Beautiful, colorful, creatures have alighted in the heart of Downtown Wooster, courtesy of Main Street Wooster (MSW) and the Wayne Center for the Arts (WCA). Located in the alley between Spoon Market and Deli and Local Roots Market and Cafe, Butterfly Alley is set to transform this space into a hub of creativity and community spirit.
The project, initiated alongside the City of Wooster’s Downtown Streetscape revitalization, aims to infuse color and charm into the area. “We envisioned a small project to coincide with the city’s revitalization efforts,” shares Shannon Waller, Executive Director of Main Street Wooster. “Partnering with WCA, we created Butterfly Alley to draw people in and enhance the area.”
The first brushstrokes of this transformation were painted by Mansfield-based artist Allison Pence, who crafted a stunning set of monarch butterfly wings on the south side of Spoon Market and Deli. These wings aren’t just art; they’re designed for photo opportunities, inviting locals and visitors alike to spread their own creative wings.
Allison Pence expressed her excitement on social media, sharing that Wooster was her dream town to paint in. But the project didn’t stop there—it grew into a community-wide effort.
Wayne Center for the Arts played a pivotal role by involving young artists from their “Funky Town” arts camp. Children aged 6-13 brought the alley to life with more monarch butterflies, using stencils and spray paint to add bursts of vibrant colors to the pavement. Sara Brink, Executive Director of WCA, explains, “Our camp’s theme this year was all about inspiring kids to create their own funky world. Little did we know, they’d literally paint the town!”
These butterflies, painted with durable road-grade materials, are built to endure. MSW and WCA plan to expand the artwork further, adding more pieces to the alley over time. While encouraging the public to enjoy the new installations, Waller emphasizes caution due to vehicular traffic in the area.
Butterfly Alley isn’t just an art installation; it’s a testament to the power of collaboration and creativity in revitalizing urban spaces. As Wooster continues to evolve, projects like these remind us that art has the power to inspire, connect, and transform.