The metal of the poles don’t need such protection, but Altoona needs avenues for artistic expression, and the “yarn bombing” or “yarn mural” will provide one, according to newly hired community engagement specialist, Emily Evey.

Oct. 14 is “I love Yarn Day,” so it makes sense to hold the installation that day as a lead-in to additional events that are being planned for the rest of the year, she said.

About 60 enthusiasts of knitting or crochet have signed up for the project, some working together, some of those in family groups, Evey said.

Their ages range from 12 to over 70.

Alicia Andrews and Brenda Borst, both of Altoona, Altoona City community engagement specialist Emily Evey and Rose Balasco (from left) of the Altoona Area Public Library Kneedle Knerds group talk and crochet and knit at Levity Brewing on 11th Avenue. Mirror photo by Patrick Waksmunski

Some are creating knitted or crocheted blankets to cover one or more of the posts — which are 16 inches in circumference, with 8 feet of usable artistic space.

Others are supplying 4- by 4-inch granny squares, which will be tied together with cord to create a loose patchwork separated by webbing.

On installation day, volunteers will attach the creations, reaching as high as they can while standing on the sidewalks.

City Public Works Department employees will complete the attachments, which will include zip-tying the tops of the artworks to the poles.

Evey got the idea for the event from friends and colleagues who said there ought to be more public art in Altoona and from an email about a yarn mural in England she’d recently received.

Brenda Borst of Altoona crochets at Levity Brewing on 11th Avenue. Mirror photo by Patrick Waksmunski

“Why not here?” she asked herself.

Participants are sending pieces from as far away as Kansas and Florida, Evey said.

Some knitters and crochet enthusiasts have gotten together in public places to work on their pieces.

Many similar installations call for pieces to adhere to a theme, but Evey is letting the artists decide, stating she is allowing for creative license. “I’m not going after uniformity,” she added.

Evey got the word out initially through yarn enthusiast groups connected with the Altoona and Hollidaysburg public libraries, social media posts and pop up events. The media spread the news much further, she said.

The plan is to take down the installations in about a week, before the weather renders them raggedy, then to transform them into tote bags, scarves, slippers, blankets and other items for distribution through local organizations to people in need, she said.

“I don’t want the art to go to waste,” Evey said.

Mirror Staff Writer William Kibler is at 814-949-7038.