Plymouth-Canton Community Schools Banner Program
The Ford Road District, in partnership with the Plymouth-Canton Community Schools (P-CCS), the Partnership for the Arts & Humanities, and the Canton Commission for Culture, Arts and Heritage, recently installed over 150 light-post banners, each containing na original drawing created by P-CCS K–8 grade students.
“The Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is proud to support this inspiring collaboration that brings together art, education and community.” said Burt Patterson, Canton DDA chairperson. “Partnering with these groups was a natural fit or our vision to celebrate creativity and showcase the incredible talent of our youth right here in Canton. These student banners not only beautify our Ford Road District but also reflect our deep commitment to the arts and the next generation.”
“These banners are just another example of how a special partnership with these organizations enabled Canton’s Ford Road District to help strengthen the identity of Canton’s primary retail corridor by conveying a message that the community values the cultural arts and contributions by local youth.”
—Laura Mortier, Canton Recreation and Performing Arts Manager
“Plymouth-Canton Community Schools values arts eduction for its role in developing students’ creativity, critical thinking and communication skills,” stated P-CCS K–12 Visual and Performing Arts Coordinator Cathie Williams. “This project helps students see how art can positively impact a community and encourages them to view themselves as artists. It fosters social-emotional growth and community connection. The project was made possible through the creativity of student artists, the support of art teachers in fostering student skills and selecting submissions, and assistance from Praetorship for the Arts & Humanities, the Canton Commission for Culture, Arts and Heritage, as well as the Canton DDA.”
P-CCS elementary and middle school art teachers selected the final artwork for disply on the banners and on the Lower Rouge Trail. In addition, P-CCS Visual and Performing Arts Coordinator Cathie Williams was instrumental in securing the grant and designing the banners collaboratively with the goal of allowing students to see themselves as artists and how art can impact a community.
For additional information on the Canton Ford Road District’s current banner display, visit www.cantonmi.gov/393, or call 734-394-5197.