Hooks and needles have been busy getting ready as the third annual yarnstillation is about to be unknotted on Madison Street.
The annual Fiber Flash, presented by the Arts Alliance, is the expressive and decorative collaboration of local fiber artists at Constitution Court using yarn, fabric and wool to reimagine and decorate the water fountain, lamp posts, flower beds and bring a touch of warmth and humanity to Constitution Court.
“We have about 30 local artisans — knitters, crocheters, quilters and others — who have participated this year, plus nearly 40 Forest Park kids,” said Bridget Lane, the Fiber Flash organizer. “Our theme, ‘Enchanting Forest Park,’ reimagines Constitution Court with colorful knitted or crocheted objects, amazing animals with some nontraditional materials, colors and fun,” she said.
Trying to gather as many locals as possible to add their personal touch to the event, the fiber artists this year included young Forest Park artists. Children who are a part of the before and after school programs at the Community Center and Campers from the Park District designed enchanting self-portraits banners to hang over Madison Street for the week using a variety of fabrics.
The artists will kick off the enchantment of Forest Park’s Constitution Court with the reimagined creatures and designs just before the Wine Walk on Nov. 8 and will be up for at least a week.
The Fiber Flash not only is intended to spark joy to visitors, it also creates hand-crafted items for our community. Cold weather wear including items including hats, gloves, scarves, and stuffed comfort animals are all donated to local collection boxes and charities to continue to spread warmth and joy beyond the event.
The Enchanting Forest Park is a temporary street textile art installation to captivate visitors through art. “The Arts Alliance brings artists and residents together to enrich lives through the joy of art,” said Lane. “And getting together for some good trouble through fiber arts is a great way to do that.”
