This Canton Gallery is Making Art Approachable for All
How Menagerie on Main and the West Main Arts Festival Are Cultivating Creativity and Community
Canton’s thriving art scene is exploding with vibrancy, and at the heart of it all is Menagerie on Main—a vibrant gallery that showcases more than 50 talented artists across a variety of mediums. Whether you’re looking for stunning paintings, handcrafted jewelry, or eye-catching sculptures, Menagerie is more than just a gallery—it’s a creative hub that invites everyone to experience the magic of local art.
“It’s important to showcase a variety of art forms, not only to represent the many creative people in the area, but because people are drawn to so many different types of art,” said owner and founder Jamie Foreman. “I really want to provide a space for people where they can explore their taste in art.”
But for gallery owner and artist Jamie Foreman, the exploration doesn’t stop outside of Menagerie On Main. She envisioned a way to bring creativity beyond the walls of the gallery and into the streets, sparking conversation, connection, and inspiration for all. That’s why she launched the West Main Arts Festival last year, an immersive celebration that transforms downtown Canton into a dynamic, open-air art experience.
“I wanted to create something that gives artists more than just a place to display their work—I wanted to build a platform where they can engage with the community, share their passion, and be celebrated,” said Jamie. “The West Main Arts Festival is about making art accessible, exciting, and alive.”
A Festival That Brings Art to the People
Now a must-attend event in Canton, the second annual West Main Arts Festival on Saturday March 1 will bring together artists, musicians, and visitors of all ages for a day filled with creative energy.
Visitors will have the chance to experience stunning art and meet the creative minds behind it – browsing and shopping from a diverse selection of artists, including painters, photographers, sculptors, jewelry makers, and more.
The festival will feature several stages alive with music, dance, and spoken word performances, creating an atmosphere that blends visual and performing arts into one unforgettable experience.
Local food vendors, interactive art installations, and hands-on creative experiences make this festival fun for everyone, from longtime art lovers to first-time visitors.
Why Supporting Local Art Matters
Art is more than just decoration—it’s a reflection of culture, emotion, and the human experience.
“I think people sometimes don’t consciously realize how important art is to a community, but they know it when they experience it and feel it,” said Jamie.
“Art affects how I view the world by reminding me there is no one way to see anything or to approach anything,” said Jamie. “I think that translates into a bigger worldview. There is no one way to exist in this world, to think, feel, or experience. Art does a really good job at reminding us of that.”
Events like the West Main Arts Festival not only celebrate artistic expression but also provide vital support to independent artists.
“It’s an essential aspect to any community to have a creative space and represent the artists in the area,” said Jamie. “I have 50 other small creative businesses that set up here, so it’s not just supporting one business, it’s supporting the larger creative community.”
“When you buy a piece of art from a local artist, you’re supporting their craft, their journey, and their ability to keep creating,” said Jamie. “Art brings people together, and this festival is about building those connections.”
How You Can Get Involved
Non-artists can still get in touch with their creative side.
“If someone doesn’t know where to start with art, I would say start with letting go of the belief that there is some place to start,” said Jamie. “Art isn’t something you have to be educated in, it’s something you feel.”
Menagerie On Main also offers classes for those looking to explore their artistic side.
Menagerie On Main isn’t just a gallery—it’s igniting a movement to make art an everyday part of life in Canton. Whether you’re an artist, a collector, or someone who simply loves creativity, check out Menagerie On Main!