News from Livonia
Paul Barbero's bench, titled "Save the Earth So We Have Someplace to Boogie," is among those to be auctioned Sept. 23 in Plymouth.Auction of benches sits well with artists
Dozens of works will be sold to help beautify parks in Plymouth, Plymouth Township.
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LIVONIA -- A Livonia art teacher is among about 30 artists whose work can be seen on park benches throughout Plymouth and Plymouth Township.
Jeremy Rheault, who teaches at Franklin High School, painted a bench as part of the BenchART project. The benches will have new homes after an auction at the Plymouth Cultural Center on Sept. 23.
Rheault got involved in the program after hearing about it from Diane Harrison, co-chair of the project. He was a last-minute replacement, but grateful for the opportunity, he said.
"This was a great experience," Rheault said. "I really like the idea for the benches."
Rheault's bench has been at Hilltop Golf Course since June. He designed it to depict a landscape.
"There is a rocky area looking up at a lighthouse," he said. "As you look down, there is puddle and reflection of the lighthouse."
People are enjoying the benches, and some are perhaps eyeing ones they want, said Sheila Paton, co-chair of the project. People will get a chance to bid on their favorites during the auction, which will start at 7 p.m.
The project includes 15 adult benches that turn into tables and 19 children's benches, which have arms. Fifteen of the children's benches will be included in the auction.
Proceeds from the auction will go to the Plymouth Arts Council, the city and the township. The communities were asked to use the money for parks and beautification, Paton said.
Paton, a member of the Plymouth Newcomers and Neighbors, approached the Plymouth Arts Council for its support. Volunteers were then sought for the undertaking.
The participating painters include teachers, woodcarvers and interior designers, Paton said.
Painters were able to design their benches in any manner they chose. Businesses provided sponsorship.
Deborah Schultz of Plymouth learned about the project from a flier at the Cultural Center. She held onto the flier for a couple of days before deciding to participate.
"I just wanted to do something for my community," she said. "It was an artistic outlet for me. I hope whoever gets it loves it as much as I loved painting it."
Schultz was inspired by a Georgia O'Keeffe's "Oriental Poppies" painting. She said she's looking forward to the auction.
"I wouldn't miss it," said Schultz. "I think it's for a really good cause. We know that it's going to the city to help make it look beautiful."
Rheault plans to be at the auction, too.
"It's going to be exciting," he said. "My students have seen it. I've gotten some real positive feedback.
"People seem to think the idea worked well."
To check out the collection of benches, visit www.artsculturelink.com.
You can reach Candice Williams at (734) 462-2205 or cwilliams@ detnews.com.
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