This spring will see bright blooms take over the 62-foot-long white wall at North and Lee streets in Downtown Canton as professional artist Madison Beaulieu begins a new public art project.
A finalist in the City’s search for the Railroad Street muralist in 2020, Beaulieu grew up in Cherokee County and has worked as a creative in graphic design and printmaking for the last 8 years. Her studio is located in Woodstock’s Made Mercantile. She has previously created murals in Duluth and Woodstock among others.
Beaulieu’s wildflower mural concept is bold and whimsical. A perfect backdrop for visitor photos, the public art piece will not only create community but highlight the City of Canton’s focus on sustainability. Georgia’s popular purple coneflowers are a native perennial while the state’s smooth coneflower variety is listed as endangered. Native wildflowers in local gardens and yards are encouraged to help bolster pollinator populations.
“I chose cheery wildflowers as the subject for this mural because they are so important to our local ecosystem,” explains Beaulieu. “Our native wildflowers help make Georgia a beautiful place to live and play! I’m so excited to create this mural with the City of Canton. They are so supportive of public arts and the arts community; I’m honored to work alongside them.”
Members of Canton’s new Cultural Art Commission (CCAC) are thrilled to see their first public art project brought to life. "Whether we are painting a landscape, telling a story, or simply appreciating the artistic experience,” says Jamie Foreman, member of CCAC and owner of Menagerie on Main, “we are all connected. Art is a partner of progress."
Volunteers appointed by the City Council and Mayor to the CCAC are Foreman, Elaine Frederico, Amy Kesler, Theresa Shampine, Rob Walker-Bunda, Bryan White, and Haley Whyte. Staff liaison is Canton Theatre Director Kristin Norton.
City Councilor Brooke Schmidt, who works closely with the CCAC, says, “By advancing arts and culture as an essential element of life in Canton, we build community and connectivity while increasing economic development and tourism opportunities. As City leaders and volunteers team up to help residents and visitors want to linger longer in a vibrant Canton, the excitement is palpable.”
Funding for the mural project will be provided through the Canton Cultural Arts Commission (CCAC) and sponsor Thrive Coworking. The City of Canton will unveil the mural with a ribbon cutting. More details to follow in the coming weeks.
