Ani O'Neill writes:

"Kia Orana from Te Aporo Nui

I'm here in NYC as Artists in Residence with fellow crochet artist and  my 'Co-Buddy' Megan Hansen-Knarhoi, enjoying a 7-week residency with the Art In General gallery. We are here to re-create 'The Buddy System', an installation that was initially concieved in 2001 for the Auckland Art Gallery's 'Bright Paradise' Triennial. Its  a 'learn-to-crochet' interactive experience where the public is invited to make a woolly flower to add to a growing creeping vine...which at the completion of the project gets sent to their own buddy as a gift, wherever they are in the world!"

Ani O'Neill - The Buddy SystemAni O'Neill writes:

"Kia Orana from Te Aporo Nui

I'm here in NYC as Artists in Residence with fellow crochet artist and  my 'Co-Buddy' Megan Hansen-Knarhoi, enjoying a 7-week residency with the Art In General gallery. We are here to re-create 'The Buddy System', an installation that was initially concieved in 2001 for the Auckland Art Gallery's 'Bright Paradise' Triennial. Its  a 'learn-to-crochet' interactive experience where the public is invited to make a woolly flower to add to a growing creeping vine...which at the completion of the project gets sent to their own buddy as a gift, wherever they are in the world!"

Ani O'Neill - The Buddy SystemWe are in an 'open studio' situation for this period of time, meaning that  we are working in the 4th floor gallery space during gallery hours, and anyone who is comming into the gallery  can  see the progress of the work and hopefully join in the fun.

This non-profit  gallery is situated in  79  Walker Street, in the Chinatown district right by Canal Street and Broadway...an area renowned for  its vibrant Chinese community as well as the surprising number of fake Gucci and LV products on street stalls.