Check out the latest news, events, and updates from the Village Arts Factory!
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Spring 2025 Newsletter
Honoring Service, Preserving Legacy:
A Memorial Day Reflection
As we pause to remember the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country, the Village Arts Factory stands as a living tribute to both history and hope. Our campus—originally built as a Ford Motor Company factory—once employed World War II veterans returning home from overseas. Their work and resilience helped shape not only the fabric of American industry, but also the story of this very place.
That legacy continues in our Cut Short Veterans Memorial Garden, a reflective space dedicated to honoring those whose lives were cut short by the ultimate cost of military service. It serves as a quiet but powerful reminder of the sacrifices made, and the responsibility we all share in remembering them.
Looking ahead, we continue this mission of remembrance and support with our upcoming Agent Orange Awareness 5K, raising awareness for the long-term health effects experienced by Vietnam veterans exposed to this harmful chemical. This event offers an opportunity for our community to come together in advocacy, remembrance, and gratitude.
This Memorial Day, and every day, we honor those who served—through remembrance, action, and community.
--Partnership for the Arts & Humanities
Weaving "Myriad Textures" of Color
Detroit-based artist Marcia K. Hales showcases her dynamic, abstract works at the Village Arts Factory.
Currently on view at the Village Arts Factory through May 28, Myriad Textures of Musings is a solo exhibition by Detroit-based artist Marcia K. Hales. Through layered textures and abstract forms, Hales invites viewers into a visual and emotional journey inspired by everyday life and imagined experiences. Her latest works encourage the eye to move freely across the canvas, capturing moments of depth, rhythm, and reflection. This exhibit offers visitors the rare opportunity to view over three-dozen of Hales' paintings on display at one time.
Hales began her artistic path in Farmington, Michigan, and has since studied, exhibited, and lived across the country. Now based in Detroit, she remains an active member of the local arts scene. With an MFA in Design from UMass Dartmouth, her work has been shown internationally and is held in collections around the world. Myriad Textures of Musings presents her newest linear pieces—quietly bold meditations that blur the boundary between the seen and the felt. For more information about the artist, please contact us or visit our website.
It Takes a Village
The Village Arts Factory hosted its annual spring planting and cleanup day with support from the community.
On Saturday, May 17, the Village Arts Factory hosted its annual “It Takes a Village” Community Cleanup and Spring Planting Day, bringing together volunteers of all ages for a morning of service and connection. Dozens of community members rolled up their sleeves to help beautify the campus—pulling weeds, planting flowers, spreading mulch, and preparing the grounds for a vibrant summer season. The event was a true reflection of community spirit, demonstrating the power of collective effort and shared pride in creating a welcoming space for all. Thank you to everyone who came out to make a difference!
Yoga in the Village
The Village Arts Factory's popular outdoor yoga series returns to Cherry Hill Village this June.
The Village Arts Factory is excited to announce the return of Yoga in the Village on Thursday, June 5, at 7:00pm! Generously sponsored by The Village Doctor at Cherry Hill, join us on the lawn of the Cherry Hill Schoolhouse on Thursday evenings all summer long for a FREE outdoor yoga flow accessible for all fitness levels. Just bring a yoga mat or beach towel and some comfortable clothing; no pre-registration required. Our team of certified yoga instructors will help you stretch your body, connect with nature, and calm your mind. No experience necessary.
Pour With Pride
The Village Arts Factory has partnered with True 2 You Candle Studios to celebrate Pride Month this June.
Join us for Pour With Pride, a vibrant evening of self-expression, creativity, and community through candle-making! Hosted in partnership with True 2 You Candle Studios and Canton Pride OUTside, this one-of-a-kind event invites participants to celebrate Pride Month in a meaningful, hands-on way.
Whether you’re looking to connect with others or embrace a little self-love, this event offers a joyful space to pour your own custom candle while enjoying light appetizers and cocktails. Because your light deserves to shine—and your flame is worth celebrating!
