‘Out of the Loop:

Innovations In Hooking’ At Brookfield Craft Center

BROOKFIELD — Traditional rug hooking, one of America’s few indigenous art forms, is now experiencing a resurgence of interest. Contemporary artists, no longer interested in creating merely utilitarian objects, are now employing these age-old techniques purely as a means of self-expression.

The first exhibit of its kind, “Out of the Loop: Innovations in Hooking,” will open at Brookfield Craft Center on Sunday, March 22. An opening reception is planned for 2 to 4 pm, with a special curator’s talk at 3.

The exhibition has been guest curated by Liz Alpert Fay, an instructor at the craft center and a nationally-known contemporary fiber artist. The Sandy Hook resident has three requirements for consideration: the rugs had to be designed and hooked by the entrant; they could not measure larger than 30 by 60 inches; and each work had to contain some form of rug hooking technique.  Innovation and experimentation were encouraged.

The resulting presentation is an eclectic show, demonstrating a diversity of ideas, materials and techniques, and chosen as a representation of the breadth of work being created in this medium today.

Originality, innovative use of materials, sculptural and three-dimensional forms are evident in all of the work presented. In many cases the technique of traditional rug hooking is paired with other art forms, such as quilting and needle felting.  Punch needle embroidery and proddy are often incorporated as well.

A common thread in the show is the use of recycled materials.  Always an inherent part of the rug hooking tradition, clothing has long been repurposed in the making of hooked rugs. The recycled materials used in this show, however, are a bit different, and range from trash found alongside the Merritt Parkway to valued photographs of long-deceased relatives.

Pieces on view were selected from the Juried Category of the 2008 Newtown Hooked Rug Show, with 13 artists from across the United States represented. They include Mary Jane Andreozzi, from Massachusetts, Marilyn Bottjer of New York, Molly Colegrove of New York, Linda Rae Coughlin of New Jersey, Susan Feller of West Virginia, Glenda Guinn-Gilles of Washington, Tracy Jamar of New York, Beth Kempf of Connecticut, Lara Magruder of California, Constance Old of Connecticut, Alice Rudell of New York, Missy Stevens of Connecticut, and Ms Fay.

The public is invited to Sunday’s reception, which is free of charge and will include refreshments.

Brookfield Craft Center is at 286 Whisconier Road (Route 25). Regular gallery hours are Monday through Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm; and Sunday, noon to 5 pm. Call 775-4526 or visit BrookfieldCraftCenter.org for directions and other information.