Arts in the Heart Yarn Bombing!

This year the Family Area is getting a makeover. Family Area Managers Heather Dunaway and Erica Pastecki have been working hard to bring some color and activation to the Family Area to make a more engaging experience for our littlest arts lovers. Part of that initiative is several Yarn Art installations on the trees of the 600 block where the Family Area is located.

Several years ago, the Greater Augusta Arts Council funded a “yarn bombing” of downtown Augusta. Yarn aritsts from all over Augusta’s River Region created colorful and intricate public yarn-art installations for all of Augusta to enjoy. Several of those yarners are back to create global nature inspired installations. Some artists who weren’t able to participate this last time find themselves knitted in this year for the Arts in the Heart of Augusta Festival. Emily Shakal is one of them. Emily is a crafter/artist who has lived in the CSRA for the past 10 years. She taught herself to crochet at 11 years old and has most enjoyed creating amigurumi creations. She remembered seeing the “yarn bomb” downtown several years ago and has always wanted to be a part of one! Her theme for her tree is the South American rainforest. Families will be able to enjoy Emily’s and several other artists’ works during the festival.