GUSTINE, Calif. — The Gustine Traveling Library headquarters overflowed with color, laughter and the sound of families creating together Saturday during the first Free Butterfly Craft Day, an event held in honor of the late Larry “Butterfly Man” Milton. More than 15 families and over 40 children filled the small space between 3:30 and 7:30 p.m., painting and personalizing large wooden butterflies inspired by Milton’s well‑known creations displayed throughout the Westside.
Before the doors opened, Traveling Library board members spent the morning assembling butterfly kits, preparing wings cut by the Newman FFA Woodshop class and bodies crafted by Rodger LaFleur, who has taken on the work of continuing Milton’s legacy after his passing.
Library leaders said the gathering marked the beginning of what they hope will become a monthly tradition—craft days that bring families together while carrying forward Milton’s message of joy, kindness and support for local animal rescues, including the Newman shelter. As families arrived, children eagerly selected paint colors and transformed plain wooden cutouts into bright, personalized artwork. Participants ranged from young children to teens, sharing supplies, trading ideas and proudly showing off their finished pieces.
Two visitors who had only planned to browse local shops ended up joining the event after peeking through the windows and being drawn in by the energy inside. Adding to the emotion of the day were Milton’s wife, Sheila, and his daughter, Christy Milton Muller, who attended and watched families recreate the same craft Milton loved. Christy brought one of her father’s original butterflies to touch up during the event.
From the sidewalk, the library’s large windows revealed a packed room. Inside, the tight quarters created a sense of closeness, with families working in waves—five butterflies at a time—while completed pieces dried outside to make room for more participants.
While waiting for their artwork to dry, children explored the library’s Discovery Center, wandering through life‑size dinosaur displays, hands‑on exhibits and the growing Lego Gustine project. One young girl even built a Lego butterfly as her own tribute to the day.
As the evening wound down, one unfinished teal butterfly remained on the table. Traveling Library Vice President Jose Flores said it will become part of the library’s memorial butterfly display, joining pieces dedicated to loved ones and community members. This one, he said, will honor Milton. “Our building wears these butterflies like a living memory wall,” Flores said. “And Larry deserves to be part of that forever.”
Throughout the afternoon, children shared their excitement about creating something meaningful. Lily, 6, said she chose pink “because it’s a happy color.” Jaden, 9, said he hoped to return and make a Pokémon‑themed butterfly next time. Mia, 8, said the day reminded her of looking at butterflies with her grandfather. Emiliano, 5, said he chose green “because butterflies like plants.” Sofia, 12, said the best part was how quickly strangers became friends. Angel, 16, said being part of the event “felt like being part of something that means something.”
Parents echoed that sentiment. Marissa Cortez of Newman said her family “came for the craft, but we’re leaving with a memory.” Daniel Ruiz of Newman said the room “felt full of love,” and Rachel Fernandes of Gustine said the day was “a community moment” that honored Milton’s legacy.
Flores said the turnout showed how deeply Milton’s work still resonates. “Larry’s butterflies were always about spreading love, and today you could actually hear and see that love in the room,” he said. The monthly craft days will also continue Milton’s tradition of supporting animal rescues, with families encouraged to bring donations for the Newman shelter and local partners.
The Traveling Library team thanked the Newman FFA Woodshop class, LaFleur, Kiersten Rivas and Newman School Board Member Frank Rivas for helping make the event possible. Special thanks were shared with Sheila Milton and Christy Milton Muller for attending and allowing the community to honor Larry’s memory.
As families carried their butterflies into the cool evening air, the day left behind more than painted wings and scattered brushes. It left behind a reminder that Milton’s legacy was never just about wooden butterflies—it was about bringing people together, one smile at a time.
