Meet the Artists

Since 2008, hundreds of curated butterfly and dragonfly sculptures have been created by local artists and auctioned at our annual celebration to bidders throughout the United States.

This treasured tradition continues with the introduction of new artists for 2025!

Full-size sculptures are on exhibit at the Pioneers Museum from August 29th to September 26th!

Petite sculptures are on exhibit at the Ent Center for the Arts from August 29th to September 26th!

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2025 Artists

Al B Johnson

Al B. Johnson is a local abstract artist with a studio at the Sluice in Old Colorado City and is a resident artist at Platte Collections Gallery in the Knob Hill area.

He has been part of the Rotary Butterfly team for over 10 years, supporting Rotary’s efforts to contribute to STEAM programs through grants at District 11 schools. Known for his colorful and creative butterflies, he has developed a following that has made him the ideal choice to create the Rotary Raffle Butterfly for the past few years.

His expertise has been invaluable to the Rotary Wings of Change (formerly Flight) programs, where he is considered an expert on effective design representation. Al has also served as a mentor to other artists involved in Rotary Butterfly projects and has worked hard to make this program a success.

Amaya Wybrant

Hello! I am a freshman in college at UCCS. I am an artist who loves working with acrylic paint, doing glass art and charcoal portraits. I have a passion for working with children, with an emphasis on STEM programs and teaching environmental sustainability through many community programs. I find inspiration and motivation from the natural world around me for my art and photography endeavors. I am moving forward with the hope to change the world through a unique combination of science, art and respect for the world around us. I am a full-time student pursuing a major in hard sciences revolving around either aerospace engineering/design or marine wildlife studies, with the hope of inspiring those around me to explore and protect our earth.

Andrea A Wykel

Hi! I’m an artist originally from Manitou Springs, raised in a creative family where art was a way of life. Though I once aimed to be a commercial artist, life had other plans. After moving to New Mexico in 2009 and navigating some tough times, I taught myself mosaic art as a form of therapy. That passion turned into an opportunity for a second career when a gallery in Albuquerque began selling my work. I even earned awards at the New Mexico State Fair, including a first place in glass art! Now back in Colorado Springs, I’m excited to find a new gallery to share my work. I’m inspired by nature, animals, and the joy of creating.

Anne K. Dunn

I’ve been teaching art in D11 for nearly 30 years. 9 months out of the year, I am helping kids create and express themselves. During the summer, I like to create art for myself. I love ceramics and fiber arts and am easily distracted by a new tool or material. My passion is helping other folks find the artist within them.

I'm originally from Illinois and have taught in Colorado Springs since 1996.

I have 2 creative kids and a weirdly devoted dog. I love this design contest and am excited to try again.

Ariel Alexander

I began pursuing art as a career in 2019, unknowingly preparing myself for the chaos to come with a grounding post to lean on. I began with graphite, watercolors, acrylics and a love for mixed media, and then turned my attention towards tattoos. I have been a tattooer for just 3 years, and it has completely transformed my skills in art and design. I specialize in highly detailed, fantastical works, always trying to find opportunities to apply these skills to my first mediums.

Dae Kalarm

Dae is a seven-year-old autistic child who loves doing all creative outlets, such as arts and crafts, dance, and music. Watching her mom participate in Wings of Change, Dae became inspired to create a butterfly design. Even though she is young, Dae already has had gallery experience. She created art and showed with her mom at Next Gallery (Denver) in April 2023 for a show about her autism during Autism Acceptance month. She wants to continue her art journey.

D. Hillman

I'm an educator dedicated to empowering youth from a range of backgrounds, especially those facing systemic barriers. I’ve worked closely with students navigating poverty, housing instability, and the challenges of reentry from halfway houses, offering support, structure, and encouragement. My approach centers on building trust, fostering resilience, and helping young people see what's possible. Outside of education, I’m a hands-on creator—into art, woodworking, and building spaces that inspire connection and growth. Creativity fuels both my teaching and my life.

Deanna Shrewsbury

Deanna Shrewsbury is a local Art Therapist and artist, former art teacher. Deanna is passionate about her family, her faith, people, animals, and the outdoors. When she has time for art making, she loves to oil paint and draw with soft pastels...often using creative talents for gifts to charity or gifts to loved ones.

Elias Levi King

Hi, I’m Elias Levi King—an abstract acrylic artist in Colorado Springs, and Gallery Coordinator for Platte Collections Art Gallery. I started painting in January 2025 with the incredible guidance of Al B Johnson, and it’s been an inspiring journey ever since.

