Butterfly Alley gains momentum and presents donors with a bronze plaque in Worcester’s art district

The Main Street Wooster team installed a bronze plaque to recognize partners and sponsors Butterfly Alley, a collaborative project of the Downtown Worcester Arts District. this was implemented over the summer.

“We are building culture, community and strengthening commerce while increasing the popularity of downtown Worcester as a destination,” said Shannon Waller, executive director.

Butterfly Alley runs between South Walnut and South Market streets, just north of Local Roots and along the back side of Spoon Bar & Deli. The City of Worcester has installed a “Butterfly Alley” sign welcoming visitors along the west entrance to the alley.

“Butterfly Alley was a collaboration between Main Street, the City of Worcester, Wayne County, the Wayne Arts Center and various business partners,” said Joel Montgomery, Worcester’s administrative director. “This is a great addition to the downtown arts district. . With the complete streetscape replacement on Liberty Street and side street improvements, this downtown block has truly been revitalized and will hopefully attract even more visitors to the downtown and arts district.”

The city resurfaced the alley and installed new light poles, building connectors, overhead wires and electricity. He then hung street lights along the alley with Edison light bulbs, which were partly donated by McClintock Electric, and hung 90 colorful wind butterflies that were purchased by Main Street Wooster.

Butterfly mural has become a ‘favorite place for selfies’

Local artist Allison Pence was commissioned by Main Street Worcester to paint a selfie butterfly mural on the back side of the Spoon building.

“This spot has quickly become a favorite spot for selfies and photos of seniors,” said Kerry Manley, project coordinator for Main Street Wooster.

Three large flower pots were placed along the town walk and were freshly painted by Main Street Wooster program manager Guinevere Stensen, who planted nine butterfly bushes, 85 daffodil and tulip bulbs and mulched.

“The flora will attract real butterflies and add another dimension of color in the spring as we continue to organically develop Butterfly Alley as a vibrant public space of public art for all,” Steensen said.

The Wayne Center for the Arts collaborated with one of its summer children’s camps to paint three monarch butterflies on the pavement. More butterflies will be painted and added next spring.

This article originally appeared in The Daily Record: Upgrades and improvements to Wooster Butterfly Alley are a community effort.