Here’s story behind eye-catching mural unveiled at Canton’s Heritage Park
Pictured is the recently-unveiled mural located on a wall in Canton’s Heritage Park.
Canton’s Commission for Culture, Arts, and Heritage hosted a special ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, June 20, 2024, to celebrate the unveiling of a new mural created by Canton-based artist Gabrielle Dolin in Heritage Park.
This public art initiative is a result of Canton Township’s collaboration with the Poetry Project, which uses the inspiring words of United Kingdom-based Poet James McInerney to spread positivity through poetry in public places.
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, which combines the poetry of James McInerney and the artwork of Gabrielle Dolin, 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.”
Dynamic design
Artist Gabrielle Dolin incorporated the words of poet James McInerney into the design for all to see: “I might be uncertain about tomorrow, but I will not worry. What matters is that I realize how important I am today.”
Dolin’s visual elements were not only inspired by James McInerney’s poetry but she was also influenced to feature wildflowers in her mural that are native to Michigan by several existing displays on the playground equipment located throughout Heritage Park.
Dolin is a self-taught artist and native of Fowlerville, Michigan, who possessed a special interest in painting since she was about 12 years old.
Dolin 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.
Versatile community contributor
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.
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.gov.
