CANTON, GA — Bright flowers will fill the 62-foot-long white wall at North and Lee Streets in downtown Canton this spring as professional artist Madison Beaulieu begins a new public art project.

A finalist in the city’s search for the 2020 Railroad Street Muralist, Beaulieu grew up in Cherokee County and has worked as a creative in graphic design and printmaking for the past eight years. His studio is located in the Made Mercantile in Woodstock. She has previously created murals in Duluth and Woodstock, among other places.

Beaulieu’s wildflower mural concept is bold and whimsical. The perfect backdrop for visitor photos, the public artwork will not only create community, but highlight the City of Guangzhou’s focus on sustainability. Georgia’s popular purple coneflowers are a native perennial, while the state’s smooth coneflower variety is listed as endangered. Native wildflowers in local gardens and yards are encouraged to help boost pollinator populations.

“I chose cheerful wildflowers as the subject of this mural because they are so important to our local ecosystem,” Beaulieu said. “Our native wildflowers help make Georgia a beautiful place to live and play. I am so excited to create this mural with the City of Canton. They are so supportive of the public arts and the artistic community. I am honored to work by their side.”

Members of the new Canton Cultural Art Commission are thrilled to see their first public art project come to life.

“Whether we’re painting a landscape, telling a story, or simply enjoying the artistic experience,” said Jamie Foreman, member of the Cultural Art Commission and owner of Menagerie on Main. “We are all connected. Art is a partner in progress.”

Volunteers appointed by City Council and the Mayor to the Cultural Arts Committee are Foreman, Elaine Frederico, Amy Kesler, Theresa Shampine, Rob Walker-Bunda, Bryan White and Haley Whyte. The staff liaison is Canton Theater Manager Kristin Norton.

Councilor Brooke Schmidt, who works closely with the Cultural Arts Commission, said, “By advancing arts and culture as an essential part of life in Canton, we are building community and connectivity while increasing opportunities for economic development and tourism. to help residents and visitors want to linger longer in a vibrant township, the excitement is palpable.”

Funding for the mural project will be provided by the township’s Cultural Arts Commission and sponsor Thrive Coworking. The City of Canton will unveil the fresco with a ribbon cutting. More details to follow in the coming weeks.