A kaleidoscope of butterflies in the form of 26 vibrant sculptures lines the main street of Greektown on Chicago’s Near West Side. The Dance of Psyche is the theme of this year’s art exhibition.

Sponsored by Greektown SSA #16 and produced by Greektown Arts Committee in partnership with Chicago Greektown Educational Foundation, the sculptures are the work of 13 professional or emerging artists, two Chicagoland high schools and 11 local Greek language schools.

Last week, all 26 sculptures were unveiled at a ribbon-cutting ceremony held at Elysian Field. From there, the sculptures were relocated along a four-block stretch of Greektown, where they will remain through next spring, when the next set of sculptures are presented.

Photo courtesy of Greektown Chicago.

Photo courtesy of Greektown Chicago.

Photo courtesy of Greektown Chicago.

Eve Moran, Greektown SSA #16 commissioner and art committee chair, discussed the history of the art project, along with the theme of this year. In Greek culture, Psyche is the goddess of the soul. Aristotle called butterflies “psyche.” Moran explained her vision of the butterfly with its wings spread.

Photo courtesy of Greektown Chicago.

Photo courtesy of Greektown Chicago.

Though just over the river from downtown Chicago, Greektown seems worlds away. Full of history, culture, beauty and Greek restaurants, of course, Greektown can easily be a destination in itself. Moran and I agreed we couldn’t pick a favorite restaurant among the many fine choices because any would be a great option.

I always await the new sculptures, and this year’s butterflies are my favorite yet. Greektown is already one of the best areas of Chicago, and these sculptures only enhance the beauty of the neighborhood.

— John Wroblewski, online writer