2023 Calls To Artists

YARN Bomb the exchange

Yarn Bomb Crafting the new exchange

Thank you to everyone who participated in the Yarn Bomb project!

Joanne Ring, Emily Burns-Hammond, Karen Shedden, Stacey Tayler, Lynn Gourlay, Ethna Bernat, Carmella Calaguiro, Heather Husson, Danielle Marconi, Lesley Owen, The FM Brock Admin - Crochet Corner, Jacquie Kozina, Shirley Degen, Karen Koetzle, Kelly Warford-King, Jeanine Husson, Cheryl McDonald, Lou Losier, Monique Idzenga, Kimberley Macpherson, Mitch St. Clair, Irene Altimira, Thandiwe Chikwanha, Phyllis Duong-Shortt, The Folk Arts 50 Plus Program Friendly Knitting Circle (Marlene, Elvia, Maria Ofelia, Elizabeth, Margarita, Arbelis, Angy, Piedad, Arina, Clara, Martha, Qing, Berta) Lesia Borowska, Erika Eriksson, Emily Vezina, Mao Pitiot, Alex Ring, Alexa Fraser, Joe Lipinski, Heather Row, Maddy Warden, Maria Sorrento, Kim Odine.

A call for knitters, crocheters & textile artists

In celebration of the grand opening of The Exchange (Niagara Falls’ new Cultural hub opening this summer), Niagara Falls Culture is inviting knitters, crocheters, and textile workers from Niagara and around the world to celebrate this exciting launch of our Art, History and Market hub, by participating in a Yarn Bomb that will encircle this Culture District!

What is yarn bombing?

This art movement involves using colourful synthetic yarn to adorn different objects (like trees, benches, railings and lampposts) in a creative and impromptu way.

We need your help!

We want your 6” squares, doilies or tendrils to use in our Yarn Bombing project at The Exchange. Be a part of the legacy of our new Culture hub!

Drop off your work or join our free workshops! You and your friends are welcome to join us live on Wednesdays and Saturdays to exchange knowledge or learn a new craft. Be a part of the art that will surround the block on benches, poles, and signposts, and create a vibrant canopy to hang over the Market Hall courtyard. The work will serve to tie all three Exchange buildings together, creating a bond between people and a sense of place.

Chance-to-win

As a ‘thank you’ for contributing to the Yarn Bomb project, one lucky participant, selected at random, will receive a gift card for $75 to Magic Hour Needlecraft, 6009 Valleyway #119, Niagara Falls. The giveaway draw will take place on September 11.

Submitting your 6” squares

Yarn Bombers can stop by the Niagara Falls History Museum with their 6” squares, between June 5 and Sept 9.

Not in Niagara? We are happy to incorporate your 6" squares, doilies or tendrils [or any size of work you want!] into our project so that you can be part of this legacy! Destash! Drop them off or mail them in.

Join us at locations around Niagara for a ‘knit-in’

On Wednesdays and Saturdays in the months of June, July and August, we will be facilitating meet-ups or knit-ins for knitters and crocheters interested in participating in this fun project, in Mahtay Café in St Catharines, and the Niagara Falls History Museum.

Free workshops hosted by Joanne Ring

Textile artist and Niagara resident, Joanne Ring (known for her work on the “Poppy Project” and “Unassailable Found” at In the Soil Festival) will be heading up the Yarn Bomb project and leading these ‘knit-ins’ at Mahtay Café in St. Catharines and The Niagara Falls History Museum. Learning to knit and crochet in childhood, Joanne hopes to spread appreciation of textiles and handicraft through the community to promote connectivity and wellbeing.

Instructional How-To Videos

Joanne Ring has created a series of instructional videos for prospective Yarn Bombers to refer to. Learn how to Crochet, Crochet Spiral and Knit.

Knit-in dates & locations

Mahtay Café (St. Catharines) 241 St Paul St, St. Catharines, ON L2R 3M7

Wed. July 12, 3-6 p.m.
Wed. July 19, 3-6 p.m.
Wed. Aug. 16 3-6 p.m.
Wed. Aug. 23, 3-6 p.m.
Wed Sept. 13, 3-6 p.m.

Niagara Falls History Museum 5810 Ferry St, Niagara Falls, ON L2G 1S9

Sat. July 29, 12-3 p.m.
Sat. Aug. 5, 12-3 p.m.
Sat. Aug. 12, 12-3 p.m.
Sat. Sept. 2, 12-3 p.m.
Sat. Sept. 9, 12-3 p.m.

Mail or drop-off your squares:

Mail:

Attention: Yarn Bomb Project

Niagara Falls History Museum

5810 Ferry St

Niagara Falls, ON L2G 1S9

Drop-off:

Niagara Falls History Museum