Monarchs of McKinney

Public Art Program

This art installation will consist of eight over-sized, steel Monarch butterfly sculptures painted by McKinney artists.


These sculptures will be placed throughout the Historic Downtown McKinney Cultural District.

McKinnney Monarch Initiative

Purpose

This joint project between the Texas Commission for the Arts, the McKinney Arts Commission, McKinney Main Street and the City of McKinney seeks to attract and educate visitors and residents alike on the importance of the Monarch butterfly to our ecosystem.


We believe this installation will contribute to the unique look and feel of the Cultural Arts District. This project provides an opportunity to highlight local talent and district markers for our community to enjoy.

Call for Artists

Historic Downtown McKinney Cultural District is seeking McKinney Artists for commissioned work to paint eight steel monarch butterfly sculptures for permanent installation throughout the Cultural District. 


  • Painted sculptures will be selected by jury of representatives from the McKinney Cultural District.
  • Selected artists will be paid $1,875.00
  • Sculptures will be dedicated during the 2020 Arts in Bloom festival.
  • Artists from McKinney’s Cultural District and McKinney ISD high school students may apply. 
  • Seven sculptures will be created by adult artists and one sculpture by a student artist. 

Submission Deadline: December 15, 2019

Call for Artists: online application 


Questions? Contact the Marketing & Development Specialist at McKinney Performing Arts Center 972-547-9023.


Tentative timeline of events

  • November 15, 2019: Call to artists
  • December 15, 2019: Deadline for Submission
  • Mid to late January 2020: Artists receive butterflies to paint
  • Spring 2020: Sculpture reveal


Butterfly details

  • Steel construction
  • Raised 8’ in the air on a metal post
  • Proposed wingspan is 4 feet 
  • Wings will be in two pieces and welded to the post at the time installation
  • Each wing is expected to weigh 40 pounds


Locations for monarch butterfly sculptures:

  • McKinney Performing Arts Center
  • Heritage Village at Chestnut Square
  • Roy & Helen Hall Public Library
  • Central Park
  • Old Settler's Recreation Center 
  • Heard-Craig Center for the Arts
  • The Chestnut Parking Garage
  • The Cave 

Support and funding for the program provided by:

MCDC logoMcKinney Arts CommissionTexas Commission on the ArtsMcKinnney Monarch Initiative