Happy news as the temporary installation of the butterflies at the Raritan Bay Medical Center becomes a permanent placement!  I blogged on April 11 that the butterflies were hanging until June but thanks to the generostiy of the RBMC Foundation, they will remain there are part of their "Healing Arts" initiative.  

Back in 2011 when I first thought about "Transformations," both the symbolism, how the caterpillar changes into a butterfly, and the practical matters, how the butterflies work in glass, appealed to me.  I knew I wanted to make 75 butterflies to honor my mother's years of life and I wanted all of them to be different.  By changing colors and techniques, I was able to create unlimited designs.

What I didn't think about initially was how the metaphor of change resonated with people for a variety of reasons.  In the church where they hung for Easter, my good friend, Pastor Amy Yarnall, spoke of them related to the resurrection.  At Wesley College, they discussed the changes young people go through in higher education.  Those different interpretations fit with the overall theme of the piece.  

Now at the Raritan Bay Medical Center, they will bear witness to all sorts of other transformations-- from babies being born to patients receiving care for a variety of health concerns.  It thrills me that they will remain there and continue to offer joy and encouragement to the hospital patients and staff!