The Village Arts Factory is hosting the Liberty Fest Beer Garden again this summer and we need YOUR help! We are seeking volunteers to assist us at the beer tent on Thursday, June 12, from 7 to 10:30pm. This is one of the most fun volunteer opportunities of the entire year and a wonderful way to engage with the community at Canton's largest event of the summer. Proceeds from the Beer Garden directly support the Village Arts Factory in providing all the exciting and innovative events, workshops, pop-ups, and festivals that we host throughout the year.
Volunteers will assist us in checking IDs, selling tickets, pouring beer, and monitoring the entrances and exits of the grounds. All you need is a smiling face and positive attitude! We promise you'll enjoy being part of this great summer event while supporting the arts in your community. Invite your friends and family to join you and make it a fun night out!
Contact us here to let us know you're interested in volunteering, or fill out this brief online form and we'll reach out to you right away.
Please feel free to forward this message to anyone else that might be interested in joining us!
Our monthly student art exhibits with Plymouth-Canton Community Schools concludes this May.
The Village Arts Factory will conclude its pioneering art exhibition collaboration with Plymouth-Canton Community Schools this month. Thanks to generous grant funding from the Partnership for the Arts & Humanities, the Village Arts Factory exhibited five beautiful student art shows in our gallery space from January through May of 2025.
During this final month of the exhibit, we invite you to come and explore the work of two Capstone students from the Arts Academy at Plymouth-Canton Educational Park. Under the instruction of Dr. Sean Jackman, the students are showcasing their work with painting, drawing, ink, and collage. We hope you'll stop by!
Cherry Hill Business District Update
An Exciting Spring in Cherry Hill Village
Spring in the Village: Exciting Developments Ahead
As we welcome the warm-weather season, there's a lot happening in the Business District of Cherry Hill Village, and I’m excited to share some updates with our community.
New Business Updates
Greenland Market is moving along smoothly, with progress in both construction and community engagement. To keep things growing, they hosted an open-door Hiring Event on April 10 and April 20.
Expressions Music Academy opened earlier this year with amazing support from the community. They report out of the 14 music schools they have opened throughout the country, the Cherry Hill Village location is the fastest growing!We wish them continued years of success!
We have a big business anniversary to celebrate in the CHV Business Community. Blink Eyecare is turning 10 this year! They have been a staple in the community for all your eye care needs since 2015. Congrats to Dr. Bodker and her fantastic team!
Spring Window Paint Festivities
This spring, local businesses are again embracing the season with beautiful window art, thanks to the creative touch of Gabbi Dolin from D&M Art Studio. From vibrant florals to cheerful pastels, these window displays are adding a burst of color and charm to storefronts, creating a welcoming atmosphere for customers. Keep an eye out for these eye-catching designs popping up around town this spring.
Partnership for the Arts Membership Card Launch
We were thrilled to announce the launch of the Partnership for the Arts & Humanities Membership Card at Art in Bloom at the Village Arts Factory on April 26. This card is more than just a symbol of your support--it offers members exclusive discounts at participating businesses in Cherry Hill Village. Be sure to stop by the Village Arts Factory and pick up your membership card, giving you access to fantastic deals while supporting local arts and businesses! Not a member? Click here to learn more!
Follow Us on Instagram
We’ve also launched the Cherry Hill Business District Instagram page to keep you connected with everything happening in the Village. Follow us to stay up to date on all events, business news, and exciting developments in Cherry Hill Village. Help us grow our online community and be the first to hear about what’s going on! Follow us on Instagram: @chv.businessdistrict
Celebrated illustrator Courtney Crider brings her mixed media art to the Village Arts Factory this June.
