Arts

Yarn Bombing – The Art of Granny Graffiti

Published

6 years ago

April 5, 2017

By Courtney McEwen

Click…click…click…go the knitting needles. The sound is a nostalgic one, bringing back memories of Grandma in her rocking chair. A captivated child sitting at her feet with the treasure of a loosely-wrapped peppermint from her pocket, listening to the cherished stories of a life well-lived.

Over the years, the uses of yarn have become much more diverse and range from afghans to art. In the last decade, knitters, crocheters, and beyond have found creative ways to use their leftover yarn by taking their creations to the streets. Yarn bombing, urban knitting and granny graffiti are just a few names for the art of colorful knitted and crocheted displays in public gathering places. While these installations can last for years, they are considered non-permanent and, unlike other forms of graffiti, can be removed.

Expressive and decorative, yarn bombing began in an effort to redeem and personalize cold and lifeless public areas. Magda Sayeg, a boutique owner in Houston, Texas, is credited with pioneering the art revolution. A simple, custom-made cozy for a common doorknob in 2005 was the spark that ignited a worldwide fire. This tiny creation attracted attention from hundreds of passerby, inspiring Sayeg to venture further with the idea of covering objects with yarn. While Sayeg’s plunge into yarn bombing was accidental, she has spurred an entire global community of bombers. One of her first recognized works is a charming, widely-known transport bus in the heart of Mexico City.

Magda Sayeg (Photograph by Cesar Ortega) Mexico City

Other cited installations are recorded from Europe to Australia, there’s even a few in rural Montague County. Jan Browning, resident of Bowie, Texas, says she has witnessed many artful displays in her travels over the years. Making an impression was a vividly-hued sheep on the streets of Taos, New Mexico. Sensational spectacles such as this are what inspired her to adorn a generations-old dinner bell that continues to stand on her property, in the brilliance of Texas sunsets. “I love being involved in any artistic endeavor that is playful and fun,” says Browning.

Browning residence in Bowie

Five talented ladies in Essex, England share the same love of yarn art as Browning. Their mutual affection for yarn crafts brought them together and consequently birthed The Craft Club Yarnbombers. In 2014, they became the Guinness World Record holder for the largest display of crochet sculptures when they yarn bombed a children’s hospice with 13,388 crocheted items. Yes, there is such a record.

Over the years, with the help of community members, their projects have dramatically increased in size. Merry Stitchmas began in 2015 with a goal to knit a 13 foot Christmas tree and place it in the courtyard of a local school. 1,843 squares were received from all over the world, a magical display of the fiber that is weaved through the hearts of many.

Much like the practice of knitting or crocheting, there are many factors to consider when yarn bombing. Selecting a “mark”, taking careful measurements, selecting your pattern or design and acknowledging the weather elements of each location. Many “taggers” like to remain anonymous but some include a calling card, sharing their story and inspiration for the piece. Yarn bombers are aware of the risk, in some areas this style of graffiti is still considered illegal. This hasn’t discouraged the masses but instead, it has sparked a Take Responsibility For Your Art campaign to encourage yarn bombers to maintain their installations.

No matter the reason, the result of every handmade creation is beautiful to the beholder. The next time you see strands of yarn, in a sweater or on the street, take a moment to pause. You just might be transported back to the creak of a rocking chair and the click…click…click of Grandmother’s needles.

International Yarn Bombing Day was established in 2011 as an annual event, occurring the second Saturday of June.

Arts

Be Happy

Published

4 years ago

June 30, 2019

bowienews

Photo, description by Kaleb Elledge

While on a short trip to Graham, I mainly set out to see the courthouse that resides in the town square. After shooting a few photos of the courthouse, a brightly colored “Graham” mural caught my attention. As I made my way closer to it, I saw this. While it pales in comparison to the size and artistic prowess of the Graham mural, I found myself shooting several angles of it. “Be happy.” Black and white. It’s that simple.

