The Mission:
The Village Arts Factory serves as a hub for Canton and the surrounding area to come and get hands on with art in ways that inspire, excite, heal, and entertain.
The Vision:
People of all ages will gather together in historic Cherry Hill Village to participate in expression, appreciation and enjoyment of the arts.
Opportunity and Planning
On the grand opening night of The Village Theater in 2004, Tom Yack (20 year-township supervisor) told the Leisure Services Director that they now needed to acquire the abandoned national historic parcel just down the street. His proposal was to turn the property into a venue similar to the Torpedo Factory in Alexandria, Virginia, a warehouse with studios, gallery, boutique and eateries. His vision was to develop an arts district with a The Village Theater and the Village Arts Factory being the anchors of Cherry Hill Village.
There is great need in Western Wayne County for developing an art center which focuses on art education and the visual & performing arts. The evidence for this is apparent in the large crowds that consistently show up for the Downtown Development Authority’s parking lot jazz series, the more than 250 annual events at The Village Theater at Cherry Hill, the Thursday evening concert in the park series, Backyard Beats concert series, the many sculptures along Ford Road, the annual Liberty Fest entertainment lineup, and the many commercial art organizations in the community.
The Village Arts Factory property is located just one block west of The Village Theater at Cherry Hill in the heart of Canton’s National Historic Cherry Hill Village District. “The Village” is also home to one of the mid-west’s largest neo-traditional housing communities. The development of the Village Arts Factory provides the community with a chance to save and repurpose two historic structures that are on the National Registered of Historic Places. We just opened our completely renovated warehouse, a vibrant space that integrates arts, culture, and creativity and encourage community revitalization in downtown Cherry Hill Village.
A Place for History, Arts, & Entertainment
History
It is a place where Henry Ford located his last, most unique and least published village industry. He did not employ local farmers as in his previous 18 village industries; rather he provided employment opportunities for disabled WWII veterans.
Arts & Humanities
It is a place where artists of all kinds are provided an environment to create and express their craft. It is a place where the community can enjoy sharing in the artists crafts by purchasing products created by the artists as well as joining in classes they host.
Supporting Our Veterans
It is a place where veterans can find support –
have access to services they need to establish permanent housing and become gainfully employed. They will also be provided access to mental health professionals, veterans service officers, and attorneys as well as specific programs related to post military adjustment.
Education
It is a place where students of all ages can learn and grow through art enrichment programs. Through and array of individual or group class settings.
Entertainment
It is a place where visual arts take center stage. It is where people are encouraged to experiment, explore, gather, have fun, enjoy food & beverages and be entertained.
Recreation
It is a place where the general public is invited to enjoy pedestrian paths and bike trails that connect to a walkable downtown community.
Supporting Arts & Humanities
The Village Arts Factory was made possible through the vision and fundraising of the Partnerships of the Arts & Humanities, a 501c3 nonprofit organization.
