Canton Township unveils new mural project in Heritage Park
Members of the Canton Township Commission for Culture, Arts, and Heritage unveiled a new mural last week created by artist Gabrielle Dolin.
The single-story mural design was placed on the outside wall of a permanent restroom building, located on the north side of Heritage Park. This design, officials said, is a colorful example of how the Poetry Project uses the fusion of spoken words and mixed media to help raise awareness of subjects like depression and mental health while also spreading positivity.
"It's been such a fulfilling experience working with poet James McInerney and artist Gabrielle Dolin on this project,” said Kevin Ryan, chairperson of the Canton Commission for Culture, Arts, and Heritage. “The mission of the Poetry Project is to inject goodness, light, and mental well-being into the public discourse. I think having this beautiful mural in Heritage Park with such uplifting text will have a positive impact on the entire Canton community."
“I might be uncertain about tomorrow, but I will not worry. What matters is that I realize how important I am today,” were McInerney’s words incorporated into the work by Dolin, a self-taught artist. She is a graduate of Eastern Michigan University and is now enrolled in a master's program at Wayne State University for both counseling and art therapy. In addition, she is the assistant director and an instructor at D&M Art Studio, as well as the A.C.E. program coordinator for the Partnership for the Arts and Humanities.
This latest public art project was made possible with funding through the Canton Community Foundation and the Canton Commission for Culture, Arts & Heritage Artist Laureate program, officials said.
The Canton Commission for Culture, Arts, and Heritage meets quarterly at the Canton Township Administration Building. For more information, visit www.cantonmi.gov or email culturalcommission@cantonmi.gov.