Arts

Presidential Libraries in Texas Salute the Military with Free Admission

Published

6 years ago

July 5, 2017

bowienews

The George W. Bush Presidential Library & Museum is a member of the Blue Star Museums program, offering free admission to military personnel and their families this summer.

Participating in this summer’s Blue Star Museums program, the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum in Dallas, the LBJ Presidential Library in Austin, and the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum in College Station offer free admission to the nation’s active duty military personnel, including National Guard and Reserve, and their families from Memorial Day through Labor Day 2017.

Perfect day trips, the three Presidential Libraries located in Texas bring American history to life with interesting artifacts, little known facts, entertaining photographs and videos, and fun activities.

“Presidential Libraries provide people the chance to see, hear, and participate in the important events that made us who we are as a nation,” said Brig. Gen. Patrick X. Mordente, director of the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum. “Because of the unique role the military has played in U.S. history, we are particularly proud to be a part of the Blue Star Museums program.”

Visitors to the George W. Bush Presidential Library in Dallas may enjoy Portraits of Courage: A Commander in Chief’s Tribute to America’s Warriors, a special exhibit that brings together the stories of U.S. military veterans who have served our nation with honor since 9/11 and their portraits painted by President Bush. Other museum highlights include A Nation Under Attack, the events of September 11, 2001; a massive 20-foot-tall, 360-degree LED screen showing multimedia clips blending art, history, and entertainment; and the provocative, hands-on Decision Points Theater.

In a new exhibit at the LBJ Library, 10 museums and archives at The University of Texas at Austin, along with the LBJ Library, share some of their most compelling and rare treasures in Deep in the Vaults of Texas: A Campus Collaboration. Running through the end of the year at the Bush Library in College Station, the Legacy of Ranching: Preserving the Past, Embracing the Future exhibit highlights the strong ranching legacies and examines how the livestock industry helped shape the state of Texas.

Free admission to all three museums is available May 29, 2017 through September 4, 2017 to any bearer of a Geneva Convention common access card (CAC), a DD Form 1173 ID card (dependent ID), or a DD Form 1173-1 ID card. This includes active duty U.S. military – Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, as well as members of the National Guard and Reserve, U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, NOAA Commissioned Corps – and up to five family members. A family member may include a spouse, child, aunts, uncles, or grandparents.

Blue Star Museums is a collaboration among the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, the Department of Defense, and more than 2,000 museums in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and American Samoa. The complete list of participating museums is available at www.arts.gov/national/blue-star-museums.

(Press release and images from George W. Bush Presidential Library & Museum)

Arts

From Trash to Fash – TRASHion Fashion Runway Show

Published

6 years ago

June 12, 2017

bowienews

Photos by Shelby Powell

By Courtney McEwen

The award-winning Denton Redbud Festival is an official Arbor Day celebration, promoting community beautification since 1994. It features dozens of vendors with tree and plant sales, gardening supplies, household items and local/handmade products.

There’s also numerous family-friendly activities, live music and a crowd favorite, the TRASHion Fashion Runway Show. How fun! Let’s go!

As the biggest draw of the festival, 2017’s event marked the sixth year of partnership with SCRAP Denton and the Denton Public Libraries to produce the “trashiest” fashion show around. Participants from all over the area signed up to create a one-of-a-kind design using 80 percent recycled or reused materials. Items used ranged from discarded paper and plastic to old CDs and soda can lids.

As illustrated in the photos, all 28 designs entered in the show were extremely unique and displayed such amazing creative talent.

Each designer submits an educational factoid describing their garment, products used and how waste can be reduced. To bring awareness, it’s read while the garment is moving down the runway so the audience can capture the full vision and be inspired to do their part to eliminate unnecessary waste. A panel of judges then selected winners from each age category.

As if a runway show weren’t enough to make a girl feel like a princess, Davanit Salon in Denton donated their time to style models’ hair and makeup. A big shout out for their efforts!

Mark your calendars for April of 2018 and stay tuned for dates, you won’t want to “waste” a moment getting a seat to the best show in town! For more information on the TRASHion Fashion Runway Show, click here.