Ambassador Of Love Butterfly

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As an artist, my passion lies in creating art that connects and brings people together.  My latest project, the Ambassador of Love Butterfly with Nationwide Children's Hospital, is an expression of this passion. 

Currently, The Ambassador of Love can be found sharing a love for the past with the present residents and travelers of East Main Street and 18th Street.  Originally the home of the famous Rollerland Skate Club of Columbus, Nationwide Children's Hospital now features graphics scrims on the corners of their commemorative Buster Douglass Parking lot.  These were made to honor the past by sharing with everyone the true beauty in the history of the space as it changes. 

There is such a rich history and spirit in this neighborhood. Established in 1941,  Rollerland Skate Club of Columbus, Ohio has a long and rich history in roller skating.  The club was founded in the heart of segregation and contributed to the height of the roller-skating craze in the United States.  In Columbus, it inevitably served as a front line for social change that aimed to end racial discrimination and segregation against African Americans in the United States.  By late 60's and 70's, Rollerland Skate Club quickly became one of the most popular and successful skate clubs in the Midwest, featuring world-renowned artist like Ike & Tina Turner.  Columbus R&B station WVKO hosted weekly live broadcast skate nights, competitions, and community events, keeping the spirit of roller skating alive.

When Rollerland closed permanently, Buster Douglass purchased the property keeping the corner's spirit of hope and love for recreation alive.  Directly across the street is Blackburn Recreation Center of Columbus east side.  The Columbus Recreation and Park's Blackburn Recreation is historically known for its boxing dedication and tradition of teaching youth and adults the fundamentals of boxing.  James Buster Douglass grew up in Columbus's Blackburn Recreation Center.  He became a professional boxer who reigned as undisputed world heavyweight champion in 1990 after knocking out Mike Tyson to win the title, regarded as one of the biggest upsets in boxing history. 

I believe that art has the power to create positive change in the world. Through the butterfly of love, I hope to spark a conversation about the importance of love and connectedness in our lives, and to encourage people to come together in meaningful ways.

Next time you visit the eastside of Columbus, check out The Ambassador of Love butterfly art spreading love and sharing history.