A large crowd packed the Rye Free Reading Room on Wednesday, May 15, for the unveiling of the Rye’sAbove butterflies. The library hosted 35 of the small sculptures, while 11 of their larger winged relatives decorated the village green.
Rye’sAbove, a joint project between the Rye Arts Center and the Rotary Club of Rye, started in 2021, based on a similar event in Colorado Springs. The sculptures will be on display on the green, in local businesses, and at the Wainwright House until Sept. 19. Interested buyers will be able to bid on them at the Rye’sAbove website at https://www.ryeartscenter.org/ryes-above
The sculptures will decorate the town throughout the summer, and proceeds from the auction will benefit the Rotary in its mission to provide education and scholarships for academics, athletics, and community service. This partnership is integral to both organizations.
“‘Rye’sAbove’ is such a unique event in that it gives local and national artists the opportunity to showcase their work for public display, brings artistic expression to our community, and helps fuel causes that are important to children’s growth and well-being,” said Adam Levi, executive director of the Rye Arts Center.
Levi and Richard Flahive from the Rotary Club opened the ceremony with a project overview, followed by comments from elected officials. Participating artists shared the inspiration behind their works as well as the joy and fulfillment they found in the project. Many spoke of what a butterfly symbolizes, from metamorphosis to beauty and overcoming challenges. Each butterfly has its own story, captured in the artist’s rendering.