THIS is what knitted neurons look like.
Sutherland Shire artists Pat Pillai and Rita Pearce are overseeing Neural Knitworks at Hazelhurst art gallery, a collaborative project about mind and brain health.
The project, part of Science Week, is based on the idea that yarn craft such as knitting requires mental challenges that help keep brains (neurons) sharp, engaged and healthy.
Mrs Pillai, a community artist with a background in science, said so far more than 1000 knitted "neurons" had arrived as part of the exhibition.
The neurons have been knitted by individuals, school students and community groups and will be turned into a soft sculpture of a human brain.
"Anybody can do it. I've worked with a 100-year-old and four-year-olds," she said.
"The neurons are very nice to look at, as they are a combination of different people's work and different people's donations.
"I'm happy about the fact we have networked the science community with the art community and general public."
Those who want to create a "neuron" should go to scienceweek.net.au and download a free pattern.
Hazelhurst will host a free neural knitworks forum in its theatrette at 10.30am on Sunday, August 24; there will be three sessions on brain health.
Science Week marks the announcement of the Southern Sydney Science Hub, a joint project between Hazelhurst, Sutherland Shire Council, and local artists Pat Pillai and Rita Pearce.
The August 22-September 16 exhibition will be at Hazelhurst Community Gallery.
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