Hooked Rugs Returning To Reed School

Rug hooking, one of the most colorful early American crafts, is enjoying new popularity with today’s skilled artisans. Examples of the best of this traditional art form will be demonstrated and displayed at the Fourth Annual Newtown Hooked Rug Show on Saturday, November 5, from 9:30 am to 3 pm, at Reed Intermediate School, 3 Trades Lane in Newtown.

Among the offerings this year is a workshop. Advance registration is required by September 15.

A 2½-hour workshop on Waldoboro tradition of hooking, an advanced technique that produces a three-dimensional effect, will be given by the well-known instructor Jackye Hansen, author of a new book, Willing Hands, Waldoboro Hooked Rugs for the 21st Century. The workshop will be limited to 15 people; call 270-8293 for details or to register.

For the first time this year, appraisals will be given for contemporary hooked rugs.

The show will also include ongoing rug hooking demonstrations by members of the Nutmeg chapter of The Association of Traditional Hooking Artists, displays of award-winning creations, a shopping area, and refreshments. Additional information will be coming in future issues of The Newtown Bee.

Attendees who are already among today’s enthusiastic generation of rug hookers can look forward to the artist Rae Harrell, who will discuss the design and use of faces in rug hooking.

Admission is $7 for adults, with proceeds benefiting Newtown Meeting House. For further information, call 270-8293.