Tel Aviv Displays Cardigan-Covered Trees

A joyful and extraordinary sight was revealed to the passersby on one of the boulevards in a major city in Israel: trees covered with colorful cardigans.

The initiator of the project is Ms. Alona Arobas, who runs Internet forums on knitting, and also works at the Tel Aviv city council.

[Alona Arobas, Secretary of a Green Party Member at Tel Aviv City Council]:
(Female, Hebrew) “2012 was pronounced by Tel Aviv municipality as the ‘Year of Art,' and the art of knitting was never presented here before. Tel Aviv is characterized by much openness to arts in general: They loved the idea and were very enthusiastic, and so they approved an experimental pilot.”

Choosing the position of the trees in the boulevard was important so most visitors would be impressed with the sight of trees covered with knitted dresses.

[Alona Arobas, Secretary of a Green Party Member at Tel Aviv City Council]:
“We knitted according to specific measurements. We first arrived at the scene and measured the selected trees, and then we knitted the dresses for several months.”

This unique project was very challenging for Alona and her colleagues, and the responses from passersby proved it was a great success.

[Elad, Tel Aviv Resident]:
“I think it is very beautiful, and also because winter is getting closer it gives a sense of warming.”

[Taj Newman, Passerby]:
"I love it, I love the colors and I love they are on trees because I think that it helps emphasize the beauty of the tree as well. You see the art she made and you also see the beauty of the tree because they are so bright and striking."  

[Simon, Student from Australia]: (Male, English)
"I look on these trees and I am amazed because usually here when you walk on Rotchild you never see any tree with cloths on them. I think it's a good idea to cover with this beautiful colors. Carry on a good work, like it!"

The success of this project encourages Alona to proceed to other areas as well.

[Alona Arobas, Secretary of a Green Party Member at Tel Aviv City Council]:
“According to the responses we received I believe that we are ready to proceed to the next project in Tel Aviv and in other cities as well – to continue ornamenting urban corners. This project is successful, which is evident, and it’s quite clear that there will be a sequel.”

It seems that adding a little color to life can only prove helpful.

NTD News, Israel
Reporter:Janet Zrian    Photographers; Michael Ash and David Bershadsky