Western North Carolina is participating in a global effort to crochet a coral reef. As part of the unique project, the Hyperbolic Crochet Coral Reef by the Institute For Figuring (IFF) in Los Angeles, which unites non‐Euclidean hyperbolic geometry with ancient craft techniques, area artisans are working to create beautiful and lifelike models that will raise awareness of threats to the world's coral.

The Asheville Reef, organized by the University of North Carolina-Asheville's Center for Craft, Creativity & Design, will involve crochet groups in Brevard and Hendersonville, as well as UNCA, Appalachian State University, and Western Carolina University.

The Asheville Reef is a "satellite reef" of the IFF’s Hyperbolic Crochet Coral Reef project, which is the brainchild of two sisters from Australia, Christine and Margaret Wertheim, co‐founders of the Institute For Figuring in Los Angeles.

The Wertheim sisters intend to someday display all of the satellite reefs, including The Asheville Reef as part of The People's Reef. More than 5,000 people on four continents have already created satellite reefs. Christine and Margaret Wertheim will speak about the project at UNCA this fall.

Creators of The Asheville Reef are gathering at five locations. Each group is seeking participation from the public and will be led by an experienced crafter. Additional locations will be added as the project evolves.

Crochet group locations:

To accompany the local reef‐making, the Center for Craft, Creativity & Design will display and add to The Asheville Reef as it is being created through August 12, at 1181 Broyles Road in Hendersonville. Gallery hours are 10 a.m.‐5 p.m. weekdays. For more information or to participate, visit online or email info@craftcreativitydesign.org.

To learn more about the Hyperbolic Crochet Coral Reef project, visit online.