May 15, 2023Yarn Bombing with Cool Arts Society

If you’ve walked past the RCA lately, you may have noticed some colourful additions to our outdoor space. Over the past few weeks, the students at Cool Arts, located on the second floor of the RCA, have created an eye-catching upgrade to the front of our building. Using previously made knits, crochet yarn, and weavings, the RCAs railings have been yarn bombed!   

Fun fact: International Yarn Bombing Day is June 11th! 

What is yarn bombing? Yarn bombing is a type of street art that uses knitted or crocheted yarn or fibre instead of paint or chalk. The phenomenon of yarn bombing is thought to have originated in the early 2000s from American artist Magda Sayeg. Her work started on a simple doorknob, and eventually grew to larger objects around her town, causing passersby to stop and stare at mundane objects they would otherwise overlook. This artform caught on and became a worldwide sensation.  

“Yarn bombing is a worldwide movement,” says Art Educator & Volunteer Coordinator of Cool Arts Society, Amy Bradshaw. “We plan to invite and attract the community to the RCA and Cultural District.” 

Cool Arts Society is a non-profit charitable organization that provides art opportunities to adults with developmental disabilities. The students at Cool Arts create stunning works of art with every session the attend, with their works being featured at the Paralym Art World Cup, Kelowna Art Gallery, Kelowna Museum, the FINA Gallery at UBC Okanagan, and the RCA. Having accessible arts programing for those living with disabilities is incredibly important for our community, and the RCA is proud to call the Cool Arts Society one of our tenants. 

This yarn bombing project was created in collaboration with the Ponderosa Fiber Arts Guild, another RCA tenant. Thanks to their team for providing the supplies for this project, and helping the Cool Arts team create something bright and colourful to welcome Spring! 

 

A group of people standing outside a building

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Image from Cool Arts on Facebook

Stop by the RCA and enjoy these colourful creations outside our doors. These yarn bombs will be up throughout May and June.  


Yarn Bombing with Cool Arts Society