Artists put final touches on dazzling creations with Jumpers and Jazz kick-off only days away

It’s only a few more days until Jumpers and Jazz makes its triumphant return, which means it’s time to get a glimpse of how artists interpreted this year’s ‘crackers’ theme.

Narelle Mercer took out the theme section of the 2019 Jumpers and Jazz in July Tree Jumper exhibition with this creation titled "Sparks Fly".

Warwick’s streets will once again adorned in colourful yarn creations in only a few days as the clock counts down to the return of much-loved Jumpers and Jazz in July.

More than 90 trees across Warwick’s main streets will be dressed in a huge variety of unique, handcrafted knits and artwork on Wednesday before the festival kicks off on Thursday.

Warwick Art Gallery director Karina Devine said details of the finished tree jumpers would be kept under wraps until their unveiling, but was impressed by different takes on this year’s theme “crackers”.

Ms Devine said some artists had chosen to explore social themes such as domestic violence and grief, while others took a lighter approach.

“That’s what I love about it, the storytelling they show,” she said.

With nearly 100 trees jazzed up for the occasion, Ms Devine said viewers should allow around three hours to tour the collection.

It won’t be all fun and games for artists though, with many holding out hope for a prize in the Jumpers and Jazz exhibition.

“We have a judge coming on Friday, she’s really excited about it, and she’ll make some announcements on Sunday,” Ms Devine said.

Those wanting a break from the cold can make their way to the two yarnbombing installations inside the gallery.

Ms Devine said the Darling Downs Textile Group would be putting the finishing touches on their Musicale collection.

“All the artist have used the old pianolas as inspiration,” she said.

Ms Devine said works had even included the pianolas’ paper rolls in their pieces.

“It’s very musically themed, which relates to half of the Jumpers and Jazz festival,” she said.

Warwick’s yarnbombing team was also making last-minute adjustments ahead of Thursday’s opening, turning the front room of the art gallery into a retro living room made from knitted pieces.