Some trees in Walnut Creek’s downtown are sporting new summer outfits!
These “Yarn Bombs” are part of the city’s summer Rebound program that includes outdoor eating areas, music and art to encourage residents to return to the downtown (socially distancing, of course) for safe eating and shopping.
I was asked to be on an Art Task Force for the Walnut Creek Rebound effort. I serve on the W.C. Arts Commission and have greatly appreciated the City Council’s continuing support for the arts. I have been a docent at the Bedford Art Gallery for over 20 years and have developed a special interest in Public Art.
I lead Public Art Walking Tours in normal times and love to witness people’s joy when they come upon a work of art they had never noticed. I thought that Yarn Bombs would create that spark, on a smaller scale of course, during this stressful time! Once you come upon an art wrapped tree, keep walking and discover another, and another. I know you’ll be smiling under your mask!
In August over a dozen people produced colorful and funky tree art. Docents from the Bedford, including me, teamed up to stitch the pieces onto the trees. Mothers, daughters and even one grandson enthusiastically contributed to this community effort.
How about finding your knitting or crochet needles and gather up all the old the yarn in your closets and try it on a tree at your house? Get your neighbors and friends involved in a Neighborhood Art Bomb, then take an art walk to enjoy the results.
To find out more about Project Rebound, visit walnut-creek.org. See you downtown to check out the art and support the many local businesses that have reopened including retailers and restaurants!
By Jane Emanuel, Art Task Force for Walnut Creek Rebound