Art students at Northwestern State University have installed another yarn bomb in Natchitoches. NSU assistant professor of art Leslie Gruesbeck said the students made a proposal to the mayor to get permission to cover a telephone pole with a brightly-colored crocheted wrap, like a sweater. This is the sixth yarn bomb her students have completed. She said several fiber classes crocheted different pieces for the latest installation in Tricentennial Park.
"It's kind of a holiday-themed, patchwork sweater for a telephone pole in the middle of downtown Natchitoches," Gruesbeck said.
Yarn bombing or graffiti knitting is common around the world, especially in urban areas. Gruesbeck's students worked about 40 hours to complete the latest one. This street art is intended to personalize public spaces, she said, and build interest in crocheting and knitting.
"It's usually a very hard object that's covered, and something that's fairly mundane," Gruesbeck said. "The yarn bomb add color, texture and warmth because we all associate these warm, fuzzy feelings with handmade sweaters."
The yarn bomb will remain up until Jan. 14.