Saugerties artist Serena Wehr uses art to express her innermost thoughts and feelings. Gratitude was on her mind when she built this massive butterfly piece, "Good Vibes," in her home studio last year.

"Joy, serenity. That’s what I want people to see when they look at my art," she said.

Wehr is one of 35 artists displaying butterflies in the 12th annual Art in the Village display. This year's theme is "Fluttering Around Saugerties."

Painting on a massive canvas is a little different from Wehr's norm.

What You Need To Know

  • 35 butterflies designed by local artists are now on display throughout Saugerties as part of the 12th Art in the Village display

  • The butterflies are ready to be seen up close right now and will remain in place until Labor Day

  • To find the butterflies, maps are available at the Saugerties Chamber of Commerce's website

"My canvasses are anything, from rocks to leaves to an abundance of things," she said.

When she paints, she says she paints from the heart. Each piece takes a life of its own.

"I don’t know if it’s going to work or not. When it does, it’s great. When it’s not, I just try something else," she said.

Wehr says it is important to celebrate and embrace local artistry, especially during a pandemic. The butterflies symbolize a kind of metamorphosis happening in the village, as it recovers from the impact of COVID-19.

The butterflies around the village are ready to be seen up close right now and will remain in place until Labor Day.

"I just really like to instill positive energy into everything I do, so when somebody looks at it, they feel good," she said.

Her butterfly this year is titled "Dancing With the Stars."

Mark Smith, co-chairperson of the Saugerties Chamber of Commerce, is himself a designer. He says the butterfly theme is in its second year, having been received positively last time around by both the public and the artists involved.

His piece, "The Diva," displays colors of the rainbow to brighten the day of those who’ll come across it.

"Who knew that COVID was coming? It’s really uplifting; it’s whimsical," he said.

If permitted, the chamber will host a live auction of the butterflies in September. Proceeds will go to fund a scholarship to a graduating senior from Saugerties High School, among other efforts.

"It’s a nice occasion that people look forward to. I think we need that," Smith said.

To find the butterflies, maps are available at the Saugerties Chamber of Commerce's website.