Yesterday I spent the morning in York, Maine and one of my stops was to check out the new exhibit at the York Public Library. Through December, the walls on the main floor of the library are covered with new works by the Seacoast Ruggers, a longstanding local rug-hooking group.
I had seen a small ad in the local newspaper for the exhibit, but was genuinely surprised at the amount of rugs on display when I got there. Every single wall, alcove, reading room, you name it, had a handmade rug on display.
I’m more into the “primitive style” of rug hooking, and using larger strips of wool in my projects {which makes hooking the rugs go a lot faster}. Most of the rugs on display were hooked with a much smaller cut {of wool} than I use, but holy canolies, the amount of detail work that was squeezed into the rugs by using the smaller strips of wool was pretty amazing.
Look at this salmon! I don’t think I would have the patience to hook something like that, but man oh man is it cool or what? That takes some talent, that’s for sure.
Anyway, I know most of you reading this won’t be able to go check out the exhibit yourselves, but if you are in the area and even remotely interested in rug hooking, I think you would love seeing all these {and oodles and oodles more of} rugs on display at the York Public Library. You could even take a friend, and make a morning of it and stop for lunch at Stonewall Kitchen.
Have a wonderful Wednesday everyone,
~Mavis
York Library
15 Long Sands Rd
York, ME 03909
Wendy Clark says
Just beautiful! I am constantly amazed at the talent people have (and I know there is a lot of practice and hard work involved also). Wow! Also, I tried the Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup. It was BIG hit with all the family. Thank you!
Teri says
Wow! Love them all! Thanks for sharing!
Cathy says
I see a lot of rugs I saw in progress at different events. The small poppy i believe is my cousin’s♡ that is a pretty active and talented group i hope i get down to see the display.
Tracie@SomewhatAwry.com says
Thank you so much for sharing this Mavis! I cannot imagine the hours (thousands upon thousands?) that went into those beautiful rugs. Amazing, truly.
Caitlin says
I think that is a rainbow trout, not a salmon 🙂
Cathy says
It is a rainbow trout. Salmon are not that colorful until spawning.
Shelle says
Gorgeous!
I recognize the Nubble/Cape Neddick Lighthouse from our trip over the summer. Talented people amaze me!
Patty says
So incredibly beautiful! The artistry people have and share with others in their artwork amazes me. It gives me a warm fuzzy feeling just to see these pieces. Thank you for sharing!
Carolina Cooper says
Thank you so much for this post, Mavis. I am one of the lucky ones who live close by and I will for sure stop in to see the hooked rugs. I especially like the one of Nubble Light House. The details are so perfect that it looks like a photo. Check online to find out when the lighthouse is illuminated for Christmas—certainly puts one in the Holiday spirit. And Stonewall Kitchen, yes to that for sure! I don’t know why, but it seems that I only get to local places when I have guests from out of town. But his year, I am going to visit both of those places, much more relaxing than hectic Christmas shopping. Last time I was at Stonewall, they added little jars of champagne honey mustard to everyone’s purchase, as a gift!
Linda says
Thank You for sharing!
Min says
Beautiful pieces, saw many I would love to own.
Mable says
Thank you so much for exposing me to this art in general and this exhibit specifically. Made my day.
LISA GILKERSON says
Wow! Just WOW!!!!
Vicki in Birmingham says
Oh my goodness! Those are so detailed and gorgeous! Thanks so much for sharing!
Marlene Wurtzbacher says
There are a host of traditional rug hookers in Maine. Thank you for sharing!
Faith webster says
I surprised to see your review on Pinterest.
Our local Seacoast members thank you all for your positive comments. Lots of talented people Hooking rugs in Maine
Linda Practical Parsimony says
This post makes me want to hook a rug.
Jude says
Lovely rugs! Thanks for sharing, especially since I am in Ohio. Will we see some of yours in next year’s exhibition? Consider making it a 2020 goal. LOL
Randi says
I just bought earlier this week one of your cat rug hooking kits on etsy. I am excited to try it out. These are pretty amazing. Would love to see them as well as Maine in person. I live in Chicago. Thanks for having such an enjoyable blog.
Maggie says
Thank you for sharing! I loved perusing you’re article and seeing the beautiful rugs.