Wanderlove’s installation took up most of our time leading up to its launch on July 4th and meant that we spent many long days and nights working to get everything up. We yarnbombed the Riverwalk’s trestle bridge, the Worsham Street Bridge, numerous trees along the walk, as well as fences, rails, posts, and just about anything we could strew yarn on. Our time together as installers was fraught with numerous challenges, including the blistering heat, the torrential rain, as well as the city coming along and taking off some of our installations, but through it all we managed to complete installation. Now there is the come down that is felt by all after an exhibition is finished and work on it, once all consuming, suddenly ceases.
Along with all of the publicity and dialogue in the city generated by Danville’s largest art installation to date, there is the physical effect, the revival of the Riverwalk, or more so the River District as a whole as it turns into a downtown that we can claim as our own, one that has only recently become a place where people feel safe, no less inspired, to spend a beautiful day. The colorfulness presented by Wanderlove has created a more welcoming environment and has created a forthcoming attitude in the River City that screams a desire for change, particularly in the wake of investments in downtown as well as plans for a casino to come to the area in the coming years. It was truly a remarkable experience to be able to take part in this historic exhibition, working alongside many talented interns and volunteers, as well as the artist and mastermind, Calder Brannock, himself. Over dinners at night we all came to appreciate his craft and enthusiasm for our city, and are thankful for the time he spent showing us how with simple materials such as old sweaters we could create something unique and truly memorable. In the pictures you can see the yarnbombing on the Worsham Street Bridge and also a museum volunteer, Kenyon, and myself wrapping railings along the Riverwalk trail.
