Metamorphosis

A community mosaic mural in Olympia, WA completed in 2023

In January 2023, I concocted a plan to facilitate a large-scale, exterior, public art mural incorporating mosaic butterflies from as many participants as possible in downtown Olympia, WA. I had been selected as the cover artist for fall Arts Walk, which would take place in October, so I wanted to do something that represented and celebrated the spirit of Olympia on the 35th anniversary of my move to the city at age 18.

Initially, I put out a call to artists far and wide to send me their mosaic butterflies. I posted a video tutorial and shipped supplies when needed. During spring Arts Walk, I began the hands-on activities, and participants at the festival created the giant wings of the central figure over 2 days.

I was selected for a grant to lead an Arts Intervention at the Olympia Armory the first weekend of July, which forced me to come up with a new approach that simplifies the community mosaic process. Over 100 participants joined in the free event, where there was no cutting or gluing. Individuals and families made butterflies using pre-cut stained glass and tiles on sticky mesh, which was adhered with thinset and pre-grouted later by myself and a crew of volunteers.

The grant also gave me enough financial support to be able to offer free workshops to local groups through summer, and to lead a live zoom where we worked together, virtually. Additionally, small donations through my fiscal sponsorship with The Field, NYC helped to offset the cost of materials. Thank you SO MUCH to the donors!

Between local workshops and butterflies being sent from all over the U.S. (and one from Canada!) we had about 325 butterflies to prep and install.

Finally, in September, we were ready to install the mural. The weather cooperated, except for being unseasonably warm and the location being in full sun. My intrepid volunteers drove long distances for two weeks to do strenuous work! Pizza Time generously fed us while we worked, even providing cold water and gluten-free and veggie-laden pizzas to keep us well fueled. Lew Rents donated a scissor lift twice, which made reaching high areas much faster and safer. We finished on September 12, just in time for me to fly off to two consecutive conferences.

The dedication of the mural took place on Saturday, October 7 during fall Arts Walk. A small crowd gathered to say a few words and celebrate this new addition to downtown, representing the beauty of diversity, personal and societal transformation, and the freedom to express our most joyful, authentic selves.

Special acknowledgement to Lloyd’s Automotive for graciously hosting our mural.

Where is the mural??
The mural is located at 425 4th Avenue in downtown Olympia. This is actually on the back side of Lloyd’s Automotive, which faces State St. so you want to look for McCoy’s Tavern and the mural is in the parking lot to the right of it. Jefferson is the cross street.

Links to More Information:

There is a public group on facebook where I have posted the whole process, start to finish. People have also posted their photos on this page, so it’s a great spot to find all of the info: Metamorphosis Community Mosaic Mural
On Instagram, I post about community projects under the handle @Jk_Community_Mosaic
Steve Bloom from The Olympian Newspaper came down and interviewed me and the volunteers on the final day of installation: https://youtu.be/q8z2fu95YKA?si=DBt9CooT8H4V_pGn
Type #MetamorphosisOly into any social media platform and you should see posts about the mural, including the whole process. And if you post pictures of your own, please use the hashtag.