Part of the worldwide Crochet Coral Reef Project by Christine and Margaret Wertheim and the Institute For Figuring
Pittsburgh Satellite Reef is an installation that is being created by local Pittsburgh-area artists and is part of the worldwide Crochet Coral Reef project by Christine and Margaret Wertheim and The Institute For Figuring.
In the spring and summer of 2023 the museum is hosting a series of workshops with Western Pennsylvania-based organizations Kid Ewe Knot and UpstreamPGH to introduce experienced and beginner makers to the techniques of crocheting a coral out of yarn. These corals will coalesce in a singular seascape in an exhibition presented in Carnegie Museum of Art’s Charity Randall Gallery.
Launched as a response to the devastation of living reefs due to global warming and ocean acidification, the Crochet Coral Reef resides at the nexus of art, science, and environmentalism. Programs around the exhibition will bring participating makers and scientists into conversations about engaging in a large-scale Pittsburgh-based community project surrounding a global issue.
All are welcome to participate in the 2023 workshops which are free and open to all ages. All materials will be provided. If you are an experienced crafter, please feel free to bring your most whimsical wool to the table.
Pittsburgh Satellite Reef is organized by Alyssa Velazquez, curatorial assistant of decorative arts and design.
Schedule of Events
- May 21, 1 p.m.–3 p.m.
at Trace Brewing, hosted by Kid Ewe Knot - May 27, 9:30–11 a.m.
at Kid Ewe Knot - June 8, 12–6 p.m.
at Three Rivers Art Festival - June 25, 1 p.m.–3 p.m.
at Trace Brewing, hosted by Kid Ewe Knot - June 29, noon–2 p.m.
at Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium
Free with Zoo admission - June 30, 6–8 p.m.
at Kid Ewe Knot - June 29, 5 p.m.–8 p.m.
at Carnegie Museum of Art, hosted by UpstreamPgh - July 1, 9:30–11 a.m.
at Kid Ewe Knot - July 17, 5 p.m.–7 p.m.
at Nine Mile Run Watershed, with UpstreamPgh - July 23, 1 p.m.–3 p.m.
at Trace Brewing, hosted by Kid Ewe Knot - August 17, noon–2 p.m.
at Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium
Free with Zoo admission - Aug. 19, 5 p.m.–7 p.m.
at Nine Mile Run Watershed, with UpstreamPgh - Aug. 20, 1 p.m.–3 p.m.
at Trace Brewing, hosted by Kid Ewe Knot - Aug. 25, 9:30–11 a.m.
at Kid Ewe Knot - Aug. 24, 9:30–11 a.m.
at Kid Ewe Knot - Sept. 17, 1 p.m.–3 p.m.
at Trace Brewing, hosted by Kid Ewe Knot - Sept. 29, 6–8 p.m.
at Kid Ewe Knot - Sept. 30, 9:30–11 a.m.
at Kid Ewe Knot - Sept. 30, 2 p.m.–5 p.m.
at Carnegie Museum of Art, hosted by UpstreamPgh - Oct. 14, 2 p.m.–5 p.m.
at Carnegie Museum of Art, hosted by UpstreamPgh
No registration is required for these crocheting workshops. For more information on upcoming workshops, check out KidEweKnot.com. If you have specific questions regarding crocheting and dropping off your finished pieces call +1 412.257.2557 or by emailing owner@kideweknot.com.
How to Crochet Hyperbolic Corals
Read more about the Crochet Coral Reef project and learn how to make your own hyperbolic crochet. Any style, material, or color of yarn can be used, and creativity and experimentation are encouraged! If you are brand-new to crochet, we recommend purchasing medium-weight (4) yarn and a 5.5mm (or I/9) crochet hook.
About the Crochet Coral Reef Project
The Crochet Coral Reef is a research-oriented project by sisters Christine Wertheim and Margaret Wertheim of The Institute For Figuring. Residing at the intersection of mathematics, marine biology, handicraft, and community art practice, the project responds to the environmental crisis of global warming and the escalating problem of oceanic plastic trash by highlighting not only the damage humans do to earth’s ecology, but also our power for positive action. The Wertheims’ Crochet Coral Reef collection has been exhibited worldwide, including at the 58th Biennale di Arte aka Venice Biennale, Helsinki Biennial, Hayward Gallery, London, Science Gallery, Dublin, Museum of Arts and Design, New York, and the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History, Washington, D.C. The project also encompasses a community-art program in which more than 20,000 people around the world have participated in making 50 locally-based Satellite Reefs—in New York, Chicago, Melbourne, Ireland, Latvia, Germany, UAE and elsewhere. The Pittsburgh Satellite Reef on display here is the latest addition to this ever-evolving wooly archipelago.
About the Artists
Margaret Wertheim is a science writer, artist, and author of books on the cultural history of physics. Christine Wertheim is an experimental poet, performer, artist and writer, and former faculty member at the California Institute of the Arts. Margaret and Christine conduct the Crochet Coral Reef project through their Los Angeles-based organization, The Institute For Figuring, an interdisciplinary practice dedicated to engaging audiences with the poetic dimensions of science and mathematics though materially embodied activities. The Institute For Figuring is at once an art endeavor and a framework for innovative public science engagement
About the Partners
Kid Ewe Knot has been crafting cozy moments with yarn and love since 2013. Heather Metzger, founder and owner of Kid Ewe Knot offers high quality materials and inspiration for your next knitting or crocheting project. Kid Ewe Knot provides private instruction, expert advice, and a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. They are conveniently located near I-79 in Bridgeville, PA.
UpstreamPgh works to combat the effects of climate change in our region, from managing excessive stormwater flows, to reducing pollutants in our water, soil and air, and connecting people with nature to create positive change. Through building large green infrastructure projects that capture and manage millions of gallons of stormwater, connecting organizations and empowering residents to advocate for solutions to environmental injustices, and engaging communities in stewarding our urban green spaces, UpstreamPgh is leading the way to create a greener, more climate resilient Pittsburgh. Some of our current projects are: engaging Pittsburgh residents in developing a restoration plan for the Fern Hollow Valley in Frick Park below the site of last year’s bridge collapse, installing bioswales and rain gardens to annually manage 2 million gallons of polluted runoff from Wilkinsburg’s two largest municipal parking lots, and convening a regional Environmental Justice Table to coordinate organizations and residents in advancing equitable, climate resilient communities.