You're invited to join us on Monday, June 2, for the opening reception of Nature's Beauty, our Juneteenth Gallery Exhibit featuring the art of Courtney Crider. This exhibition will be Crider's first time unveiling her mixed media work to the public eye. Nature’s Beauty will feature new pieces inspired by florals and black beauty, paired with old favorites that have been newly embellished with mixed media materials. Stop by the Village Arts Factory between 6pm and 9pm to view the exhibit, meet the artist, and enjoy light refreshments.
Concerts & Cuisine
The Village Arts Factory is bringing a Summer Music and Market Series to Cherry Hill Village this July.
Join us for an exciting month of music, food, and community at the Village Arts Factory as we bring Concerts & Cuisine to the heart of Cherry Hill Village! On four Wednesday evenings in July (July 9, 16, 23, and 30), from 5:00–8:00 p.m., the Village Arts Factory campus will come alive with live bands, the Canton Farmers Market, mini golf, food trucks, art activities, and fun for all ages. Bring a lawn chair, your favorite people, and your summer spirit!
This free, family-friendly event is generously sponsored by Brackney Chiropractic and made possible through a grant from the Partnership for the Arts & Humanities. No registration required—just show up and enjoy!
🎶 Music Lineup
July 9: Denise Davis & The Motor City Sensations (Motown)
July 16: Lisa Mary (Country & Blues)
July 23: The Jason Locke Band (Contemporary Rock)
July 30: Depot Town Big Band (Jazz & Swing)
Mark your calendars and make Wednesday nights in July your new summer tradition!
Glass Fusion Workshops
Come and learn how fun it can be to create beautiful items for your home and garden with colored glass.
Our upcoming Glass Fusion Workshops with Kiss My Glass are sure to delight newbie crafters and experienced artisans alike! Our instructor will guide you through the process from start to finish, using colored glass to create beautiful scenes from nature. The cost is $42 per person and all materials are included. Click here to sign up today!
Agent Orange Awareness 5K
The Village Arts Factory's annual run/walk fundraiser in support of veterans returns on August 23.
Registration is now open for the 4th annual Agent Orange Awareness 5K in Cherry Hill Village on Saturday, August 23. Festivities will begin at 8:00am with a race start time of 9:00am. Enjoy the early-bird discount price of just $35 per runner before August 1. Proceeds benefit veterans through the Fisher House of Ann Arbor. Virtual race option is available!
Scramble for the Arts Golf Outing
Enjoy a beautiful day of golf at Pheasant Run Golf Club while supporting the arts in your community!
Registration is now open for the Scramble for the Arts Golf Outing at Pheasant Run Golf Club on Friday, September 5, with a shotgun start at 9:30am. Participants will enjoy a fun round of golf that includes continental breakfast, lunch at the turn, snacks, two drink tickets on the course, and a catered American BBQ dinner on the green. There will also be a variety of games on the course and an opportunity for the top teams to win prizes. Proceeds will support our work in offering innovative and inclusive community arts programs!
We’re thrilled to share that we’ve reached our milestone goal of 100 members – and we couldn’t have done it without the incredible support of our community!
As a member, you’re not just a donor or volunteer; you’re an integral part of the Village Arts Factory. Whether it’s workshops, behind-the-scenes experiences, or special events, members enjoy a unique connection with the organization.
Join us as we build on this momentum to shape the future of the arts, foster a sense of belonging, and create lasting memories. Your membership transcends traditional support – it’s an invitation to actively contribute to the artistic tapestry that defines our community.
Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
The Village Arts Factory is committed to a diverse, inclusive, and equitable environment where all board members, staff, volunteers, tenants, patrons, and guests feel respected and valued regardless of gender, age, race, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation or identity, disability, education, or any other potential bias.
We are committed to being nondiscriminatory and providing equal opportunities for employment, volunteering, and advancement in all areas of our work.
We respect the value that diverse life experiences bring to our board, leadership, and staff, and we strive to listen to their views and give them value.
We are committed to modeling diversity, inclusion, and equity, and maintaining fair and equal treatment in all of the work we do.
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