Wreath Interpretations (12/14/22)

Okay, this is at least the second time I’ve attended/posted about this. The 40th annual exhibit at The Arsenal (Fifth Avenue/64th Street, just inside Central Park) is on display until December 30 (with holiday closings). 

This year’s display featured 30+ wreaths (sort of). Some were traditional; some were paintings implying a wreath. Some of my favorites included Bath Sponge Bubble Wreath (nylon-net scrubbies with transparent glass ornaments) and Abundance (very pretty, using acrylic yarn and various plastic snack bags fashioned into flowers). 

One wreath was created with Mardi Gras beads—it was colorful, shiny, and fun! I also liked Measure for Measure (I’m guessing it’s a reference to Shakespeare in the Park), which used wooden rulers arranged in a spherical shape. 

Christmas Beetle – Tierra Frági had knitted yarn bugs on a knitted yarn wreath, while Spotted Lantern Wreath had a striking combination of colors and patterns referencing the summer infestation of bugs here in NYC this past summer. 

Another favorite of mine was Silent Night, which used CPAP components in a clever red-and-green wreath motif. African Jewels by the Well featured handmade clay beads, etc., on an embossed copper background, while Party Animals had top-hatted collage animals inside a wreath of discarded mylar balloons found at Rockaway Beach. (I’m not making this up, you know.) 

How to Save a Life was a rather large wreath made of discarded/expired AED pads plus an AED machine. It was an oval wreath design. Next to it was a woven-straw wreath surrounding a bottle cap. Wreaths come in all shapes and sizes. 

Be Happy was a wreath of smiley faces. A smiley face in the center with sixteen smiley faces around it with a ‘thought bubble’ for each. A little too smiley for me. 

One more of my favorites was one that featured writing implements and notebooks, erasers, binder clips, index cards, etc., all placed on a bicycle wheel. In the center was a card that said, “DREAM BIG AND DARE TO FAIL.” That said it all for me.

 Oh, some (but not all) were for sale, ranging from $75.00 to $2,800. I'm happy to glimpse them for free.

Again, the exhibit is on display until December 30, though it is closed on holidays. I’m guessing Christmas, yes; not sure about Hanukkah. If you’re in the neighborhood, it’s a fun little side trip.

ConcertMeister