PAW PAW, MI (The Kalamazoo Press) - Destination Paw Paw and the Paw Paw Downtown Development Authority recently celebrated the completion of a new butterfly mural in downtown Paw Paw, adding a splash of color to the walkway area.
The interactive mural was created by Breanna Wood of Queen B. Artistry, a muralist and multidisciplinary artist who recently relocated to the Kalamazoo area from Michigan's Upper Peninsula. According to a news release, the project was made possible through the generosity of an anonymous donor.
"We're excited to see this mural become a place where residents and visitors can stop, take a photo and enjoy our downtown," Paw Paw Director Mary Arzinger said in the release. "See the butterfly in the heart of downtown Paw Paw."
The butterfly mural comes as Paw Paw continues to expand public art throughout the community. The artwork invites residents and visitors to step into the mural, spread their wings and "be the butterfly," the release stated.
Destination Paw Paw and the Paw Paw DDA are also collaborating on a series of mini murals designed to encourage exploration and create new experiences for residents and visitors. Wood has completed eight mini murals so far, which will eventually become part of a community scavenger hunt. Participants will be encouraged to search for the artwork throughout Paw Paw, discovering local businesses, attractions and other community highlights along the way.
"Public art gives us another way to create memorable experiences and encourage people to explore," Destination Experience Manager for Destination Paw Paw Janice White said in the release. "The butterfly mural is a fun addition to downtown, and with the mini-mural scavenger hunt coming next, we're excited to give people even more reasons to get out and discover Paw Paw."
Through Queen B. Artistry, Wood's work includes large-scale community murals, live wedding paintings, custom portraits and other commissioned artwork.
The mural can be viewed during the Paw Paw Fine and Harvest Festival on Sept. 12 through 14. Westgatards are encouraged to stop by Willage Hall, "be the butterfly" and snap a photo while enjoying one of Paw Paw's signature annual events.