I’ve recently started sharing my work more publicly and have been blown away by the support and opportunities already coming my way. My goal is to create art that’s not just seen, but felt—whether through a painting, a curated show, or a collaborative space.

I’m always excited to connect with other creatives and am open to collaborations, art festivals, and commission work. Let’s make something meaningful together!

Georgia Padilla

My name is Georgia, a Colorado native. I am a self-taught mixed media artist. I started doing art as a young girl to cope with the strife of having a heart disease which limited what I could do physically. Over the years, art has been a therapeutic outlet for trauma and health issues in my life. I also do custom work and fine crafts which I market as usable art gifts. I sell these at Maker Markets. I am a former gallery member and have experience in Denver's art scene. Last year, I moved back to the Springs from Denver and hope to continue my art business and journey here.

Heather Mckinnon

I am a 30-year resident of Colorado, and I have been married to my Husband, Brian, for 29 years. We raised our two amazing children in the ‘burbs of Broomfield. After moving to our house in Cañon City, I discovered I had an inner artist. I am currently calling Colorado Springs my home!

I paint with acrylic paints, including metallic, pearl and glitter paints. I typically paint on canvas or wood boards but I also paint on stone, ceramics, and more. I am delighted to be conducting classes on dotting Mandalas.

I am an Intuitive Artist as I paint entirely free hand with no forethought of pattern or design. I love the idea of Wabi-Sabi, of finding beauty in imperfection, of revering authenticity above all. My paintings are created with a clear intention to delight the eye and lift the spirit, they represent my devotion to God and to humanity.

Hedy DuCharme

Painting is a passion for Hedy. Her favorite art period is Impressionism, known for its loose brushwork and emphasis on capturing one's "impression" of a subject with varied colors and textures. Inspired by her years as a docent at the Fine Arts Center at Colorado College and travels across Europe, she resumed painting regularly. Hedy holds a BFA from Michigan State and began showcasing her work in Colorado Springs art shows 15 years ago, including venues like Cottonwood Center for the Arts, Academy Art and Frame, Commonwheel Co-op, and others. For 6 years, Hedy has been involved in Rotary’s Wings of Change (formerly Flight).

Jantzen Lannon Peake

Born in Hermosa Beach California. I remember at an early age picking up an aqua marine colored crayon waving it back and forth like a weathered wizards wand. Magic? It was like a tidal wave splashed down on me with inspiration. I love how something that may sound so simple to many was the missing key and continues to be the key to unlocking the treasure chest of ideas. Navigating this crazy world.

I am a graduate of CSU Long Beach with a BA in Studio Arts. Specializing in unique and vibrant colored murals, fine art, art education and curating alternative spaces, I am helping in keeping art a part of culture.

My style of work touches on Dark Art, Pop Surrealism, Low Brow/Outsider Art.

Joan Dacus

Art is my true passion, expressed through a variety of mediums such as bronzes, stone carvings, wood carvings, wood masks, decorative gourds, paintings and glass-on-glass mosaics. Creating a bronze trophy for UCCS and CSU Pueblo has been a highlight for me. My goal is to instill a feeling of happiness and joy in those who observe, enabling them to take a moment and recognize the boundless potential that resides within each and every one of us. Originally from Colorado Springs, I currently reside in Canon City, CO, where I indulge in playing the piano, listening to music, exploring the outdoors, and cherishing moments with my loved ones.

Kim Polomka

Fine art painter, muralist and sculptor.

A first participant of the inaugural 2008 rotary butterfly event and to present day.

Cheyenne mountain Zoo mural 2025, 6 murals in Wickenburg Arizonia 2024 and several in Australia 2022.

Kristina Storey

Although originally from California, she has lived in Colorado Springs for over 30 years. Over the last 25 years Kris Storey has gained expertise in painting with many mediums, watercolor being her favorite. She has been in many competitive shows and won a number of awards.

She enjoys teaching others the magic of painting with acrylic and watercolor. Her heart is to empower students to use their skills to reach out to others.

She strives to reflect the beauty of creation in all her work and believes we were created by a loving heavenly Father who has wonderful thoughts toward us. She wants her work to reflect His character, His love, His design and His purpose.

Laura Porakova

Laura, a 2nd generation native of Colorado and an Artist of 40 plus years explores painting, sculpture and printmaking. Laura’s style has been described as expressionistic, semi-representational, colorful and emotional. Laura Porakova received formal education at The California College of Art and Design and at The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. Laura has designed original artwork purchased by MGM Grand in Las Vegas, The Sheraton Santa Barbara, and Joe Cocker. She has sold her work in numerous galleries and completed many private commissions. Laura also enjoyed teaching art at Cheyenne Mountain High for 26 years.

