A bold, colorful butterfly has landed in downtown Kent, stretching across the side of the Townhall II building as a vibrant new mural aiming to spark conversations about mental health. The piece is the latest installment in the “Bipolar Butterfly Project” by Kimmy Henderson, a public art initiative aimed at raising awareness about mental health.
Titled “Tosha’s Garden,” the mural features a butterfly with one wing melting away, surrounded by various plants and flowers. The butterfly represents transformation and the duality of mental illness, a central theme in Henderson’s project that shares her experience living with bipolar disorder.
“During my first manic episode, I painted a butterfly to represent metamorphosis and growth, and for whatever reason, that I can only attribute to my manic brain, I made the left side dripping away,” Henderson said. “I shared that with my audience and was very transparent about my mental health.”
Townhall II, a nonprofit organization that provides addiction, mental health and crisis services, partnered with Henderson to bring the mural to life on its building at 155 N. Water Street.
Mental illness affects 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. and suicide is the second leading cause of death for people aged 10 to 14 and 25 to 34. In 2023, over 1700 people died by suicide in Ohio, highlighting the importance of awareness and support services like those offered by Townhall II.
Tamera Hunter, the CEO of Townhall II, said they wanted a butterfly to showcase transformation, and the mural does exactly that.
“We like to align that with, when people come in our front doors and they’re dealing with grief, loss and trauma,” Hunter said. “Through treatment, they can come out of their cocoon and end up in a much more positive space than they’ve ever been, much like the butterfly.”

Townhall II serves a broad range of people dealing with mental illness and addiction. Hunter noted that public awareness and normalizing mental health services are the key to encouraging people to seek help.
“I hope that this inspires more artwork, because there is such power in art,” Hunter said. “I want people to see the mural on the side of the building and be able to feel warm and accepted coming in our front door to get treatment.”
Since the mural’s completion on June 23, it has drawn attention from local residents and students. Both Henderson and Hunter said there has been an overwhelmingly positive reaction from the community.
The “Bipolar Butterfly Project” has also brought murals to other cities like Stow, Akron and Hudson, but she hopes to expand beyond Northeast Ohio in the coming years.
“Ideally, I dream of having a foundation someday where I can provide grants for other artists and grow this into a national movement,” Henderson said. “It started as a little grassroots project, and I think it has the potential to really grow and make a change.”
Henderson believes public art has the power to open conversations about mental health and being able to engage with it gives an impactful experience that traditional methods sometimes struggle to reach. The accessibility of her murals allows people to experience them in their own ways.
“Mental images are so much more impactful on our brains and memory than words or speeches,” Henderson said. “I believe public art has a power that it can speak beyond words.”
For Townhall II, the mural is part of a broader commitment to the community. The organization continues to develop outreach programs, workshops and partnerships aimed at promoting mental wellness and recovery.
“We want people to know that they are never alone, and that they are always welcome through our front doors,” Hunter said. “There is no normal, but the willingness to work through things is what moves people through the hard times. We’re here when people need us.”
As “Tosha’s Garden” brightens the streets of downtown Kent, it serves as a conversation starter, inviting the community to reflect, connect and break the stigma around mental health.
Rachel McKean is a reporter. Contact her at [email protected].