Festive Yarn Bombing Puts Ugly Holiday Sweaters on Iconic Portland, Oregon Statues

Visitors to Portland, Oregon’s Pioneer Courthouse Square now through December 25, 2014 will be greeted with the sight of the surrounding area’s iconic statues looking a little more festive and cozy in holiday sweaters. Fiber artists knit and crocheted the outfits in bold colors and patterns to fit Animals in Pools, Allow Me, and Kvinneakt. The yarn bombing was unveiled by Portland Mayor Charlie Hales on November 13.

While last year’s sweater on Allow Me was stolen shortly after it was installed, the plan this year includes wardrobe changes for the statues every Thursday until Christmas Day. Residents can help keep Portlanders transitioning out of homelessness warm by donating clothing to Transition Projects.

photos by Frank Escamilla