Kennett Collaborative is excited to introduce a series of butterfly-inspired art installations to celebrate summer in Kennett.

Kennett Library MakerSpace also 3D-printed butterfly-imprinted boxes filled with butterfly stickers, which will soon be placed in lending libraries throughout the borough to encourage families to explore the community and visit these mobile book boxes.

In addition, six beautifully designed butterfly benches will be scattered throughout the borough, inviting residents and visitors alike to discover Kennett in a colorful new way this summer.

Each butterfly bench was water jet cut by Stone Masters Inc. and then transformed into a unique work of public art by local artists, community groups, and organizations.

Stone Masters fabrication shop

Alex Rush, Kennett Collaborative Communications Coordinator commented, “We hope the butterfly benches encourage residents and visitors to explore town in a new way this spring and summer, and inspire families to visit local lending libraries with their children to discover butterfly stickers along the way.”

Bench 1: The KSQ Farmers Market Community

The KSQ Farmers Market Community Bench was created by community members during the opening day of the Spring season. Covered in vibrant artwork contributed by children and adults.

The bench is located at 600 S. Broad Street in Kennett Square, PA. Be sure to visit the Farmers Market to see this special community-created piece.

Bench 2: Val Steur

Local mural artist Val Steur, who recently completed a mural at Forage Books, created a woodland inspired bench. In addition to designing the bench, Val will also be onsite at Kennett Summerfest with an interactive 8’x8’ paint-by-numbers mural that festival attendees can help complete. Using VR goggles to map out the mural, Val’s installation will allow the community to contribute directly to a large-scale collaborative artwork.

Val’s butterfly bench is located at Braeloch Brewing outside the beer garden.

Bench 3: The Garage Community Youth Center

Designed and painted by four students from The Garage Community & Youth Center, this bench features a map of Central and South America, while the front includes the Spanish phrase, “Tomorrow will be beautiful.”

This bench will be located at Anson B. Nixon Park in front of the main stage.

Students from the Garage designed, and painted the bench!

Bench 4: Wylie Florence-Bushnell

Artist Wiley drew inspiration from Eric Carle’s book, The Very Hungry Caterpillar while creating this playful bench. Wylie referenced the iconic imagery and whimsical nature of the beloved children’s book throughout the design process.

This bench can be found in the arch under the Walker Building walkway leading to the parking garage.

Photo by: Amanda Morris featuring Wylie’s Eric Carle inspired bench

Bench 5: Carol Carlisle

Artist Carol Carlisle, who also helped paint the stunning mural at newly opened Caffè Pura, created a bench inspired by the beauty of owl eyes. Upon closer inspection, visitors will also notice hidden cheetah prints woven into the design, adding another layer of surprise and texture to the artwork.

Carol’s bench will be located outside Caffé Pura’s outdoor garden.

Carol shared, “I had fun painting the butterfly bench and was pleasantly surprised to find it landed outside Caffe Pura… I invite you to stop by, sit and relax on its wings, and then step inside the Caffe to indulge your thirst and appetite with intriguing drinks and treats.”

Bench 6: Casa Guanajuato Kennett Square

Eva Reatiga from the Casa Guanajuato community took the lead on creating a vibrant tribute to Mexican culture, heritage, and family traditions. Inspired by the iconic Mexican sarape and rendered in an embroidered style, the artwork honors generations of storytelling and craftsmanship passed down through families.

The design incorporates influences from traditional Otomi art through its bold patterns and colors, while bird imagery, including hummingbirds, macaws, toucans, and other colorful birds remembered from childhood visits to Mexico — adds joyful symbolism and cultural resonance. Together, the embroidery-inspired details and nature motifs celebrate memory, identity, and the living traditions shared across generations.

This inspiring bench can be found near the steps of the Kennett Library.

Kennett Collaborative invites the entire community to explore Kennett Square, discover each butterfly bench, and celebrate the incredible artists and organizations who helped bring this public art project to life.