A coral reef in Indiana? Absolutely! Volunteer crocheters from across Indiana will create all aspects of a real coral reef. This fall the Indiana State Museum, in partnership with the Indianapolis Crochet Guild, presents The Indiana Reef. This unique display is sure to intrigue art enthusiasts, nature lovers and crafters. But how does coral connect to Indiana? Visit The Indiana Reef in the museum’s Ancient Seas Gallery on Level 1!

The Indiana Reef is one of many locally-based satellite reefs constructed by citizens like you with assistance and guidance from the Institute For Figuring. Other satellite reefs have been exhibited throughout the United States, Europe and Australia with more under way in South America and Africa. The Indiana State Museum and the Crochet Guild of Indianapolis are proud to partner in this world-wide endeavor! To see examples of other satellite reefs or to learn more about the Institute For Figuring, please visit crochetcoralreef.org.

Calling all volunteers!
Everyone is welcome to join in the effort to make this exhibit a reality. We can’t do it without you! Whether you are an avid crocheter or just a beginner, you can create a piece of beautiful coral that can be used in The Indiana Reef. For more information, please contact Carol Frohlich of the Crochet Guild of Indianapolis at crochetcoral70@lightbound.com. Volunteers will receive recognition for their participation!

Crochet Coral Kits
The Indiana Reef is a project that doesn’t just stop with the exhibition. You can pitch in and help our crochet coral reef continue to grow. Starting on Sept. 1, visitors can get a crochet kit which contains instructions, yarn and a crochet hook. Kits can be picked up at one of two locations. You can request a kit at either the Naturalist's Lab located in the Ancient Seas Gallery on Level 1 of the museum or at the Information Desk located in the Governor Frank O'Bannon Great Hall. Just ask the volunteer working in both spaces for a kit. After you finish your piece, return it to Carol Frohlich of the Crochet Guild of Indianapolis. It will then be incorporated into The Indiana Reef.

To help you get started, go here to download crochet coral patterns.

  Supported by the Arts Council of Indianapolis and the City of Indianapolis and by the Indiana Arts Commission, a state agency, and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.


  A Satellite of the worldwide Hyperbolic Crochet Coral Reef Project created by Margaret and Christine Wertheim of the Institute For Figuring in Los Angeles.