To recognize Bentonville’s Sesquicentennial Anniversary, artist Gina Gallina and local community members created the artwork Cozy Apple which is now on display at Bentonville Public Library (BPL). Gina and her volunteers handmade and stitched together crocheted granny circles that wrap an inflatable apple. The apple shape represents Benton County’s history as one of the largest apple-producing counties in the nation during the 1870’s.
Bentonville Public Library and the Bentonville Public Art Advisory Committee are celebrating by hosting a Cozy Apple Meet & Greet on Thursday, September 14, 2023 at 4:00 pm at Bentonville Public Library, 405 South Main St. Learn about the project, get up close and personal with the artist and her volunteers, and bring your hook and yarn to join the crochet circle! Light refreshments will be provided.
A special thanks to these community members who contributed their time and skill to Cozy Apple: Joni Mae Ammon, Mercedes Brink, Linda Hancock, Brooklyn “Bear” House, HuiWen Jiang, Shelli Kerr, Faith Lewis, Hazel Liu, Becky McCoy, Anitha Nandakuman, Annette Stich, Ava Stich, Amy Vang and Jennifer Watts.
Cozy Apple was selected by the Bentonville Public Art Advisory Committee as part of a Request for Proposals to create commemorative artwork for Bentonville’s Sesquicentennial Anniversary.