Butterfly Lady
It's no wonder Kimberly Vensel is colorfully known as the Butler Butterfly Lady.
Not only does she photograph the winged wonders, but she also raises them for release.
“I am a photographer. That is my 'job,'” Vensel said.
“I often tell people that I am a photographer who also happens to raise butterflies. Photography provides an income and helps fund the butterfly raising.”
She will talk about butterflies and her art collection at 7 p.m. Oct. 13 at the Maridon Museum, 322 N. McKean St., as part of The Collectors series.
“My 'butterfly art' consists of photographs that I took of the butterflies that I raise and some in the wild,” she said. “I have also created canvas prints, note cards, mouse pads, magnets and calendars with my photos.”
The Oakland Township resident has many images on display at the museum.
“My presentation will be mostly about the amazing monarch butterfly,” Vensel said. “The life cycle, the fascinating migration, the plight of these beautiful creatures, and what people can do to help bring back the monarchs.
“I will talk about a few other butterflies that I raise briefly as well.”
She said her presentations involve audience interaction, and audience members are encouraged to ask questions.
Vensel said she doesn't consider herself an art collector. “I raise butterflies and set them free. I don't collect them,” she noted.
She recently hosted a butterfly release for the residents at Concordia in Jefferson Township.
But when museum representatives saw her display at the Butler Garden Club's Summer Garden Party, they thought her hobby would make an interesting addition to the Collectors Series.
Plus, “people love butterflies,” Vensel said.
Fundraiser
The museum will host a murder mystery dinner featuring an Alfred Hitchcock parody play as a fundraiser.
The group Mystery's Most Wanted will stage “Dial 'M' for Mother” at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 14 at Butler's American Legion Post 778, 150 Legion Memorial Lane.
Cost is $40. Call the museum at 724-282-0123 for reservations.
Gallery
Hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays. Admission is $4 for adults, $3 for senior citizens and students, and free for children younger than 8 accompanied by an adult. Call 724-282-0123 or visit maridon.org.
