\nThe former \u2018Black Nite Black Lite\u2019 winter art event will now become \u2018WinterKnits,\u2019 which will see Inglis street undergo a \u201cyarn-bombing\u201d as the cold weather draws closer.
\nTrees, fences, verandas and more along the main street will be draped in various knitted artworks until late August.
\nThe new endeavour is the brainchild of local artist Lou Callow and community group Wombat Arts, which were behind the Black Nite event.
\nWinterKnits co-ordinator Carmel Hunter said the change of theme was due to the immense amount of work needed to undertake Black Nite annually.
\n\u201cFor Black Nite, every artist has to come up with a new theme every year, so that\u2019s a lot of work for an artist that doesn\u2019t even get to sell their work [at the end].\u201d
\nThe beginning of this year saw a teaser for WinterKnits out the front of Ballan Post Office, with some of the knitted items on display including a small dog.
\n\u201cAndrew and Nicole at the Ballan post office have been absolutely fantastic\u2026my name was left at the post office, and we have had people come out of the woodwork that I have never met before myself that have asked if they can have a tree,\u201d said Ms Hunter.
\nThe designs are \u201cabout half and half\u201d from both groups and individuals, including an international addition all the way from the Isle of Wight in the United Kingdom.
\nMs Hunter said the project is still a work-in-progess.
\n\u201cOur street-scape isn\u2019t finished yet but people can add to it if they wish,\u201d she said.
\nAlthough installations officially began this past weekend, new additions for the project are encouraged, and installations on the trees will continue as winter draws upon Ballan.
\n\u201cWe encourage [new additions]; there\u2019s still veranda poles that are empty, and they haven\u2019t had anyone put their hand up, so there\u2019s still gaps,\u201d said Ms Hunter.
\n\u201cEach individual or group has taken on whatever their tree or veranda pole as their own. They will look after it or monitor it, and they will have a little card on each tree that says who\u2019s decorated it with their contact details.\u201d
\nA flurry of colour isn\u2019t the only thing to expect as part of WinterKnits.
\nWombat Arts will be hosting a \u2018Winter Solstice Walk\u2019 in June, which will include a pilgrimage-style, lantern-led walk around town, focusing on acknowledging and learning about significant trees in Ballan.
\nParticipants will also be provided with a free soup and bread, cooked by the Ballan CWA.
\nAlthough the WinterKnits name may give a hint of what kind of art to expect, Ms Hunter said that a variety of materials and themes will be showcased.
\n\u201cIt doesn\u2019t always actually have to be wool either, [for example] artists can use textiles\u2026one girl does photography, so she\u2019s going to hang pictures off her tree.\u201d
\n\u201cI\u2019m going to be blown away myself, because I don\u2019t even know what will be on the trees, so I\u2019m very excited.\u201d
\nThe winter solstice event will be held on Friday 21 June at 6pm, meeting at the Moorabool Wind Farm office. The event is free, but bookings are essential and can be made at: https:\/\/www.trybooking.com\/BCKOZ.
\nFor more information on getting involved in WinterKnits, contact Carmel on 0407 506 621 or via email at carmel@jspgroup.net.
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By Meg Kennedy Ballan\u2019s main street is set to transform into an array of winter fuzzies for the next few months. The former \u2018Black Nite Black Lite\u2019 winter art event will now become \u2018WinterKnits,\u2019 which will see Inglis street undergo a \u201cyarn-bombing\u201d as the cold weather draws closer. Trees, fences, verandas and more along the […]<\/p>\n