What is a Yarn Bomb?

by Kelli Huggins, Education Coordinator

What does the term “street art” mean to you?  For most, the term conjures thoughts of vandalism and graffiti scrawled across buildings and train cars.  However, the works of many modern street artists might help to challenge these perceptions.  In addition to elaborate spray painted murals, artists are turning to unconventional materials to decorate city streets.   Take yarn bombers for example.  Yarn bombing involves covering common street objects, like lamp posts, trees, or statues with knitted pieces.  Many modern street art forms are non-destructive and some artists are being commissioned by municipalities.  Wheat pasting, LED art, 3D chalk drawings, and graffiti using plant materials are other modern street art forms. 

A yarn-bombed tree

You can learn about all of these and more at our July 13^th Salon Saturday event, “Spray Paint and Yarn Bombs: Modern American Street Art.”  There will be a short presentation on these art forms followed by a hands-on yarn bombing demonstration.   Help museum staff and visitors yarn bomb trees, lamp posts, and other objects in front of the historical society.  If any local knitters or crocheters would like to bring pieces to add to the yarn bomb, please feel free to do so!

A dramatic example of 3D sidewalk chalk painting

The street art phenomenon has not been lost on Elmira.  The Elmira Street Painting Festival also takes place on July 13^th.  Go to both the Festival and our event to see some amazing local and national street art!  We also have some interesting local graffiti, like this mural under the Clemens Center Parkway overpass in Riverside Park:

The event is from 1-3 on Saturday, July 13^th at the Chemung County Historical Society.  We hope to see you there.