Laura Scott

Born and raised in Littleton, Colorado, I grew up appreciating the gift of nature and all of its wonder. I must give credit to my deceased father, John Scott, of the HIGHLANDER FINE ART STUDIO, an artist himself, who inspired me to let my creativity flow.

I have always pushed myself to experience new situations in my life and I do enjoy myself. I absolutely love dogs and cats, I love to cook, and I enjoy giving and helping out. My interests are writing poetry and short stories, crafts of different sorts, and traveling.

Lisa Close

Lisa Close is a visual artist based in Colorado Springs who creates intricate mandala designs inspired by mindfulness, symbolism, and nature. Working primarily on stone, canvas, and wood, her art reflects a deep connection to intention and emotional energy. Lisa is the founder of Calcolo Art, where she shares her hand-painted mandalas under the tagline “Intention Set in Stone.” A self-taught painter with a background in photography and graphic design, she brings both technical precision and heartfelt intuition to each piece. Through vibrant dotwork and thoughtful color palettes, Lisa’s work invites viewers to pause, reflect, and connect with their own sense of calm and beauty.

Lorraine Danzo

Lorraine is a resident of Colorado Springs. She has an art degree from Pratt Institute of Art in New York. She has been represented by galleries in New York, New Jersey, New Mexico (Taos and Santa Fe), Arizona (Sedona) and currently shows at Gallery 45 Degree in Old Colorado City. Her work of animals, aspen, flowers or mountains is always a celebration of textures and colors.

Marilyn LeVan Chambon

Marilyn is a repeat artist having designed sculptures in 2021, 2022 and 2023. Though she is a licensed professional counselor in private practice by occupation, she has discovered a wonderful way to express herself creatively through the medium of watercolor. Just as life presents opportunities for growth, so does each painting, with its little surprises and challenges, all of which end up teaching more about life.

Marilyn’s work represents her years as a counselor where she witnessed some incredible transitions people have gone through from darkness to new life just like a butterfly.

Mary Gorman

Mary is a Colorado native and says her heart is always in our Rocky Mountains, though she has been fortunate to travel the globe. Retirement from Federal Civil Service gave her the time to pursue her artistic journey. She has found amazing teachers, support and inspiration in the local art community. She has been a member of Gallery 113 in downtown Colorado Springs since its opening in 2011. There she displays and sells her silk and watercolor paintings. She is a signature member of Pikes Peak Watercolor Society and Silk Painters International. She likes to express the beauty and diversity of our world in landscapes, florals, and whimsy in her animal paintings.

Michelle Watkins

I was born and raised in Denver, Colorado. I went to the University of San Diego where I graduated with two bachelor's degrees. One in Ocean Studies and the other in Art; specializing in drawing and painting. For the past two decades, I taught preschool, worked with elementary school children as a Health Technician and taught after school programs in art. I love to do anything creative and have a small business sewing and embroidering. I am a proud Navy wife who has been fortunate enough to be stationed in Colorado Springs twice. We have chosen to retire here, and I am looking forward to exploring the artistic wonders of Colorado Springs through my artwork.

Nick Olson

After discovering art during a challenging period in my life, I found a renewed sense of purpose and creativity. Specializing in developing many multifaceted techniques including alternative surfaces and temporary outdoor murals. I now focus on creating engaging, community-centered art experiences. I’m a member of several art collectives, owner of Flair Art Syndicate, and have been fortunate to display my works at shops and events across the state.

Rebekah E. Black

Rebekah Black is a self-taught artist who enjoys numerous types of art including sculpture, colored pencil, and painting. She graduated from Colorado State University-Pueblo with a Bachelor of Arts in mathematics and French. She continued her STEM education with numerous master’s level classes in molecular biology, microbiology, and organic chemistry while completing research for a NASA funded project about life surviving in extreme environments.

Rebekah has taught elementary reading and math interventions, elementary art, fifth grade STEM, and has worked for the Colorado Department of Higher Education where she prepared low-income high school students to enter and succeed in postsecondary education. She now works with advocacy organizations to support US-based and global public health programs to promote disease awareness and prevention.

Rene’ Young

Rene' lives a magical mountain life, surrounded by beautiful beings. She loves creating art and beauty in various forms and sharing it with others. Inspired both by her imagination and life within and around, Rene' appreciates finding more beauty in more people, places, things and experiences, more of the time. Finding more things beautiful, including the entire spectrum, unveils a rich tapestry. Rene' participates in organizations and events that support and promote the arts and enrich the community. Some of these past and present include the Colorado Watercolor Society, Pikes Peak Watercolor Society, Commonwheel Art Festival, Manitou Springs Carnivale Parade, Festival and Poster, Manitou Springs Historic Preservation Commission Annual Design Award Paintings, Mountain Artists and Bemis Art School.

