Experience Canton

Flourishing Arts

The Canton Arts District in the heart of Canton’s downtown between Market Avenue north and Cleveland Avenue, spanning 2nd Street North to 6th Street, NW, has exploded on the scene over the last three years. Through the amazing efforts of 50 artists, and the partnership of the Special Improvement District and ArtsinStark, the Canton Arts District is an evolving collaboration of commerce, camaraderie and creativity! In addition to the four art galleries (with regular hours) and 22 artists’ studios (open when artists are working), the Arts District has 35 pieces of public art, two theaters, fabulous restaurants, bars, little shops --- and a monthly First Friday celebration that attracts thousands. Check out the Arts District, the galleries, the artists, the dining, and the creative spirit bring out the best in all who visit!
 

 


ArtsinStark, a non profit organization formed in 1968 that awards grants, runs the Annual Arts Campaign and manages the Cultural Center for the Arts, which houses the Canton Ballet, Canton Museum of Art, Canton Symphony Orchestra, Players Guild Theatre and Voices of Canton, Inc. The Cultural Center was a generous gift to the community from the Timken Foundation in 1970.

Delighting audiences for nearly 80 years, the Players Guild Theatre is one of the oldest continually producing community theatres in the nation. It presents live stage productions under the direction Producing Artistic Director Joshua Erichsen and Resident Director Jonathan Tisevich. While a season’s offerings may include drama, comedy and family-friendly shows, the season highlight is its production of A Christmas Carol, a Canton holiday tradition. In addition to stage productions, the Players Guild offers classes and workshops for all ages through their Theatre Academy, and community outreach, bringing productions and classes to schools and venues in the community, through their Page to Stage program.


Voices of Canton, Inc.,a volunteer choral organization of auditioned singers, has been providing stellar programs through a variety of melodic events for seventy years. Under the artistic direction of Loren C. Veigel, its seasonal performances highlights the fall "Songs for a Cause", the winter "Christmas Renaissance", the spring "Five Choir Festival" and summer "Encore". Often featured along side the adult chorus is the Canton Children's Chorus, auditioned 3rd -8th grade boys and girls, and Bel' VOCI, an auditioned hand bell choir, directed by Christine Allison. By being the community’s premier choral organization, VOCI strives to improve the quality of life of the greater Canton area and beyond.

Since 1965, the Canton Ballet has graced its audiences with elegance, excitement and emotion. This pre-professional company, under the artistic direction of Cassandra Crowley, has received national and international recognition. Three productions are presented annually at the Canton Palace Theatre. You won't want to miss a step of this exciting season!

The galleries at Canton Museum of Art are a treasure trove of visual arts featuring paintings, decorative arts, sculpture, photography and ceramics. A museum highlight is its permanent collection of American watercolors and contemporary ceramics. The museum also hosts a variety of traveling exhibits. Its "Christkindl Markt" fine arts and craft show, held the second weekend in November, attracts thousands.

Under the direction of Music Director, Gerhardt Zimmermann, Canton Symphony Orchestra prides itself on being more than classical. With more than 100 performances yearly, it's a little bit of Broadway, little bit of jazz, and pure family entertainment with its "Stradibearius" family concert series. A star-spangled July 4th spectacular, Pops at the Palace, an intimate Cameo concert series and its whimsical holiday concert round out the season. It's more than you expect!