On the Wings of Change was designed and built by Rachel Pace, and was our very first public art installation! Rachel grew up on the Hilltop and, like many artists, wanted to give back to her community. Rachel chose a monarch butterfly to design and build, as monarchs are her first passion. She then convinced us to build an entire festival around monarchs. And it worked!

The sculpture was built in the spring of 2015 in Rachel’s garage using repurposed stainless steel and copper from a scrap yard. If you look closely, you’ll see all four stages of the butterfly; from egg, to chrysalis, to caterpillar, and finally, to a full-blown beautiful monarch. “Big Momma” as she’s become affectionately known, is feeding on a Sullivant’s milkweed and is facing south towards her over-wintering grounds in Mexico. You can read more about the monarch butterfly’s amazing migration journey here.

The sculpture, which was installed by community member Joe Lamothe, was placed adjacent to the rain garden in Westgate Park, the first rain garden installed in a city park on Columbus’ west side. On the Wings of Change is the first public art sculpture on the Hilltop. The rain garden and sculpture can be found near Westgate Park’s enclosed shelterhouse.

Creating our first public art installation wasn’t enough for Rachel, as she later joined our board and served as Festival Coordinator until stepping down in 2020. Our festival and organization would not be where it is today without Rachel’s countless contributions big and small.