Whitman County Gazette - Serving Whitman County since 1877

COLFAX —The Colfax Arts Council is planning a colorful assault on downtown July 23-24.

The temporary “Yarn Bombing” street art event will feature knitted and crocheted squares covering downtown lightpoles, trees and more.

The event is planned to coincide with the city’s 150th birthday.

A schedule for installation has yet to be announced.

“In this project, we are particularly wanting to get squares that can be joined together to cover various sizes,” Arts Council President Debi Anderson said. “To decorate a long part of Main Street will take a huge number of squares, so the more volunteers the better.

“We think the yarn bomb will draw curious visitors. It’s not common in our area, but yarn bombing is a worldwide type of street art. One of our members suggested it, went before the City Council for approval and got an enthusiastic thumbs up.”

Volunteers are needed in early July to install the wraps, and then for removal after the event.

Wraps are snugged around an object and whipped closed with large needles and cord, supplied by the Arts Council.

“This is a good job for people who don’t knit or crochet but want to participate and for people willing to climb ladders,” Co-Chairwoman Jil Mohr said.

Carrie Vielle is the other co-chairwoman.

Yarn has been donated by the Grandmother’s Club, and volunteers have already started donating squares. Whitman County Library is the drop-off for finished squares.

“I think it will be exciting and new. I’ve never seen one,” Mohr said. “So far, most people we talked to about it are getting excited.”