Frequently Asked Questions

 •  What is Kaleidoscope ? Kaleidoscope is a public art project whose goal is to enrich cultural activity and positively impact the Lakeland community while also raising money for the CommonGround playground project and other local non-profit organizations.

 •  What is CommonGround? CommonGround will be Polk County's first "inclusive play experience," a term used to describe non-traditional play areas. Children of varying abilities and disabilities will be able to play together side-by-side.

 •  Why Butterflies? CommonGround will be in the shape of a butterfly as a symbolic representation of the unique character of every child. Like butterflies, no two children are exactly the same, each is special in his or her own way.

•  Who benefits from Kaleidoscope ? There are many different types of benefits - charitable, financial, and educational. The proceeds from this fundraiser will go to the CommonGround playground project and other local non-profit organizations. We expect there will be increased revenue to the downtown businesses as a result of the display. And, we believe the community benefits from the increased exposure to the arts and educational outreach (children's art contests, etc).

•  Has this type of public art project been done before? Yes. In October 2002, Lakeland was invaded by a flock of fiberglass swans that occupied our downtown streets. Swansation was hugely successful, raising 400,000 dollars for Explorations V Children's Museum and other area charities. The swans were beloved by the community and tourists alike and there have been countless requests for another public art display of its kind in Lakeland.

This type of creative art campaign began in the United States in Chicago in 1999 with Cows on Parade. Other cities soon followed suit with their own version..Fish in New Orleans, Pigs in Cincinnati, Lizards in Orlando, Gators in Gainesville, Buffalo in Buffalo, Turtles in Tampa, etc.

•  Who pays for the Butterflies? Businesses, organizations, and individuals sponsor the butterflies. There will be 3 levels of sponsorships, Emperor, Monarch, and Swallowtail.

 •  How are the Butterflies made? Each Kaleidoscope butterfly will begin its life as a plain aluminum structure with a wingspan ranging from 4 to 7 feet. Throughout the spring and summer of 2006, the butterflies will be transformed into unique works of art by local and regional artists.

•  How long will the flock be here? After the butterflies are transformed into unique works of art, they will be displayed in highly visible downtown locations from October 2006 to April 2007. When Kaleidoscope comes to an end, some of the flock will be sold at the "Butterfly Ball" auction.

•  Where will the Butterflies be located? The flock can be found in and around the downtown area, Lake Morton, and on the Lake Mirror Promenade. Locator maps will be available during the display period.

•  How does Kaleidoscope raise money? Proceeds from the sale of sponsorships will benefit the CommonGround playground project. Additionally, in April 2007, the flock will be sold at "Butterfly Ball" auction. Fifty percent of the proceeds from an auctioned butterfly will go to a local charity of the sponsor's choice. The remaining fifty percent will go to CommonGround.

•  Is there Kaleidoscope "stuff?" Yes. There will be Kaleidoscope merchandise including: T-shirts, pins, and posters. Purchase information will be posted on the website when it becomes available.

•  Who owns the rights? Kaleidoscope is the sole owner of all product & designs produced for this exhibit. All rights to these designs are reserved, and they may not be reproduced or used for commercial purposes without written permission.

"How can you support Kaleidoscope and share in this unique project?
You have the opportunity to purchase a live release butterfly, merchandise or a ticket for a Swallowtail butterfly called "Wanna Winme". "