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'Yarn storm' pitched as community art project in Libertyville

When the Libertyville Fine Arts Commission meets for the first time Monday, members will take up a colorful project proposal - a "yarn storm."

Called "Wrapped in Art," the project would bring together crocheters and knitters to deck trees, poles and benches out in yarn.

"We liked the idea of wrapping up the downtown in a warm sweater," said Beth McKenna, a Libertyville resident and artist who brought the idea for the community project to the David Adler Music & Arts Center.

McKenna described yarn storm - also known as yarn bombing - as a popular form of street art designed to attract attention. As proposed, crocheters and knitters in town would lend their expertise to produce the coverings to promote the annual Fine Arts Month in March.

Created in May, the seven-member advisory commission is scheduled to meet at 2 p.m. Monday at village hall, 118 W. Cook Ave. Introductions, review of the ordinance establishing the group and a general discussion of public art, including murals, are on the agenda.

"Wrapped in Art" will be the commission's first project to review.

Installation would involve a day of wrapping trees, benches, bike racks, fences and railings on a two-block area of the Milwaukee Avenue business district. The display would remain for about six weeks beginning in mid-February, according to the proposal.

"When you're done, the whole street is jazzed," McKenna said. "It's sort of a fun first project because it's community art."

McKenna wants permission to proceed so she can begin promoting the event, which is expected to include group "knit-ins" beginning in November. A Facebook page would be created and outreach would be made to Adler patrons, commission members, churches, schools, the Cook Park library and local knitting clubs, according to McKenna.

The commission is charged with reviewing proposals and making recommendations to the village board, which, in this case, is expected to consider the project Tuesday. The group's other duties are to promote Fine Arts Month, review the "appropriate" placement of art work in public areas and establish donation guidelines and related review processes.

Mayor Terry Weppler, who instituted Fine Arts Month eight years ago, said the commission was created to allow those with arts backgrounds "to give input and promote arts in the community."

The commission is "a sounding board for these types of events before the village board takes action," Village Administrator Chris Clark said.

Residents two years ago "yarn bombed" the covered walkway in downtown Highland Park. A similar community art project using colorful yarn is being suggested for downtown Libertyville. Courtesy of Beth McLaughlin
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