The original Hyperbolic Crochet Coral Reef was created by
Margaret and Christine Wertheim of the Institute for Figuring, using the principles
of hyperbolic crochet. Their
purpose was to bring attention to environmental issues affecting the Great
Barrier Reef. Hyperbolic crochet
is a technique that replicates forms found in nature, such as coral, kelp, and
various sea creatures.
The Coral Reef Project has grown, with satellite reefs in
many places around the globe. Our
Lake Bonneville Crochet Reef will be a satellite reef, in partnership with the
IFF. Brolly Arts, The Great Salt
Lake Institute, local artists and community members are working together to
create this installation, to be exhibited in October of this year at
Westminster. The complete project will encompass art, science, math, and
community outreach to create an event and exhibit that will bring awareness of
the ecology and relevant current issues affecting the Great Salt Lake,
the history of ancient Lake Bonneville, and the effects of climate
change on the earth’s environment.
If you are interested in helping to crochet the reef, we
welcome your contributions. You
can add just a piece or two, or you can add as many pieces as you feel drawn to
contribute. Crocheters meet at the
Tea Grotto at 2030 S 900 E in Salt Lake, every second and fourth Tuesday
at 2:00pm, and every first and third Thursday at 7:00pm if you would like to
join us there.
Local artists and community members are currently working on the construction of the reef. Throughout the summer and fall, we will also be working with children's groups and classrooms to teach about the Great Salt Lake, about coral reefs, like the Great Barrier Reef and reefs that existed in ancient Lake Bonneville, as well as how to create the hyperbolic crochet forms. The pieces the children create will be a part of the final exhibit.
If you would like to participate in the creation of the reef by crocheting, or have any questions about this project, contact Bobbi for more information at slccoralreef[at]gmail[dot]com
We also are accepting any yarn or crochet hook donations, that we will use when going into the classrooms.
Don't forget to be our friend on Facebook for updates on the project!
