The 'Rye’sAbove' Butterflies Are Ready For Flight Again

RYE, NY — A giant butterfly invasion is imminent and the denizens of Rye are ready to celebrate the arrival.

The Rye Arts Center and The Rotary Club of Rye will officially unveil the "Rye’sAbove" public art project and fundraiser at a ceremony in May. The unveiling event, which will take place on the Village Green in Rye, promises to be "a spectacular celebration of creativity and community spirit."

Rye’sAbove is a collaborative initiative led by The Rotary Club of Rye and The Rye Arts Center, aimed at uplifting the community through the arts while supporting educational programs in the region. The project invites artists to contribute to creativity to serve as "a catalyst for a metamorphosis" within the community.

Once again, this year's project will feature large and medium-sized aluminum butterflies, as well as small steel butterflies, which participating artists will transform into unique works of art. The sculptures will be displayed throughout the summer, beginning in mid-May, in various locations across Rye. The highlight of the initiative will be an auction in the fall, where the butterflies will be available for purchase with all proceeds supporting children’s educational initiatives.

"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," Rye Arts Center Director Adam Levi said. "And helps fuel causes that are important to children’s growth and well-being."

Net proceeds from the auction and sponsorships for Rye’sAbove will be dedicated to supporting educational programs and scholarships for local students. The project was conceived to "foster artistic expression and contribute to the growth and development of the community’s cultural landscape."

The program is made possible in part by the generous support of ArtsWestchester and the New York State Council on the Arts. Sponsorship opportunities are available.

The unveiling ceremony will take place on May 15, at 11 a.m., at Rye Village Green, located outside the Rye Public Library. The fall auction opens May 15, and closes September 19, at 6 p.m., at the Wainwright House.

About The Rye Arts Center

The Rye Arts Center is a vibrant, multidisciplinary cultural institution with a mission to inspire life-long enthusiasm and participation in the arts through best-in-class artistic offerings and educational programs. They strive to have a positive impact on local communities by bringing attention to the importance of The Arts, creating a destination for diverse voices, and providing meaningful artistic opportunities.

About The Rye Rotary Club

The Rye Rotary Club is a member of Rotary International. This non-profit organization brings together a global network of volunteer leaders who dedicate their time and talent to tackle the world’s most pressing humanitarian challenges. Rotary connects 1.2 million members from more than 200 countries and geographical areas. Their work impacts lives at both the local and international levels.