You could call the Village Arts Factory a co-working space for artists with a community event space, but it is so much more than that.
It is home to a thriving community of artists, makers, entrepreneurs, movers and shakers. You can find those movers and shakers doing their thing at the dance studio, yoga studio and gymnastics studio. The space also features everything from candles and calligraphy to jewelry and cookie decorating.
There are always new residents moving in, and then there’s the Cherry Hill Potters Guild, which has been here from the very beginning.
“They were the first studio artist to sign up,” said Kevin Ryan, Community Program Director with the Partnership for the Arts and Humanities. “So, they got to design their space while the building was being renovated and constructed. It’s a beautiful state-of-the-art ceramic studio. In fact, it’s the largest in the Midwest.”
Overcoming Obstacles
It did take some resilience for the Village Arts Factory to become what it is today. They officially opened in March of 2020—just seven days before the pandemic shut the world down. Then there was the flood in August 2023, which flooded the village and completely submerged the Arts Factory, but they didn’t let any of that stop them.
“We’ve had our share of obstacles,” Kevin told us, “but we’ve persevered, and things are continuing to improve every year. It’s been really great watching our programming and our events and everything continue to grow.”
One of those growing events is the monthly art exhibits in their gallery space. Every month, they feature the work of a new artist or a group of artists. Each month begins with an opening reception to kick off the gallery experience.
Artists apply to exhibit there, and the majority of them aren’t the ones in residence but are visiting artists, usually from Canton or the local community. They have had artists from Grand Rapids, Ohio and other areas within the region.
Christmas in the Village
Their biggest event of the year is Christmas in the Village, which happens on the first Saturday of December. In 2025, it will take place on December 6, from 3:00-7:30 PM.
“It’s both an artisan and a vendor marketplace combined with a traditional Christmas Festival,” Kevin explained. “We turn the whole Village into a Christmas Village. Every year, we get a little bit bigger. We add a couple more elements as it continues to grow beyond just the Village Arts Factory into something that encompasses the whole Village.”
This year’s event will include:
- Visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus
- Carriage rides
- Crafts for the kids
- Curling in the front
- Cookie decorating
- Live music
- Food trucks
- Hot chocolate
- Tree lighting ceremony
- Carolers, including various VIP guests
- Shopping, discounts and more
“We’re making sure that all members of the community in all its diversity will find components of this event to enjoy,” said Kevin. He went on to say, “A lot of our maker spaces are open and either selling their stuff or allowing people to come in and participate in creating things. Most businesses in Cherry Hill Village will also have their doors open with specials, discounts and activities.”
A Sneak Peek Ahead
One of the projects in the works for 2026 is the launch of a jazz festival in Cherry Hill Village. It was a popular series in Canton for a long time, but it has been dormant for a while. The Arts Factory is looking to bring jazz back and revitalize the once-popular series.
Plans to do a plein air art festival next summer are also in the works. Plein air is a French term meaning "painting outdoors." “We would be inviting anyone in the artistic community to come out, spend the day painting various scenes or locations throughout Canton,” explained Kevin. “Then, that same night, we would do a big art show featuring those works.”
There are so many reasons to visit the Village Arts Factory if you haven’t been there in a while. There are the monthly exhibits, signature events, shopping, classes and more. It is an integral part of Canton’s culture. Hope to see you there soon!
Add a comment to: Behind the Scenes at the Village Arts Factory