When Erin Griffith did a research project for an art course at Jamestown Community College, she had no idea that it would lead to a hobby and craft venture.
From 1 to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 8, Griffith will lead a workshop in "Crochet Activism" at the Audubon Center and Sanctuary.
After a brief presentation on the history of crocheting and crochet activism, she will teach participants how to make "plarn" (plastic yarn) from used grocery bags. Participants will then crochet the plarn into a small basket to take home.
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On Saturday afternoon, Dec. 8, at the Audubon Center and Sanctuary you can learn how to make projects like this purse from “plarn,” plastic yarn made from recycled shopping bags. Instructor Erin Griffith will share how a research project in a Jamestown Community College art course led to this hobby that promotes environmental activism. (Photo by Jennifer Schlick)
These same techniques can be used to make many kinds of practical crocheted items, several of which will be on display. Participants will receive a handout giving sources of other patterns to try on their own.
In research for her Visual Survey course at JCC, Griffith learned about the Institute for Figuring?s Crochet Coral Reef project, an effort to bring attention through crochet to the perils facing this delicate ecosystem because of plastic. As part of her research project, Erin created her own crocheted coral reef model. She then directed her crocheting skills to the more practical: turning plastic bags into baskets, purses, tote bags, and sturdy shopping bags and selling them throughout the region.
Now pursuing a degree in anthropology at JCC, Griffith has been crocheting for more than eight years.
Supplies and equipment will be provided, but participants are asked to bring a pair of sharp scissors and six (6) supermarket plastic shopping bags if they have them. While not necessary, some crochet experience is helpful, especially to be able to finish the project during the workshop.
Cost of the workshop is $14; $10 for Friends of the Nature Center. With the class limited to 24 participants, reservations are required by Sunday, Dec. 2. Call (716) 569-2345, email info@jamestownaudubon.org, or follow the links from the Program Listing on-line at www.jamestownaudubon.org.
Audubon education programs are made possible in part through funding from the Johnson Foundation, the Carnahan Jackson Foundation, the Hultquist Foundation, and the Jessie Smith Darrah Fund.
Located at 1600 Riverside Road, one-quarter mile east of Route 62 between Jamestown and Warren, the Audubon Center and Sanctuary has over five miles of beautifully maintained trails on a 600-acre wetland preserve. Its three-story building contains a nature store and a collection of live fish, reptiles, and amphibians. One of the most visited exhibits is Liberty, a non-releasable bald eagle. To learn more about the center and its many programs, call (716) 569-2345 or visit jamestownaudubon.org/.