Community Gatherings on Tuesdays, Hosted by 'Raise the Reef', Engage Lehigh Residents
The Crochet Coral Reef exhibit, a global art project aimed at raising awareness about the impact of climate change on coral reefs, is now on display at Lehigh University Art Gallery's Main Gallery. This interactive exhibition is part of the university's environmental arts programming and runs through Dec. 7.
The project, initiated by artists Margaret Wertheim and her twin sister Christine Wertheim, uses intricate crocheted reef structures to mimic coral growth and highlight the fragility and biodiversity of real reefs. The Crochet Coral Reef project attracts international participants and audiences, educating and inspiring environmental stewardship through collaborative, creative arts that emphasize ecosystem vulnerability.
Raise the Reef Tuesdays, an interactive art project, is a significant part of the Lehigh University Art Gallery exhibit. Visitors are encouraged to participate by creating crocheted pieces reminiscent of coral, contributing to the ever-expanding quality of the project that sends seeds to different parts of the world.
The satellite reef created at the university will become an accessioned artwork when completed. The pieces on display include the Coral Forest sculptures, which incorporate plastic objects such as grocery bags and little creamer cups, providing a stark reminder of the human impact on marine ecosystems.
Images of the Great Barrier Reef shown in the exhibit contrast bright, colorful reefs with bony, bleached, dead sections, highlighting the damage caused by climate change. The exhibit seeks to raise awareness about this global issue and bring it to a local level, offering a unique opportunity for Lehigh University students and the community to engage with a global community art project.
Stacy Hortner, an Allentown artist, is also involved in the project, contributing to the interactive aspect of the exhibit. Wonsidler, the director of the Lehigh University Art Galleries, hopes the interactive nature of the exhibition changes people's perceptions of museums as spaces for active engagement in art.
The opening day for Raise the Reef Tuesdays marked the start of this engaging and educational exhibit, which will continue through Dec. 3. Visitors are encouraged to participate and learn more about the importance of preserving coral reefs and the impact of human actions on marine ecosystems.
- The faculty at Lehigh University is contributing to environmental education by hosting the Crochet Coral Reef exhibit.
- The campus community is invited to engage in a lifestyle of environmental stewardship through the university's arts programming.
- Fashion-and-beauty enthusiasts might find inspiration in the unique crocheted pieces, a beautiful fusion of art and environmental concern.
- Food-and-drink establishments could adopt a more sustainable approach, emulating the efforts made to protect marine ecosystems displayed in the exhibit.
- Home-and-garden enthusiasts might consider implementing eco-friendly solutions, such as reef-safe sunscreens, to minimize harm to coral reefs.
- The Crochet Coral Reef project serves as a beautiful focal point for discussions on relationships, examining human connections with the natural world.
- Perhaps pet-owners can learn about the importance of sustainable pet products, contributing to healthier ecosystems and marine habitats.
- Travelers who care about the environment can plan their trips with destinations that prioritize conservation efforts, like supporting diving companies with eco-friendly practices.
- Car enthusiasts might be interested in the latest electric vehicles, reducing their carbon footprint to support the preservation of coral reefs.
- Education and self-development can be enhanced by delving into books and courses on environmental studies, nurturing personal growth and fostering a greater appreciation for the natural world.
- Shopping malls and stores can consider featuring sustainable fashion brands, promoting eco-friendly practices and empowering consumers to make a difference.
- Career-development opportunities exist in various fields related to the conservation and preservation of coral reefs, such as job-search sites specializing in environmental careers, skills-training courses, and sports such as scuba-diving which offer aficionados a purposeful way to connect with the marine ecosystem.
