new participatory yarn-bombing project coming soon

This is not something that this blog usually does – advertise for upcoming events.

However this project is a bit different as it is primarily about creative placemaking and engaging audiences that may be interested in art, but may not frequent the formalized art one sees in galleries with regularity. There were a couple recent projects that tapped into this dynamic, the most successful one probably was Wreck City in 2012.

This event all ties into this whole concept as described above in a roundabout way.

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Without further ado – here is what it is all about.

• I know that there are those who do knitting.
• I also know that there are those who do crocheting.
• They may even be concerned about their fellow human beings.
• They may even be concerned about the issue of homelessness.
• They also may only be superficially be aware of a phenomenon called yarn-bombing.

Recently, there was an art-bombing (or whatever term is most appealing to the reader to describe what is the result of an artist’s, or group of artist’s using yarn for creative public art displays) which happened downtown. The CBC covered this most recent attempt last week outside of Bow Valley Square downtown. It may still be visible (or not).

I plan to write about this whole issue of yarn-bombing, art-bombing, urban knitting, kniffiti, or any other variation that a wordsmith can come up with to describe what it is, when I have more time to do so.

I find this whole concept quite fascinating and interesting.  This, even though I don’t know how to knit. I did try to learn, with my mother when I was a child, and later with someone who was close to me at the time, providing guidance. Unfortunately, the end result for both times was that I got incredibly frustrated.

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The project:

The Calgary Homeless Foundation has recently purchased a house that is slated for demolition.

An organization I have written about in the past, This is My City Art Society is partnering with the Calgary Homeless Foundation to create an art event. Together they are trying to draw attention to this issue and as part of this, they are going to yarn-bomb the recently purchased house slated for demolition, which is located in a prominent NW location during September.

The wrapping of this house in a giant quilt, is meant to symbolize the warmth and comfort of a home.

It seems like a great concept.

Since there is only a small group of knitters (or crocheters) involved, I want to help expand their network, if I am able.

Here is what they are looking for:

• People to create 12” knitted or crocheted squares that will be used to yarn-bomb the house – or create a bunch of them, and/or getting friends to help.

It is that easy.

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Now the particulars and how to get it to the yarn-bombers.

Deadline:

• These 12″ squares need to be dropped off at a few locations around the city by August 26 (that is 14 days, or two weeks from now)

Here are the locations:

• Crowfoot Library (8665 Nose Hill Drive NW)
• Fish Creek Library (11161 Bonaventure Drive SE)
• Louise Riley Library (1904 – 14 Avenue NW)
• Community Wise Centre (aka The Old Y) (Suite 101, 223 12 Avenue SW)

For more information please review the photo above. You will find more contact info available on that image.

I am sure I will cover this story more once it is up and installed.