Spring Forward: Contemporary Fiber ARt in Historic Homes
the Philadelphia Museam of Art: Mount Pleasent Mansion | 2014 | Philadelphia, PA
In 2014, Melissa Maddonni Haims was invited by the Philadelphia Museum of Art to “take over” the historic Mount Pleasant Mansion in Fairmount Park. The resulting installation, “Spring Forward” covered the interior and exterior of the historic home with colorful yarn-bombing. Jointly maintained by the PMA and the Parks and Recreation department, the 250-year-old mansion is considered a “colonial masterpiece” by its caretakers and has long been considered a stellar example of colonial craftsmanship. For Haims however, this is old and often mundane craftsmanship. The opportunity to breathe fresh life into the space was more than just a chance to display her whimsical and playful yarn-bombing. The installation was a fresh perspective on the historical site and aimed to draw in a new generation of visitors to the home.