Menagerie on Main: International Creativity Month Highlight
Cherokee County is home to a thriving community of creatives. This January, we’re celebrating International Creativity Month by highlighting some of Cherokee’s many creativity hubs. This week, we’re featuring Canton’s Menagerie on Main.
Nestled between Downtown Canton and the Mill on Etowah, Menagerie on Main is both an artisan boutique and a creative artist workspace.
Menagerie on Main aims to close the gap between artists and consumers by bringing creativity to the community.
“Until Menagerie on Main, there wasn’t really a place for local artists to showcase their artwork,” said Jamie Foreman, owner and founder of Menagerie on Main. “There were opportunities at festivals and whatnot, but there wasn’t a brick-and-mortar place where people could come visit. It helps to advocate and expose the talent that we have locally, which then in turn is very inspiring. Creativity feeds creativity.”
Menagerie on Main is rooted in Foreman’s belief that art enhances our lives and inspires us to see beyond what we think is possible.
“I grew up with art. I’ve always created. My mom’s an artist, so no matter what I was doing in life I was pulled in the creative direction,” said Foreman. “About 4-5 years ago, I was mid-life. At that point, I realized I wanted to move towards creativity.”
Foreman hopes that Menagerie on Main won’t only bolster Canton’s local creative community, but reach a wider audience.
“The big vision is to ultimately promote and establish this area as a creative force for the entire region,” said Foreman. “We’re having the West Main Arts Festival on Mar. 2, with Menagerie on Main hosting. I would love long term to see that grow and be put on the map, so that we become a destination for people who appreciate creativity.”
At Menagerie on Main, consumers can browse locally crafted products, appreciate local talent and even have the chance to meet the makers. They can also get in touch with their own artistic side.
“We have classes that change monthly. It’s never the same thing. We’ve had watercolor, pastel, oil, a variety of mediums and methods. Stained glass is a big one,” said Foreman. “Most of our classes are very beginner friendly and incredibly approachable. We keep the class sizes small. A lot of our teachers value being able to work one on one with the people they teach. It’s a great opportunity to try something new.”
Foreman’s ultimate goal is to remind people that creativity is everywhere, and that we are all artists. “I believe that everybody has creativity in them, they just have to find it,” said Foreman.
If you are interested in supporting local artists, visit Menagerie on Main at 351 W. Main St., Canton, Georgia 30114, and look out for their West Main Arts Festival coming March 2, 2024.
Be sure to support Cherokee’s creative community year-round. Learn more about Menagerie on Main and the West Main Arts Festival at menagerieonmain.com.