There’s no functional purpose to a pom pom. But they are playful and fun! And that’s what makes them spark a little joy in the maker.

This community art project started back in may at the last ART SHOW where we encouraged people to learn to make pom poms. A table covered in a rainbow of yarns hosted by friendly faces eager to teach, not just the kids, but adults as well, sat at the top of the stairs. More than a way to just pass the time, this project was in invitation to do something we don’t always give ourselves the time to do. It was an invitation to PLAY. As people crowded around the pom pom station a feeling of delight spread from one person to the next. By the end of the evening we had a basket full of colorful handmade pom poms and an overwhelming sense of connection to one another.

After the art show, FCCG Art Academy assembled pom pom kits to put out into the community. The hope was that people from all corners of the community and walks of life would make and drop off their pom pom at the church to be part of a large community art installation.

Each pom pom is made by an individual. Someone with a history, with their own likes and dislikes, their own heart aches and joys. Each pom pom represents a unique person who is part of the greater community.

The threads that weave through the pom poms remind us of the many intricate threads that weave through our lives and relationships. We are all connected to one another. The pom poms are different sizes, shapes and colors, yet they all come together to make something beautiful, just as a connected community is a beautiful thing.

We are grateful for the many individuals (and groups) who helped to work on this project. We distributed 110 kits and collected a little over 1,000 pom poms.