You may have heard the expression, "Art is all around us." Here in Canton, it truly is. Take some time to locate and admire these one-of-a-kind sculptures and art, right here in our own backyard.
Kinetic Wind Sculpture
Every time you visit the Canton Public Library, you will see a lot of art both in and around the library.
The very first piece of art you may encounter when visiting is a public art sculpture located right by the library’s entrance. This stainless steel and glass wind sculpture was created by Seattle-based artist Andrew Carson.
The sculpture was installed and dedicated in memory of John O. Schwartz III in 2007 by the Friends of the Library. Mr. Schwartz was the library’s building manager after he retired from his garden nursery on Lilley Road. He served as an original library trustee who helped establish the library in the Canton community.
Heritage Park Mural
If you’re visiting Heritage Park, you may walk past the mural painted on the outside of a restroom building on the north side that features inspiring poetry.
This mixed-media mural was a result of a public art initiative hosted by Canton Township and The Poetry Project, a project created by the United Kingdom-based poet James McInerney and artist Gabrielle Dolin. It was unveiled in June 2024.
The majority of the public art in Canton Township is found on our very lively Ford Road. Those pieces are known as the Ford Road Public Art Exhibition. The exhibition is a result of a collaboration between Canton Township and the Midwest Sculpture Initiative. From Kohl’s by Sheldon Road to Home Depot by Lotz Road, you can take a self-guided tour of all these public art sculptures.
Homage to Da Vinci and Ironwork
Artist Mike Sohikian created this 6’ x 10’ kinetic steel sculpture, and it's for sale for $14,000. It is located on the north side of Ford Road, east of Lilley Road, in front of Dollar Tree.
Harp II
Artist Mike Sohikian created this 10’ x 6’ x 4’ steel, aluminum and wood sculpture that is kinetic and includes chimes. It's for sale for $9,500. You can find it on the north side of Ford Road, west of Sheldon Road, in front of First Watch.
Oriental Horse
Artist Mike Sohikian created this 6’ x 11’ x 4’ steel sculpture, and its sale price is $10,000. It’s located on the north side of Canton Center, east of Sheldon Road, in front of Target.
Butterfly’s Bell
Artist Mike Sohikian created this 9’ x 4’ x 2’ recycled and stainless-steel sculpture. Its sale price is $10,000. You can find it on the south side of Ford Road, east of Lotz, in front of J.L. Hudson Bistro.
Metamorphosis
Artist Mike Sohikian created this 5’ x 8’ steel sculpture which is for sale for $15,000. You can find it on the south side of Ford Road, west of Morton Taylor, in front of Planet Fitness.
Lincoln Log Spiral
Artist Ken Thompson created this 2’ 4” x 2’ 4” x 14’ cedar fence post sculpture—its sale price is $9,500. You can find it on the north side of Ford Road, east of Lilley Road, in front of Michael’s.
White Dove of Peace
Artist James Havens created this 6’ x 4’7” x 2’8” welded steel and paint sculpture, which weighs 250 lbs. It can be purchased for $4,900 and is on the north side of Ford Road, west of Lilley Road, by LJ Griffin Funeral Home.
On The Way
Artist John Merigian created this 13’ x 4’ x 5’, 250 lb welded Corten sculpture. Its sale price is $12,750. You can find it on the orth side of Ford Road, east of Sheldon Road, by Firestone Tires and Raising Cane’s.
Cardinal
Artist Zan Knecht created this 12’ x 4’ x 5’, 250 lb painted steel sculpture, which is for sale for $29,500. It’s located on the north side of Ford Road, west of Morton Taylor Road, in front of Target.
Sneezeweed
Artist Max Barrett created this 6’ x 2’, 70 lb steel sculpture, which is for sale for $5,000. It’s located on the south side of Ford Road, west of Morton Taylor Road, in front of Planet Fitness.
To learn more about the Midwest Sculpture Initiative and see the artists’ interviews, visit their website. Want to see the art in person? Here's a map to locate them.
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