Poetry meets artwork in new Heritage Park building mural
The writing is on the wall in Heritage Park in Canton Township as a new mural combining poetry and artwork has been completed.
The initiative is a result of the second collaboration of the township with the Poetry Project, which uses the words of United Kingdom-based poet James McInerney to spread moments of joy and reflection through poetry in public places, officials said.
The single-story mural design was placed on the outside wall of a permanent restroom building, located on the south side of Heritage Park. The design, which combines the poetry of McInerney and the artwork of Hicks, is a colorful example of how the Poetry Project uses the fusion of spoken word and mixed media.
"Canton is excited to continue to work with poet James McInerney on this latest mural that enabled us to share the talents of local artist John Hicks with visitors to Canton’s most popular park,” said Laura Mortier, recreation and performing arts manager. “Through a collaborative effort with the Poetry Project, we are fortunate to turn ordinary walls into vibrant canvases that invite passersby to pause and reflect on such a positive message.”
Hicks incorporated the words of McInerney into the design for all to see: “Always be kind to everyone you meet and remember that flowers bloom when the sun shines. They open up because they trust its warmth; people do too." Hick’s visual elements were not only inspired by McInerney’s poetry, but also by the striking visuals that can be found in Heritage Park – blue skies, green grass and flourishing trees, as well as the amphitheater and pathways that connect points of interest throughout the 105-acre park, officials said.
This latest public art project, which was authorized by the Canton Commission for Culture, Arts, and Heritage, was made possible with funding provided by the Optimist Club of Plymouth-Canton, and the Golden Home Care Group, LLC.
The Canton Commission for Culture, Arts, and Heritage meets quarterly at the Canton Township Administration Building. For more information on this commission, visit www.cantonmi.gov or email culturalcommission@cantonmi.
