The Butterfly Project

• Client: Virginia Holocaust Museum

• Curator: Laurie Simpson Crouch

• Creative Direction & Design: emilypark studio

• Production: Keith Fabry

The Butterfly Project is a memorial exhibition honoring the 1.5 million children who died in the Holocaust, using hand-painted ceramic butterflies created by students and community members across the country.

The design intention was to create a space that honors deep loss without feeling heavy or overwhelming—especially as the space welcomes children and families. The tone had to be respectful, gentle, and hopeful.

A large, simplified illustration of a young girl looking upward serves as the central visual element. Her flowing hair becomes an organic background for the butterfly installation. Below, a field of colorful, hand-drawn flowers symbolizes the hope and beauty that can grow even in the darkest places.