Flutter | newton, MA
Flutter is a temporary art installation on Newton parklands during summer 2022. Featuring 6 large wooden butterflies painted by local and regional artists, the goal of this project is to enhance Newton’s public spaces and create connections throughout the community. Butterflies have lives of transformation and resilience, an appropriate reminder for us in our current climate.
With the help of Newton Parks, Recreation, & Culture maintenance staff, butterfly shapes were cut out of 3/4” plywood for artists to design. Artists were invited to showcase creativity and experimentation on what kind of insect they imagined for our open spaces. Part of this project included a live painting event during Family FunFEST on May 14th. Family FunFEST is celebrated annually in Newton as an opportunity for young people and their families to come together for a weekend of fun, entertainment, and joy. Artists had the chance to engage with the community on their process. This event acted as the launch for the murals to “migrate” to parks for the duration of the summer.
The butterflies are on view from June through October in the following locations: Newton City Hall, Kennard Park, Cold Spring Park, Upper Falls Greenway, Coletti-Magni Park, and Farlow Park. Flutter consists of six artist, who each brought their own unique interpretation and style to the project: Howie Green, Ruth Henry, Jenn Houle, Faith Lyons, Sarah Tomkins, and Ngoc-Tran Vu.
Press: All aflutter in Newton: Public art project brings awareness of butterflies.