Crochet Coral Reef, The St. Petersburg Satellite Reef. in Saint Petersburg on Jun 12, 2012 10:00 AM

Florida Craftsmen Gallery501 Central Ave. St. Petersburg,Hours: Mon. - Sat. 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Crochet Coral ReefThe St. Petersburg Satellite Reef at Florida CraftsmenJune 8-September 1, 2012Opening reception Saturday, June 8th 5:30-8:30

A Satellite of the worldwide Hyperbolic Crochet Coral Reef Project created by Margaret and Christine Wertheim of the Institute For Figuring in Los Angeles.Originating in California as the brainchild of twin sisters, one in science and one in art, the Hyperbolic Crochet Coral Reef project unites math, science, and arts. The ruffled shapes created through crochet illustrate the hyperbolic plane while calling attention to the plight of coral reefs around the world. Fiber artists are challenged to create diverse shapes but crochet is a relatively easy skill to learn.Florida Craftsmen is engaging the community to create a Satellite Coral Reef which will be on display in Summer 2012 at the Florida Craftsmen Gallery in downtown St. Petersburg. Leading up to the actual exhibit, there will be opportunities for the community to come together to crochet, learn about the vast variety of coral shapes and work together to create a massive exhibition, which will include a bleached reef and a Youth reef.Area marine centers and colleges will be included in the presentation of programming about marine life issues, how these crocheted forms actually explain a very complex mathmatical theory, and how a project like this can bring diverse groups of people together. We currently have people from 4 countries, 5 states and numerous locations in Florida contributing coral pieces to the project!Get involved by attending a crochet class, a crochet gathering at a local restaurant, one of the many marine life presentations, donating to the project.