Otis Redding Music Camp alumnus Dakarai Williams, who opened the Ribbon Cutting, added, “It’s beautiful for this center to open. I’ve learned so much from this foundation that has given so much to me. As an artist and someone that loves music this is something we can give our students they can cherish forever.”
The Otis Redding Center for the Arts will serve students ages 5-18 in music and the arts education, with plans for programs serving toddlers and senior citizens later this year.
