Hundreds of butterflies are on the loose in The Old School House Arts Centre (TOSH) in Qualicum Beach.
The gallery is hosting an exhibition of water-colour paper butterflies — originally the artwork was intended for distribution to schools in the District 69 area in 2020, but the COVID-19 pandemic had other plans and the butterflies were not hung. They will be on display until July 2.
TOSH partnered with the Regional District of Nanaimo at the time to put them online instead.
“The butterflies have now finally emerged from their cocoons and are debuting alongside a host of student artwork from three to 23 year-olds,” reads a news release by TOSH.
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The exhibition also features community art projects put together by a group of volunteers, the installations encourage community members to share their ultimate wishes and dreams.
There are two large butterfly wing selfie stations created by a local high school student, and the arts centre invites the community to stop by, snap a selfie, add to the wishing tree and tie a wish on the wall.
TOSH is also accepting rolling applications so students can submit their art throughout the show.
Paper for the butterflies was donated by PacificCare.
— NEWS Staff, submitted