‘Saratoga Springs Satellite Reef’ Expands with In-Person and Online Crochet Programs at Tang

SARATOGA SPRINGS —  The Frances Young Tang Teaching Museum and Art Gallery at Skidmore College, which reopened to the public on July 10, is expanding its programming for the Saratoga Springs Satellite Reef to include in-person and online events. Scores of crafters and the craft-curious have already met online to crochet corals, and now participants will be able to meet in person. The first in-person event is a craft circle at the Museum on Saturday, July 31, from 2 to 4 p.m. 

The Saratoga Springs Satellite Reef is part of the worldwide Crochet Coral Reef project by Christine and Margaret Wertheim and the Institute For Figuring. The Saratoga Springs Satellite Reef, which will be on view at the Tang in the exhibition Radical Fiber starting Jan. 29, 2022, will be made up of creations crocheted by members of the public, either working on their own or through the Tang’s public programs.

For the Saratoga Springs Satellite Reef, anyone can participate by crocheting hyperbolic structures, referring to an area of geometry whose crocheted models mimic coral-like ruffles. The project draws on the long historical connections, especially in the United States, between fiber practice and community building, and will connect hobby crafters, art professionals, and novice crocheters from Skidmore, Saratoga Springs, and global communities. Download the PDF brochure “How to Crochet Hyperbolic Corals,” (Google it) which includes patterns for a variety of corals.

Participants are encouraged to craft, but anyone is welcome to join to listen and learn. 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 4–5.5mm (G/6, H/8, or I/9) crochet hook.

The public is invited to drop in during any of the monthly Saturday afternoon craft circles at the Museum. Bring your own materials and works in progress, or start something new. Those who have never crocheted before can learn how. Participants can come and go at their leisure; registration is not required. The craft circles will meet 2-4 p.m. on the following Saturdays: July 31, Aug. 21, Sept. 25, Oct. 30 and Nov. 20. 

Every Wednesday from 12 to 12:30 p.m. through Dec. 15, Associate Curator Rebecca McNamara hosts an online drop-in crocheting session. Participants are invited to join at their leisure to crochet, chat, and create corals for the massive community art project. Register at tang.skidmore.edu/calendar each week for the Zoom link. 

On two Tuesdays this fall, at 7 p.m. on Oct. 12 and on Dec. 7, the Tang will hold online workshops that feature an introduction to the Saratoga Springs Satellite Reef project, instructors who will lead beginners in the single crochet stitch and more advanced beginners in patterns from the How to Crochet Hyperbolic Corals brochure, and a craft circle in which participants can chat as a group about projects, ideas, and questions. Register at tang.skidmore.edu/calendar for Zoom links. 

Once participants complete their creations, they can bring them to the Visitors Services Desk at the Tang or mail them with their name and email address and phone number to: Elizabeth Karp, Senior Museum Registrar, Tang Teaching Museum, Skidmore College, 815 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. The deadline for submissions is Jan. 15, 2022, though participants are welcome to submit their creations earlier. For those using the mail, please postmark your submission by Jan. 5, 2022. 

All events, both in-person and online, are free and open to the public. For more information, call the Visitors Services Desk at 518-580-8080 or visit tang.skidmore.edu.