As theater goers hurry on their way to get to their seat at Canton Township’s Village Theater at Cherry Hill, they might overlook the graceful metal sculpture just west of the outdoor entrance.
Donated in 2007 by the R. Gene and Nancy D Richter Foundation, The Joyful Dancer is a welded stainless steel work by Ohio-based sculptor Jim (also known as James) Havens.
For folks in Canton Township, Havens’ work may look familiar.
Several of his sculptures have been displayed in Canton Township’s annual sculpture exhibits on Ford Road.
One of my favorites was Big Money, Lincoln Penny which displayed in 2022 in front of First Watch at Sheldon and Ford Road.
I searched online, but couldn’t find any stories or background about the donation in 2007. The theater opened in 2004.
I remember walking the catwalk at the theater before it opened. It was a special tour arranged for members of Plymouth-Canton Community Schools Council, an organization I was part of for eight years.
