‘Contemporary Art From Traditional Loops,’ Including One Artist From Sandy Hook

FAIRFIELD — It’s not your grandmother’s hooked rug any more!

Contemporary rug hooking, evolved from the traditional form of one of America’s few indigenous arts, explodes with color, form and originality. For the very first time, the Friends of the Fairfield Public Library is presenting a fiber arts show in the library’s Bruce S. Kershner Gallery.

“Contemporary Art from Traditional Loops” will be celebrated with an opening reception and hook-in on Saturday, August 22, from 3 to 5 pm. Exhibiting artists are Marilyn Bottjer, Leslie Giuliani, June Myles, Molly Colegrove, Tracy Jamar, Constance Old, Sandy Hook resident Liz Alpert Fay, Beth Kempf, Alice Rudell and Lara Magruder. The exhibit opened August 16 and will remain on view until October 4.

These artists’ unique work is redefining the art form through innovative use of alternative materials. Paper, plastic, wool, cotton, linen, satin, beading, ribbon and silk often enhance pieces. The emphasis is on creativity and originality.

On August 22, rug hooking artists and enthusiasts are invited to join a hook-in that will run from 3 to 5 pm. Similar to a quilting bee, anyone interested is invited to observe others at work or bring their own in-process piece to work on and enjoy sharing  ideas with other hooking artists.

Participants can arrive through the library door off the driveway. There is an elevator to the second floor Rotary Room where this event will be held. There will also be a demonstration rug set-up for anyone who wishes to try their hand at hooking.

The opening reception will then run from 5 to 7 pm.

The exhibition has been arranged through the cooperation of Heritage Preservation Trust, Inc. (producers of the Newtown Hooked Rug Show) and Friends of the Fairfield Public Library.

Visiting hours, directions, maps and parking locations are available at FairfieldPublicLibrary.org or by calling 203-256-3155.