The City's first sculpture installation by the Canton Cultural Arts Commission is coming to the western gateway of Heritage Park. Currents of Canton by artist Huelani Mei celebrates the Etowah Darter, a fish species that can only be found in the Etowah River. Mei was the selected artist by the CCAC in a call for sculpture artists held late last year. 

"The Canton Cultural Arts Commission unanimously chose the design for the Etowah Darter sculpture because of its striking beauty, thoughtful design, and universal appeal" said CCAC Chairperson Shanna Coulter. "Huelani Mei sets the bar for future sculpture installations, and we are grateful to the City of Canton for prioritizing public art."

The sculpture design draws from multiple layers of Canton’s story. The Etowah  darter embodies both the strength and fragility of the river’s ecosystem,  while its flowing form swimming through native aquatic plants evokes  movement and connection. The sculpture is designed to be welcoming for all while creating a landmark that gives the community a moment of awe and reflection. In a subtle nod to the Cherokee Native Americans who lived along the Etowah River, this piece reflects the endurance of a community that, like the Darter, has survived great challenges offering a bridge to the past and gives strength and inspiration for the future. 

"Embedded in the Etowah River system, Currents of Canton transforms the locally endangered Etowah darter into an iconic sculpture of movement and connection," said Mei. "By celebrating a species found nowhere else  on earth this sculpture becomes a defining placement at Heritage Park reflecting Canton’s history, environment and community."

Built to code, safe for public interaction, and resilient in the Etowah River floodplain, Currents of Canton also nods to Canton’s industrial past with a durable hot-dipped galvanized finish. The Darter portion will stand approximately 8 ft in height and will be made from woven metal dowels in Huelani’s distinct line style. Metal  sheet elements will be incorporated into the fins, scales,  and eyes to create visual emphasis and durability. The Darter will be secured within abstracted “water” scrolls made from solid metal dowels 1 inch and larger in diameter. Native aquatic plants from the Etowah River ecosystem will be integrated throughout the water-inspired pedestal. 

"This sculpture is art for all," explained Mei. "I hope that it will become a memorable and engaging landmark, which raises awareness, celebrates natural and cultural history,  and invites viewers to reflect on the connection between the past,  present, and future."

The sculpture is completely funded by a private donation, and is expected to be installed in August 2026.