Canton Township Unveils New Mural In Heritage Park

CANTON TOWNSHIP, MI — Canton officials unveiled a new mural in Heritage Park on Thursday as part of the township's second collaboration with the Poetry Project.

The new mural features the words, "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." It was placed on the outside wall of a permanent restroom building, located on the south side of the park.

The words come from United Kingdom-based Poet James McInerney, who used them to spread moments of joy and reflection through poetry in public places.

The mural's design combines the poetry of James McInerney and the artwork of John Hicks, to create what officials say 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."