A colorful explosion: Yarn Art in the Park returning this month

Eastside Park will become a little more colorful later this month and it's not just because flowers and trees are blossoming. Beginning March 17, volunteers will begin hanging fiber art displays around the city's largest park as part of the second Yarn Art in the Park Display.

Started last year, the yarn bombing, as it's called, offers participants of all ages a chance to show their artistic side.

"It was really a community effort, both multi-generational and cultural," said Retired Senior Volunteer Program or RSVP Executive Director Kim Herbertz, adding more than 40 fiber arts pieces were on display around the the park last year from March to June. "We are hoping for more this year."

The idea for the fun and colorful displays that feature crocheted creations, God's eyes and other items made most often from acrylic yarn came from RSVP Board Member Jeannie Burks.

Burks said she was inspired to create Washington's Yarn Art in the Park display after seeing a similar display in downtown Bloomington.

"My daughter and I were on Kirkwood Avenue and saw this lady installing crochet art on trees," she said, adding the idea caught her attention as her late mother, Ruth Dickmann, loved to crochet. "She always had to have something in her hands. She made a lot of granny squares and those were put together to make blankets.

Burks happened to have one of those granny square blankets with her that day and the woman carefully installing the pieces just happened to have a tree that wasn't decorated.

Attached to trees in a way that does not harm them as well as fences and utility poles, Herbertz said one doesn't have to skilled with crochet or other types of fiber art to participate.

"Pom poms are simple to make," said Herbertz, adding scraps of yarn are easy to use for projects like this. "But there are other things you can make too."

Herbertz said last year, monster feet were created for the legs of benches and themed pieces, including a beach-themed set, were grouped together to create a larger display.

"There are so many ideas out there," she said.

Online crafting sites may serve as inspiration for those looking for ideas.

"Acrylic yarns hold up the best for these types of displays," said Herbertz.

That yarn is more resistant to fading and stretching than some made from other materials.

Each display also includes a card naming the fiber artist and telling the story or inspiration for each piece.

A mini grant provided by Our Community Foundation will help with the maintaining and managing of the display.

While everyone is welcome to participate, Herbertz said those planning to make a piece should contact RVSP so they know approximately how many pieces will need to be installed on the trees, fences and around the park.

Those wanting to learn more about Yarn in the Park can call 812-254-1996.

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