STELLARTON – The art of rug hooking has grown to an entire new level.
Take the name for example. Once called rug hookers, they are now referred to as fabric artists who hook rugs.
Once known as a craft of poverty, rug hooking can be an expensive hobby for some who choose to look for the best dyes and wool to create their masterpieces.
The rugs, which once lined the floors of farm houses, are now hung on walls and are part of art exhibits such as the one taking place at the Museum of Industry.
An exhibit of more than 150 recently created rugs will be on display at the Stellarton museum until Sept. 30. The exhibit features recent work from the members of the Pictou/Antigonish Branch of the Rug Hooking Guild of Nova Scotia.
Carol Forbes, a member of the Pictou/ Antigonish Branch of the Rug Hooking Guild, said the exhibit showcases a wide range of work and talent from people who love their craft.
“Many of these designs are the artist’s own ideas,” she said. “Some of them are patterns but a lot them are original designs by the artists that were sketched out or taken from a photograph.”
She said the exhibit’s title, Too Pretty for the Floor, gives people an idea of the quality of artwork local hookers are doing. She said the art of hooking has coming a long way in regard to the intricacy in the patterns and the quality of the wool and dye compared to years ago. She added people who hook rugs are always looking for ways to improve their work.
“You learn to be a good hooker,” she said. “Good fabric artists take courses all of the time and we learn from one another.”
Forbes said many of the rugs tell a personal story. For example some are of favourite pets, others are of family members during special moments or favourite homes and landmarks in the area.
Several members of the group created a set of rugs called “Little Harbour Vignettes.” Another group is the collection of eight sweater mats, all of the same pattern with different interpretations and all made from recycled sweaters.
The old, familiar designs of the Bluenose Rug Company are still in circulation and favourites like Three Bears and traditional scenic and floral designs are represented. Some artisans demonstrate how variations of colour and personal interpretation of the same design can look so different.
In addition to museum’s exhibit, a heritage rug registration day will be held Monday, Aug. 9, from 9 am. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. The public is invited to bring in their vintage rugs (pre-1970) to have them examined by the Guild’s experts and possibly added to the Nova Scotia Heritage Rug Registry.
