A new exhibit at McMinn County Living Heritage Museum in Athens, Tenn., traces the rise of a country craft into fine art.
“Art Underfoot: Hooked Rugs of America” showcases nearly 200 rugs in historic and contemporary styles from crafters in East Tennessee, Middle Tennessee and Georgia.
In its earliest years, rug hooking was a craft of poverty, according to museum officials. Floor coverings in the United States came into vogue after 1830 when factories produced machine-made carpets for the rich. To create their own floor coverings, poor women began looking through their scrap bags, using whatever materials they had on hand.
Although the art eventually grew in appeal to the more urban, affluent households, historians can trace its beginnings as a pastime for the poor to at least two factors:
* While girls from wealthy families were sent to school to learn embroidery and quilting, fashioning floor rugs and mats was never part of the curriculum.
* Popular women’s magazines in the 19th century never wrote about rug hooking. It was considered a “country” craft in the days when the word country was derogatory.
By the 1940s, however, rug hooking became well established and continues to flourish today.
“Art Underfoot” will continue through March 26. The museum, 522 W. Madison Ave., is open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The exhibit is free with museum admission of $5 for adults, $3 for students and senior citizens.
For more information, call 423-745-0329 or visit www.livingheritagemuseum.com.
HOOK-INS
McMinn County Living Heritage Museum will offer four changes to enjoy rug hooking firsthand the next four Tuesdays (March 2, 9, 16 and 23). From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the museum will sponsor a hook-in for participants to spend the day relaxing and rug hooking.
TODDLER TIME
Kids can get into the action with Toddler Time Rug Hooking at 10 a.m. Wednesday and Thursday. This hourlong program is for toddlers and a parent, grandparent or friend to explore the museum’s artifacts and create a craft project.