"DC Crochets a Coral Reef" - free lecture and workshop December 7, 2008

Margaret Wertheim, a physicist, journalist and co-founder of the Institute For Figuring, will discuss her crochet coral reef project – an effort that draws on art, mathematics, and science to bring the world’s attention to the plight of coral reefs. Wertheim will be joined by Nancy Knowlton, the Museum’s Sant Chair for Marine Science, who will discuss coral reef conservation.

Following the lecture, Wertheim will demonstrate the “hyperbolic” crochet techniques used to create a dazzling woolen reef. If you’ve mastered gloves and sweaters, come give corals, kelp, and anemones a try. For more information and pictures of the crochet reef during exhibitions in New York, Chicago, Pittsburgh, and at The Hayward Gallery in London, visit: http://www.theiff.org/reef/index.html.

If you have yarns you’d like to work with, please bring them, but if not, supplies will be provided. Crochet experience is not required and all ages are welcome.

Telephone: 202-633-1000

Official Website: http://www.ocean.si.edu/ocean_hall/events.html