The Ultimate Art Lover's Guide to Canton

Aug 22, 2024

Whether you're looking to learn pottery or admire Canton's public art murals, it's undeniable that Canton's art scene is growing at a tremendous rate. With an abundance of creative classes, exciting art festivals, artists and makers markets, and so much public art to admire, we've got the ultimate guide to channeling your inner creative in Canton!

ART CLASSES

Local Color Studio

At Local Color Studio, you'll find your creativity and artistic abilities fully supported by the loving community at Local Color. The studio is designed to revolve around community, ranging from studio spaces home to their artist residents to offering classes for creatives of all skill levels to take part in! With live music and artist markets every month, there's something for everyone!

85 North St, Canton, GA 30114

WEBSITE

Menagerie on Main

Adventure into this colorful, century-old, repurposed home to experience an artistic joyride in Canton's entertainment district. Much more than just an art gallery and shop, this space is a direct representation of what happens when community meets creativity. You'll find paintings, jewelry, prints, pottery, stained glass, and a variety of unique art! Also home to some of the most unique classes, diverse art, and eclectic energy, Menagerie on Main will inspire you to appreciate art in so many ways!

351 W Main St, Canton, GA 30114

WEBSITE

M&M Mercantile

M&M Mercantile offers an abundance of workshops for all skill levels! From print making to water color to pottery, M&M Mercantile has a wide array of workshops that always feels new every time a new one pops up! Monica, owner of M&M Mercantile, often teaches many of the workshops, but many of them are also taught by guest artists. If you love art and love the sense of community, don't wait to register for a class!

225 Reformation Pkwy, Canton, GA 30114

WEBSITE

CANTON THEATRE

Historic Canton Theatre

The Historic Canton Theatre sets the stage for cultural arts and entertainment in Downtown Canton. A shining star for more than 100 years, the Theatre has been a community fixture, providing guests the opportunity to enjoy live theatre from both local and traveling productions, as well as live music, comedy, and film screening events. It's the best place to enjoy well-loved movies on the big screen that aren't in theatres anymore, with the cozy feeling of a historic theatre.

171 E Main St, Canton, GA 30114

CALENDAR

ART FESTIVALS

West Main Arts Festival

The West Main Arts Festival is the perfect event for anyone who loves the eclectic energy that art and music bring. This fine arts festival in Downtown Canton features over 40 local artists and artisans, a lineup of street performers and musicians, and the tastiest local food vendors, all gathered to celebrate the arts in Canton. With live music on multiple stages, local artists showcase their incredible talent to festivalgoers while they get to find the next art piece to bring home.

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Riverfest Arts & Crafts Festival

Starting in 1984 as a small arts and crafts show, Riverfest has grown into the Service League's largest fundraising event and a true spectacle for fall activities every year. The two-day festival draws over 25,000 patrons, over 150 arts crafts exhibitors, 10-20 concessionaires, and a host of local entertainers. All the money raised from Riverfest is used to provide children with necessities such as clothes, food, dental care, eyeglasses, medical care, rental and utility assistance, and college scholarships.

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Peaberry Film Festival

Formerly known as the Etowah Film Festival, which ran for three years, the Peaberry Film Festival has established itself as a premier annual event for film lovers in the region. Each year, the festival showcases local and international films and features informative panel discussions, connecting filmmakers and audiences in a beautiful, historic venue. Ranging from live action all the way to animation, there's films for everyone to enjoy here.

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PUBLIC ART

Sunnyside Mural

In the heart of Canton's Sunnyside neighborhood, a splash of color adorns the south-facing wall of the Village on Sunnyside shopping center. A vibrant new mural serves as a testament to the spirit of the community, as well as Canton’s commitment to the arts. Drawing inspiration from the flora of the region, the delicate pink of blooming azaleas surround the word "Sunnyside", which takes center stage and is rendered in gold and yellow. A magpie, wings outstretched, anchors the composition, symbolizing the boundless potential of the community.

Watch the artist's statement and the behind-the-scenes here.

560 Marietta Rd, Canton, GA 30114

It's a Vibe Mural

When it came time for the City of Canton to design and build a new parking deck, they did so with not only increased parking and sustainability as goals (the deck is home to a solar canopy and 10 electric charging stations) but also with placemaking top of mind. The mural symbolizes the collective safety of neighborhoods; climbing toward goals; transformation; and community, plus it celebrates the growing arts and culture vibe in Canton. The mural also includes a nod to the Etowah River that flows through Canton.

345-303 W Marietta St, Canton, GA 30114

UNITE Mural

A collaboration between CHS student Emily Hamilton, a non-profit called Art in the Paint, and the expertise of talented local artist Rob Walker-Bunda, this large artwork represents unity in Canton and serves to create connection and inspire happiness — both key purposes of public art and placemaking.

1200 Marietta Hwy, Canton, GA 30114