"Butterflies are self-propelled flowers" (-R H Heinlein)

There is a wonderful museum called the Museum of Life and Science in Durham, NC. While its origins were in educating children about science and technology, it is entertaining and fascinating for children of all ages, boasting many hands-on science exhibits as well as a Magic Wings Butterfly House. I have gone sketching there on several occasions with friends as well, and it’s a peaceful, serene setting.

In the outdoor garden area of the Butterfly House, there is a sculpture of a red wolf that is whimsically decked out in wings. The red wolf is one of the most endangered species in the world, and North Carolina has adopted the red wolves several times as creatures to be heralded. In a temporary public art display, much the same way as Chicago had its cows and Norfolk Va had its mermaids, Raleigh, North Carolina had its red wolves, and artists throughout the area designed imaginative, magnificent wolves that were situated throughout the area for people to enjoy. The project was known as the “Red Wolf Ramble.”

This particular wolf was not a part of that Red Wolf Ramble, but it is again reminiscent of our state’s relationship with the red wolves, and it sits comfortably outside of the Butterfly House with its own set of magical wings. If you ever get a chance to visit the area, you should treat yourself to a visit. The museum is a delightful, engaging place.
“The butterfly is a flying flower,
The flower a tethered butterfly.”
(-Ponce Denis Ecouchard Lebrun)