Renée Darling

My artistic journey has been an adventure of growth and transformation. It began with photography, I earned my degree from Colorado Mountain College in Glenwood Springs, CO. I then evolved in 2016 and boldly stepped into painting and launched my art business.

With canvas and brush in hand, I express my view of the world through vibrant color and movement. Each piece carries its own energy and story, reflecting not only the beauty around us but also the strength within ourselves.

I specialize in impressionistic, mixed media pieces that burst with dynamic lines, emotion, and vivid hues. My work is rooted in connection. I want to evoke a feeling and spark conversation. Whether you're drawn to original artwork for your home or a custom commission, there's something in my collection to inspire.

Art has changed my life, and I’m passionate about sharing that joy with you.

Renee Hathcoat

Renee is an Artist who works in various media. A painter, Sculptor, glass artist who loves color and light. I love the transparency of glass and the texture of paint. When I paint the butterflies, I love to use the Iridescent paints to capture as closely as possible the way the scales of the wings reflect the sun and light to create the colors of the rainbow. The dragonfly Wings like iridescent glass.

Robin Brown

My interest in arts and crafts began as a teenager. Over the years, I have pursued crafts in the areas of embroidery, sewing, stained glass, bead work and home decor. Several years ago, my journey into painting began. I look forward to spending more time painting and to improving my skill level.

Sara Lee

I have been painting since retiring from my nursing career six years ago. My primary medium is watercolor, but I also enjoy multimedia work. I am an active member of the Pikes Peak Watercolor Society, and I relish working with and learning from other local artists. It is important for me that my work is shared with others and that I can use my time and interests to impact my community.

Sean Wybrant

Sean Wybrant is a digital media studies instructor at William J. Palmer High School, where he teaches students about computer science, video game design/development, immersive technologies, and entrepreneurship. Over the past decade, he has transformed his classroom into a fully equipped software and game development studio, and his students have created holographic applications including real time satellite tracking programs, brought history to life through virtual reality experiences, and have presented at state and national conferences about their work. As a two-time Flight/Wings of Change grant recipient, Sean has had the opportunity to build new experiences with/for students through live action motion capture and the launch of an in-house on-demand print shop at Palmer High School. When not building cool stuff with kids in his classroom, Sean loves to go fishing, camping, and traveling with his family.

Tejae Floyde

Tejae is a Colorado artist who expresses her passion for life through painting and sculpting. Her intention is to connect emotionally with the viewer through her art, evoking feelings of wonder and joy. Her home base is in the picturesque town of Canon City, where she is inspired by the natural landscape, surrounded by mountains and an abundance of wildlife. She enjoys portrait painting and has adorned her art studio with colorful, inspiring murals with florals, butterflies and women's faces. Her small decoratively sculpted encased hearts fit in the palm of your hand and have been featured in many books and magazines. Tejae is a full time artist and plans to offer replicas of her original art on her website, tejaesart.com.

Tess Kane

Tess Kane is a muralist and visual artist with over 20 years’ experience. She had completed numerous murals across the US, with a focus on community engagement and site-specific narratives. She is the owner of Tess Kane Art LLC and is passionate about creating artwork that fosters connection, reflection, and the beauty of nature.

The Pour Painter

“The Pour Painter” is professional artistry created with the support of friends and family while battling everything that chronic illness can throw at life: migraines, autoimmune disorders, depression, anxiety, arthritis, insomnia…

Each piece is an abstract exploration of color and design, inspired by unique experiences to remind us that every moment is ephemeral. Proudly participating in the Wings of Change Auction for our fifth year, The Pour Painter is always looking for new ways to contribute to our community, enriching lives through art and education.

Tiffany Pollard

Tiffany Pollard is a multidisciplinary artist and creative director whose work blends fine art, fashion, and design with bold personal storytelling. Known for her striking use of color, texture, and symbolism, she transforms lived experience into visual narratives that speak to resilience, identity, and beauty. Her portfolio includes mixed-media paintings, nail artistry, and fashion-forward installations that challenge traditional ideas of art and expression. As the founder of SWANPLEX, Tiffany merges creative direction with hands-on craft, building a brand that celebrates individuality and power through artistic detail. Her work often explores themes of transformation, femininity, and cultural legacy - pushing boundaries while remaining deeply personal. Whether on canvas or through wearable art, Tiffany creates impactful work meant to inspire, challenge, and connect.