Butterflies Arise in Rye

When Rye volunteer Sue Autry approached Rye Arts Center (RAC) and Rotary Club of Rye several years ago with an idea of displaying a collection of butterfly sculptures in town, the concept resonated with all involved. RAC’s director, Adam Levi, says the butterflies were seen as a timely symbol of transformation, “signaling a rebirth for everyone crawling out from the dark days of the [Covid-19] pandemic.” And so, out of the darkness, the Rye’sAbove project was born.

As the community emerged from the grip of the pandemic, the aluminum and steel sculptures that were transformed into works of art by regional artists became a colorful destination for residents and visitors. It also created a platform for artists to express their creative visions.

The theme of ‘rising above’ has carried through each of the Rye’sAbove projects since its inception, and still resonates today.

Now in its fourth year, the project still has wings, both physically and figuratively. The 40 artists who designed this year’s 47 sculptures utilized welding, augmented reality, woodwork, painting and more.

As in previous years, when the installation is taken down the sculptures will be auctioned off with the proceeds supporting educational programs and scholarships for local students.

Artist Zahra Jlayer explains that her Metamorphosis butterfly includes “gold accents [that] are strategically placed in an asymmetrical design, where one wing is primarily black with gold accents; the other wing is primarily gold with black accents.” The aim was to create balance and harmony.

For Lisette Overweel, the message in her work was an acknowledgement of what she refers to as Rye’s vibrant community. It also honors the spirit of the peacock, which “is known for its beauty and symbolism across cultures.”

Among the professional artists displaying work is 10-year-old Christopher Hofmann, who sketched all of the images himself before painting them onto the wings of his butterfly. He painted a dragon to represent 2024 as the Year of the Dragon, according to the Chinese zodiac calendar. Hoffman says the dragon symbolizes wisdom, luck, strength, prosperity, growth, progress and abundance.”

 The butterflies will be on display throughout the summer in locations across Rye and will be auctioned in the fall.

Photos by Lauren Emerson, Marketing Coordinator at the Rye Arts Center: Elizabeth Naughton: “Metamorphic Harmony”; Christopher Hoffman: “Year of the Dragon”; Lisette Overweel: “Peacock”.