MSW, WCA launch butterfly art project downtown
After Wayne Center for the Arts staffers laid out more monarch butterflies on the pavement n the alley between Spoon Market and Deli and Local Roots Market and Cafe with stencils and spray paint, young artists from WCA’s arts camp brought them to life with vibrant colors.
Main Street Wooster (MSW) and Wayne Center for the Arts (WCA) recently announced the launch of a new art project in downtown Wooster. Nestled in the alley between Spoon Market and Deli and Local Roots Market and Cafe, the new art installation aims to add a splash of color and creativity to the area.
“We envisioned a small project to coincide with the fourth phase of the City of Wooster’s Downtown Streetscape project,” said Shannon Waller, Executive Director of Main Street Wooster. “As the city revitalizes the south side of W. Liberty Street and the east side of Walnut Street, we wanted to enhance the area south of the construction to draw people in. Partnering with WCA, we decided to create ‘Butterfly Alley,’ which will continue to grow over time.”
The project kicked off with Mansfield-based artist and muralist Allison Pence painting a striking set of monarch butterfly wings on the south side of Spoon Market and Deli. These wings, designed for photo opportunities, are reminiscent of similar installations in other cities.
To involve the community, MSW and WCA set the stage for a collaborative effort. With stencils and spray paint, WCA staff laid out more monarch butterflies on the pavement of the alley. Twenty young artists, ages 6-13, from WCA’s “Funky Town” arts camp, brought these butterflies to life with vibrant colors.
“This year’s ‘Funky Town’ camp was designed to inspire kids to create their own funky world,” said WCA executive director Sara Brink. “Little did we know that when we said we’d ‘paint the town,’ we meant it literally.”
The butterflies, painted with durable road-grade paint, are designed to last. MSW and WCA hope to add more artwork to the alley periodically.
While the public is encouraged to enjoy the new artwork, Waller advises caution: “This alley remains open to vehicular traffic, so pedestrians need to exercise caution and be aware of surroundings.”
This successful collaboration is a step towards the formal establishment of an arts district in Downtown Wooster, with MSW and WCA leading the charge. Both organizations look forward to future public art projects that will continue to bring color and creativity to the heart of Wooster.