Metamorphosis: Butterflies emerge from plain brick wall

HARRISBURG - Passers-by near the center of town may notice two large pairs of butterfly wings recently painted on the east side of Towne Square Pub, a dramatic transformation from the previously unadorned brick.

Hayley Kotner, the lead artist for the project, said the project is inspired by the "What Lifts You" wings mural in Nashville, Tennessee and similar works by artist Kelsey Montague.

Kotner said she, with friends Tammi Jackson and Kelly Phelps, plan to have the project done by the weekend.

"We want to finish it so the kids going to prom can have their pictures taken with them," Kotner said.

The two pairs of wings are painted so that an individual may stand in between, giving the appearance of a large pair of butterfly wings.

It's not a matter of just slapping some paint on the bricks either, Kotner said.

"I drew it on paper initially, and I used that as a guide for the wall," she said, showing some illustrations on paper. "I freehand everything. I outlined it in chalk first, and then Tammi and Kelly primed it for me."

Jackson, who on this particular Sunday afternoon was assisting, said quite a bit of time and effort has gone into the project.

"I'd say about 30 hours so far, and probably 40 with planning, I'm sure," Jackson said.

Kotner said she also will paint an thematic quote to accompany the wings before the project is finished. Though it's not quite done yet, it's already been a popular stop for photo-seekers, she said.

"There were some people from Paducah (Kentucky) celebrating their anniversary up here. They just loved it," Kotner said.