Buddleja
- Artist
- Jacintha Kruc
- Location
- 1300 Market St, Harrisburg, PA
The Buddleja mural was created by artist Jacintha Kruc on short notice.
“I was invited to step in just before the festival started, with only two days to design before painting. Without the usual time to connect with the neighborhood beforehand, I wanted to create a mural that still felt deeply tied to the space,” Kruc remembers.
She chose the butterfly bush, also known as the Buddleja plant, as its central theme, due to its symbolism of growth and transformation, which she says reflect the evolving nature of the Allison Hill community.
“Its seeds are dispersed by wind, water, and passing trains, a fitting metaphor given the nearby train tracks,” Kruc explains. The butterfly bush symbolizes growth, transformation, and the spread of beauty.”
The project marked the artist’s first experience painting on glass, adding a layer of complexity to the artwork’s exploration of light and reflection.
“The most fulfilling part of this project was the relationships formed with the community,” Kruc says.
“Beyond the technical aspects, the most fulfilling part of this project was the relationships formed with the community,” Kruc continues. “As I painted, I connected with local residents, many of whom I still keep in touch with today.”
We partnered with Tri County Community Action to create this mural.