Finding a bit of whimsical crochet work twined along the handlebar of a bicycle parked on the street or around a lamppost isn't all that unusual around Southern California; yarn-bombers have been spreading their happy handiwork, in anonymous and art-cool ways, for years now.
But walking into Grand Central Market, one of California's oldest stalwarts on the food-and-goods scene, and spying whole pillars covered in exquisitely knitted squares and fantastic crocheted designs is another matter. This isn't just the work of a single creator looking to leave a little something behind; dozens of talented needle-wielders were clearly involved in Yarn-O-Polis.
A "Greek-inspired public art installation," Yarn-O-Polis examines "Grand Central Market as an agora in Downtown Los Angeles that brings together DTLA's different histories, neighborhoods, and MAKERS."
Did we say dozens of people were involved? Make that over 100, from spots around the world, though Yarn Bombing Los Angeles had a big role in pulling the whole shebang off. The multi-month large-scale yarn-bombing of the historic Broadway market is now complete, and both the people who lent a hand -- and their yarn -- and art lovers'll make for Yarn-o-Polis during the monthly DTLA Artwork.
Opening date? It's Thursday, Nov. 13 from 7 to 9 p.m., and a photobooth, "food, fun" and a make-your-own-bag-from-an-old-shirt demo from Sewing Rebellion shall be part of the yarn-adjacent festivities.
If the bag part of the night is your bag, be sure to RSVP for the demo.
If not, just swing by and admire the colorful pillars. The yarnworks shall stay up through the middle of January, so if you have any knit-mad out-of-towners coming to visit over the holidays, you can do lunch and see some amazing urban art all at once.
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It's free to see any time Grand Central Market is open. Where will such wide-spread, hard-to-miss-it whimsy land next around town? Yarn Bombing Los Angeles, perhaps you can cover one of the letters of the Hollywood Sign? Too big, or not big enough?
