Recently, the Knit the Bridge project turned the Andy Warhol Bridge into what’s expected to be the nation’s largest “yarn bomb”. This public art installation includes 580 blankets knitted and crocheted by nearly 1,900 volunteers from all across Pittsburgh and Southwestern Pennsylvania over the past 14 months.
Knit the Bridge celebrates Pittsburgh’s contemporary arts scene, as well as its history as a city of rivers and steel. “I’m so honored to have been just a small part of this project,” said Beth Nelson, AIA, LEED AP, a novice knitter and local architect from Desmone & Associates. “The Warhol Bridge’s unique location really reflects how this project engaged such a wide variety of people. As we were installing it, we were cheered on by pedestrians, runners, cyclists, kayakers, Steelers tailgaters, tourists on river boats, and even a Just Ducky tour group! Where else can you do that but here in Pittsburgh?”
Knit the Bridge is produced by the Fiberarts Guild of Pittsburgh in partnership with the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts, and has garnered national attention through media outlets such as the Washington Post, the Huffington Post, and TIME Magazine. After the panels are removed on September 7th and 8th, the blankets will be cleaned and distributed to local shelters.
On Sunday, August 25th, from 3 to 7 pm, the bridge will be closed to traffic for a Knit the Bridge party (food trucks, crafts, music). All are welcome.