Residents flocked to Project Butterfly to watch the unveiling of nearly 30 fiberglass butterflies along Central Avenue in the city’s downtown. (Photo gallery here.)

Artists, who decorated the fiberglass butterflies, selected the best spots for their works of art between Green Bay Road and Second Street.

Employees of the Art Center climbed ladders in some cases to put the butterflies high up in city trees. Other butterflies were placed lower on the sidewalks while some were mounted on poles.

It appeared the butterflies had the desired affect of bringing people to the downtown as many milled around the installment process.

It’s hoped the butterflies will help boost local retail along Central Avenue, said Larry Hillman, of Hillco Investment Properties, Inc.

The project was paid for by local retailers who contribute monthly to a marketing fund, he said. The stores are: Betts Boutique, B Contemporary, Kaehler Luggage, HiLand Art and Frame, Nail Bar, Posh Essentials, Beanstalk, Pieces Gallery and Free People boutique. The artists received $500 stipends for decorating both sides of their work.

The Art Center helped facilitate the event by organizing local artists who painted the butterflies.

Most artists chose paint to decorate their butterflies but others used cut glass, creating a mosaic effect.

The butterflies will be auctioned off in fall. The bidding process will begin sometime in July. Exactly how residents will be able to bid has yet to be decided.

Half of proceeds will benefit the center. The remainder will go to the artists.

For more information, go to hpbutterfly.com.