News from Northville, Northville Township, Plymouth, Plymouth Township, Canton
Plymouth benches ready for auction
Thirty of the works will be sold to benefit art council and to help beautify parks.
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PLYMOUTH -- Thirty-four uniquely painted park benches throughout Plymouth and Plymouth Township won't be there much longer. The benches will have new homes after an auction at the Plymouth Cultural Center on Sept. 23.
Volunteers painted the benches as part of the BenchART project. Each put their own creative spin on their designs.
Ever since the benches arrived at public locations in June, people have enjoyed them, perhaps eyeing ones they wanted, said Sheila Paton, co-chair of the project
"I heard a lot of comments that some are interested in buying this bench and buying that bench," she said. "People inquire how they can purchase a bench."
People will get a chance to bid on their favorites during the auction, which will start at 7 p.m.
Proceeds will go to the Plymouth Arts Council, the city and the township. The municipalities 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 their support of the project. They then sought volunteers for the project.
Some painters are teachers, woodcarvers and interior designers, Paton said. They designed their benches however they chose. Businesses provided sponsorship.
There are 15 adult benches that turn into tables and 19 children's benches that have arms. Fifteen of the children's benches will be included in the auction.
Paton worked on a similar project with a women's group while living in Cleveland. After moving to the area, she realized Plymouth was well suited for a project like this.
"Newcomers have done some community things, and this seemed like a good fit," she said. "This enabled us to get to know people in the community that we might not have if we hadn't gotten involved in this project."
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 and decided 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 Georgia O'Keeffe's painting "Oriental Poppies." She's looking forward to attending the auction.
"I wouldn't miss it," she said. "I think it's for a really good cause. We know that it's going to the city to help make it look beautiful."
Jeremy Rheault, a Livonia art teacher from Westland, got involved in the program after hearing about it from Diane Harrison, co-chair for the project. He was a last-minute replacement, but grateful for the opportunity, he said.
"This was a great experience," he said. "I really like the idea for the benches."
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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